World’s Best School Rugby Players to Gather in Cape Town for International Series
The best school rugby players from around the globe will gather in Cape Town for an international tournament in August.
Two South African U18 teams, alongside their counterparts from England, France, Ireland, and Georgia, will compete in Cape Town and Paarl next month. The annual U18 International Series, confirmed by SA Rugby, promises thrilling matchups.
The South African U18 team, an additional ‘A’ side, and the four European visitors will engage in a three-round international competition on 12, 16, and 20 August.
As in previous editions, the matches will take place at school venues. Stellenberg High School in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, along with Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys High School, will host the U18 teams on triple-header match days.
SA Rugby Official’s Statement on Hosting the Series
Dave Wessels, General Manager of High Performance at SA Rugby, emphasized the significance of the U18 international series for developing the country’s top age-group players.
“The international coaches I spoke to during the recent World Rugby U20 Championship all highlighted the importance of bringing their young players here to test them in a proper international competition,” said Wessels.
“The annual U18 international series is a vital part of our elite player development pipeline, crucial for the growth and development of our young players. Besides offering the current U18 group an incredible opportunity, the tournament serves as the starting point for identifying the next batch of Junior Springboks and franchise players.
“The series also provides a platform for a wide range of coaches and staff to test themselves at a higher level. These individuals have significantly contributed to our EPD (Elite Player Development) programme through their unions, schools, and clubs, and will be supported by experienced SA Rugby staff.”
U18 International Series Fixtures:
Monday, 12 August (Stellenberg HS, International Series)
- 11:30: South Africa ‘A’ vs Georgia
- 13:30: England vs Ireland
- 15:30: South Africa vs France
Friday, 16 August (Paarl Gimnasium, International Series)
- 11:30: England vs France
- 13:30: Georgia vs South Africa ‘A’
- 15:30: South Africa vs Ireland
Tuesday, 20 August (Paarl Boys High, International Series)
- 11:30: Ireland vs South Africa ‘A’
- 13:30: South Africa vs England
- 15:30: France vs Georgia
