Schoolboy Rugby Rankings – 17 August 2025
OPINION: Just when we thought the drama at the Paarl Derby – where the final score was only decided in the last minutes – couldn’t be topped, think again!
In the highly anticipated clash between the two Springbok factories, Paul Roos had the game seemingly wrapped up. But then Grey College produced a moment of magic reminiscent of the RWC 2023 group match against Scotland!
A perfectly executed kick-pass sealed the deal, and Grey scored the winning try with just two minutes left on the clock. Congratulations to the boys from Bloem, who now hold the bragging rights – even though both teams were without their SA Schools stars due to junior internationals.
Up north, the final stages of the Noordvaal Cup are still underway, but the results won’t affect our final rankings, as all the teams have already faced each other at least once this season.
South Africa is truly blessed with incredible talent and undoubtedly provides the best foundation for future professional players.
A big thank you to all the boys, parents, grandparents, and passionate supporters who kept the spirit of SA schoolboy rugby alive this year!
Our advice to all schools for 2026: Invest in your rugby programs. Rugby remains a cornerstone of school marketing in South Africa. When your school’s rugby is strong, everything else tends to follow.
And with that, we present to you our Top 50 Rankings for 2025.
As the legendary Oom Zanberg Jansen used to say: “Nag, ou grote!” Until next year!
Image credit: @JohanOrton
