KZN's new schools tournament

The KZNRU and The Sharks have combined with the top rugby schools in KwaZulu Natal to bring to the province a special tournament embracing schoolboy rugby, the McCarthy Toyota Top Schools Festival.

Schoolboys rarely get the opportunity to play rugby on the hallowed Kings Park turf, but the McCarthy Toyota Top Schools Festival allows them to realise a dream, while building a bridge between the schools and the provincial rugby body, growing the relationship between the schools where the youngsters now play and The Sharks where they all dream of one day playing.

KZNRU CEO Pete Smith said: "We have a strong appreciation of the fact that KwaZulu Natal has some of the best rugby playing schools in the country and this tournament is a fantastic opportunity to get them all together and showcase their talents to the rugby public who are keen followers of quality, exciting schoolboy rugby.

"The main focus of the tournament is to emphasise playing enterprising rugby over a win-at-all-costs attitude. These shortened 40-minute matches (two 20-minute halves) should contribute to festival-style rugby."

The inaugural McCarthy Toyota Top Schools Festival takes place on Wednesday 6 March and is set to become a regular and much-anticipated fixture in the schools' preseason rugby calendar.

Jimmy Smith, MD of McCarthy Toyota, added that: "Having originated with the sponsorship of the Easter Club Championships many years ago, McCarthy Toyota's support of rugby in KwaZulu Natal continues. The strength of South Africa rugby owes itself to a proud rugby tradition at school level so it is a great pleasure to be involved with this tournament."

Ten teams will be involved, including Pionier of Vryheid.

Fixtures

16.30: Port Natal vs Pionier

17.20: George Campbell vs Clifton

18.10: DHS vs Northwood

19.00: Westville vs Kearsney

19.50: Glenwood vs Maritzburg College