Rugby is an incredibly popular sport in South Africa, with a long and storied history. Rugby schools in South Africa have played a significant role in the development of the sport, producing some of the world’s top players. Here are the top 10 rugby schools in South Africa, ranked by their success, facilities, cost, home field, history, location, and coaches.
- Paarl Boys’ High School
Paarl Boys’ High School, located in Paarl in the Western Cape, is widely regarded as the top rugby school in South Africa. The school has produced a plethora of world-class rugby players, including Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, and Handre Pollard. The school’s rugby facilities are second to none, with a state-of-the-art gym, indoor training center, and a floodlit field. The cost of attending Paarl Boys’ High School is relatively high, but the school offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to talented rugby players.
2. Grey College
Grey College, located in Bloemfontein in the Free State, is another rugby school with an impressive track record. The school has produced some of the country’s most iconic rugby players, including Springbok captain John Smit and current Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a massive floodlit field, two gyms, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
3. Paul Roos Gymnasium
Paul Roos Gymnasium, located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious rugby schools. The school has a rich rugby history, with alumni that include former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar and current Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard. The school’s rugby facilities are world-class, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively expensive, but it offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to talented rugby players.
4. Glenwood High School
Glenwood High School, located in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, is a rugby school with a proud tradition. The school has produced some of the country’s most talented rugby players, including Springbok wing JP Pietersen and former Springbok center Brad Barritt. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
5. Grey High School
Grey High School, located in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, is another rugby school with a rich tradition. The school has produced some of the country’s most talented rugby players, including former Springbok captain Gary Teichmann and current Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
6. Monument High School
Monument High School, located in Krugersdorp in Gauteng, is a rugby school that has been producing talented players for many years. The school has produced some of the country’s most successful rugby players, including Springbok wing Bryan Habana and former Springbok center Jaque Fourie. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
7. Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College, located in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, is a rugby school with a proud history. The school has produced some of the country’s top rugby players, including former Springbok captain Gary Teichmann and current Springbok center Lukhanyo Am. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
8. Grey High School
Grey High School, located in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, is another rugby school with a rich tradition. The school has produced some of the country’s most talented rugby players, including former Springbok captain Gary Teichmann and current Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
9. Kearsney College
Kearsney College, located in Botha’s Hill in KwaZulu-Natal, is a rugby school that has been producing talented players for many years. The school has produced some of the country’s most successful rugby players, including former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis and current Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
10. Hilton College
Hilton College, located in Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal, is a rugby school with a proud history. The school has produced some of the country’s top rugby players, including former Springbok wing Brent Russell and current Springbok flyhalf Curwin Bosch. The school’s rugby facilities are excellent, with a large floodlit field, a gym, and an indoor training center. The school is relatively affordable, with a range of scholarships and bursaries available to talented rugby players.
Conclusion
So, what makes these schools so good at rugby? Firstly, rugby is deeply embedded in South African culture, and many of these schools have a long history of playing the sport. Secondly, these schools have invested heavily in their rugby programs, with world-class facilities and experienced coaches. Finally, the schools offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to talented rugby players, ensuring that they can attract the best talent from across the country. All of these factors combine to make these schools some of the best rugby schools in the world, producing talented players who go on to represent South Africa on the international stage.
FAQ
How popular is high school rugby in South Africa? Rugby is one of the most popular sports in South Africa, and high school rugby is a big part of this. Many schools have a strong rugby culture, and the sport is taken very seriously by both players and fans.
What are some of the top high school rugby schools in South Africa? Some of the top high school rugby schools in South Africa include Paarl Boys’ High, Grey College, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Glenwood High School, Maritzburg College, Grey High School, Kearsney College, Hilton College, Monument High School, and Affies.
What are some of the benefits of playing high school rugby in South Africa? Playing high school rugby in South Africa can be very beneficial for young players, as it can help them develop important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. It can also be a pathway to playing rugby at a higher level, such as for a provincial or national team.
What kind of facilities do high school rugby schools in South Africa have? Many high school rugby schools in South Africa have excellent facilities, including large rugby fields, gyms, and indoor training centers. Some schools also have their own stadiums where matches are played.
How much does it cost to attend a high school rugby school in South Africa? The cost of attending a high school rugby school in South Africa can vary depending on the school and the student’s financial situation. Some schools offer scholarships or bursaries to talented rugby players to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.
Who are some of the notable rugby players to come out of South African high schools? South African high schools have produced many talented rugby players over the years, including Francois Pienaar, Schalk Burger, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, and Siya Kolisi, among others.
