The North-West University (NWU) will be hosting the thrilling Prestige Schools Sevens Rugby tournament at the Fanie du Toit sportsgrounds in Potchefstroom on 6 and 7 September, where the under-17 teams from 16 top rugby schools will compete for the champion spot.
The participating schools are Grey College, Hoërskool Wesvalia, Hoërskool Diamantveld, Durban High School, Merensky Landbou Akademie, Hoërskool Witteberg, Hoërskool Rustenburg, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Hoërskool Waterkloof, Westville Boys High School, Welkom Gimnasium, Hoërskool Nelspruit, Hoërskool Landbouskool Boland, and Hoërskool Strand.
Since its inception in 2023, the two-day competition expanded from 12 to 16 participating schools, showcasing young emerging talent. According to Pieter Van den Berg, the tournament director, the NWU Rugby Institute affirmed plans to make this an annual tournament.
“Our goal is to introduce young, talented players to the exceptional facilities on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, and to give them the opportunity to experience the campus culture and student life. We also want to give the community the chance to enjoy good high school rugby,” says Pieter.
Paul Roos Gimnasium, the reigning champions who defeated Grey College 22-19 in the 2023 final, will aim to defend their title when they begin their journey against Hoërskool Wesvalia.
Going for gold
The champion squad will receive a trophy accompanied by prize money of R100 000. The first, second and third place schools will each earn medals for their outstanding performances.
Individual performances will also be acknowledged, with trophies being awarded for the best stepper, biggest hit, best player in the final and player of the tournament.
In addition to the individual accolades, a dream team will be announced at the end of the tournament, and they will receive dream team jerseys.
On Saturday, 7 September, the Technical High School Potchefstroom, along with Ferdinand Postma, Hoër Volkskool and Potchefstroom Gimnasium, will play exhibition matches to provide additional entertainment for the audience.
The NWU thanks the various sponsors, including Century 21 and Pick n Pay Vanderhoff Park, for their generous support.
Pool stages, fixtures and time slots
6 September
Round 1:
18:20 – Paul Roos vs Wesvalia, Welkom Gimnasium vs Diamantveld
18:40 – Grey College vs Eldoraigne, Nelspruit vs Merensky
19:00 – Noordheuwel vs Strand, Durban High School vs Rustenburg
19:20 – Boland Landbou vs Westville, Waterkloof vs Witteberg
Round 2:
19:40 – Diamantveld vs Wesvalia, Paul Roos vs Welkom Gimnasium
20:00 – Merensky vs Eldoraigne, Grey College vs Nelspruit
20:20 – Rustenburg vs Strand, Noordheuwel vs Durban High School
20: 40 – Witteberg vs Westville, Boland Landbou vs Waterkloof
7 September
Round 3:
10:40 – Paul Roos vs Diamantveld, Welkom Gimnasium vs Wesvalia
11:00 – Grey College vs Merensky, Nelspruit vs Eldoraigne
11: 20 – Noordheuwel vs Rustenburg, Durban High School vs Strand
11:40 Boland Landbou vs Witteberg, Waterkloof vsWestville
