The KZNRU and The Sharks have combined with the top rugby schools in KZN to bring a unique tournament embracing schoolboy rugby to the province, 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.
“We have a strong appreciation of the fact that KZN 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,†said KZNRU CEO Pete Smith.
“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.â€
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 KZN 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.â€
10 teams will be involved with the action getting under way at 4.30pm with the final game kicking off at 7.50pm.
Fixtures:
16h30: Port Natal vs Pionier
17h20: George Campbell vs Clifton
18h10: DHS vs Northwood
19h00: Westville vs Kearsney
19h50: Glenwood vs Maritzburg College