The Willie le Roux Rugby Festival, designed to push boundaries and broaden horizons, will take place from April 2 to 5 at the iconic Markötter Sports Ground in Stellenbosch.
Named after Springbok legend Willie le Roux – a product of Lochnerhof Primary in Strand and Stellenbosch’s Paul Roos Gymnasium – the festival has become a cornerstone in the development of U-11 and U-13 rugby talent across Southern Africa and is in its fourth year.
This year’s festival boasts an impressive line-up of 1,555 players and 235 coaches, representing schools from the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape, Namibia, Gauteng and the Free State. Its continued growth underscores the festival’s stature as a pivotal event within the South African rugby calendar.
At the Willie le Roux Rugby Festival, young players are offered the unique opportunity to compete beyond their regular leagues and face new and unfamiliar opponents, contributing to their development both on and off the field. The festival format also ensures valuable pre-season match practice, helping players gear up for the season ahead.
Beyond the rugby action, the festival is set up as a fantastic family outing, with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a dedicated marquee, a variety of food stalls, and ample space to relax and soak in the vibrant energy of schoolboy rugby at its best. Event organiser Koos Eksteen confirmed that Bok Radio would also broadcast from the event.
Adding to the excitement is the fireside rugby chat, “Chat ‘n Bietjie Ball”, a special event featuring legendary former Springboks Steven Kitshoff, Justin Swart, Dick Muir, and Johann Ackermann. This informal session promises to bring fans closer to the game through stories, insights, and light-hearted banter from some of the sport’s greats.
An added highlight is the opportunity for participating players to stay in the boarding houses of Paul Roos Gymnasium and Stellenbosch University, giving many their first taste of boarding school life and immersing them in the rich traditions of South African rugby.
The fixtures for the Willie le Roux Rugby Festival can be found on their Facebook page and on their website.
IOL Sport
