Western Cape schools Durbanville and Milnerton will be the new additions to the downsized Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) of 2025, along with one other big surprise newbie.
Durbanville has been working extremely hard to launch their rugby programme into top tier status in their ultra-competitive Western Province. They have enjoyed their share of successes along the way including a memorable giant-killing of Paarl Boys’ High in 2023, however for the most part, it has been a slog. Fortunately they are blessed with grafters who seem to be committed to the cause. Durbies have been part of the high profile NMI Toyota Noord-Suid tournament since 2019, so they have been enjoying good exposure. KERF should offer them the opportunity to grow their brand, which already has a strong connection to KZN via the name Durban. Add to this, head coach Ivan Jooste was the Westville Boys’ High director of rugby until a couple of seasons ago. Durbies are quietly confident about the team they will put out in 2025. Signs are that the physicality up front is looking good and out wide there will be some bright young talent on offer.
Milnerton were a Cinderella story of 2024. Instructed and mentored by SA School “A” coach Bobby Martin, the boys punched several categories above their weight this last season and delivered come-from-behind knock out blows that will last in the memories of their old boys and supporters for life. They beat two Cape Town heavyweights Rondebosch and Bishops in high scoring thrillers. The wins were both build around never-say-die character driven performances. So from a dream-team like season of 2024, the question to be posed is can they show that same high level of consistency in 2025. They will remain underdogs but one thing is for sure, no one is going to take them lightly. The feeling on the ground from the home camp is:
“Yes it will be a challenge but we’ve got some talented guys left over so hopefully we can surprise a few again!”
When it comes to the festival’s line-up, many of the usual suspects return, continuing the tradition that has made KERF the most competitive of the Easter Rugby Festivals for well over a decade. Rustenburg will make their second consecutive appearance, while Dale College marks their return to the event.
Notably absent are 2024 participants Marlow, Nico Malan, Noord-Kaap, Pearson and Worcester Gim, each out for various reasons. The festival has also been streamlined for 2025, with the number of participating schools reduced from 14 to 12.
Full line-up:
Host: Kearsney
2 . Durban HS
3 . Glenwood
4 . Westville
5 . EG Jansen
6 . Monument
7 . Framesby
8 . Dale
9 . Rustenburg
10 . Durbanville
11 . Milnerton
12 . P….H….
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