Finalising the KwaZulu-Natal fixture list for 2024 is at an advanced stage and its the usual unique elements that have played a part in making it the most difficult fixture list in the country to setup.
The three big factors in the 10 school KZN tier-1 league are:
- Five privates that follow different second term holiday schedules to that of the state schools. In 2024 there are going to be four Saturdays when either/or will not be available.
- Six schools (the five privates and Westville) do not play third term fifteen-man rugby which eliminates the opportunity to play at a time when fixture clashes are easily avoidable.
- Three state schools use up an available weekend to be at ABSA Wildeklawer in Kimberley while Westville are at the Grey High Festival in Gqeberha.
The end result is for 2024, the following major fixtures look as if they will be a no-go:
- Durban High School – Hilton
- Glenwood – Michaelhouse
There is also the aftermath of a recruitment fallout from several years back which sees Durban High School not playing Glenwood.
There are a few new home-and-away fixtures arranged to fill empty weekend slots.
The exciting news is that for 2024, trials will take the form of a rugby day at Kings Park on Saturday 27 April. Previously this was a low key affair held in midweek. Now it’s set to be a focal point high profile event, that should attract a lot of spectators.
All the major schools’ A-teams will involved.
- Durban High School vs St Charles
- Glenwood vs Hilton
- Maritzburg College vs Westville
- Northwood vs Clifton
- Kearsney vs Michaelhouse
Of course there are still many experienced school officials who question the worth of the trials process in a day and age when all the top players per position are well-known to the selectors at or just after the start of the season.
The still to be completed and finalised fixture list for 2024:
Such Pity as KZN rugby generally has been on the up.
Time to think beyond small politics and work together for the region.
KZN is known for interhouse squabbles and at the same time filling up the schools with boys outside KZN.
To add, Glenwood not playing DHS is pretty immature and pathetic to be honest. The schools and history are bigger than the individuals. Kershaw and co won’t be there in 10 years. OBs and Parents Committees etc need to sit down and sort this out. The schools are like 3km apart and can give each other healthy sporting competition. DHS will probably klap Glenwood currently, giving them bragging rights but things ebb and flow over time where one school has dominance and then the other. DHS are older and more established so obviously have a great record but since 2000 Glenwood has their number. Give the boys now the experience of a very unique derby, where essentially friends play friends. This needs to be rectified asap…
Glenwood will be pretty average for the next 3 to 4 years, nowhere near the talent they use to have. Will always put up a fight and give it their best, BUT back to pre 2000 sort of results, the occasional good team and great player. They just don’t have the funds to keep up with the others….a pity but a reality. The new head is a rugby man, so he might come up with an idea to feed better players in…maybe from the Border/EC region. The hard part is to fund it. DHS, Hilton, House, College have the money or boarding establishment to maintain their levels…
Pity about the games that can’t be played…
DHS will continue their rise…will they play North/South?
Northwood are on a long term upward trajectory…they will steadily produce stronger teams.
Hilton to be strong again, but if they don’t want to play at least one or two Top 10 schools, I won’t be convinced of their Top 10 status.
Maritzburg College…very strong again
Based on current form I am sure Glenwood are happy to hold off a bit, but still would be good for the history books to continue with that.
Any thoughts on which teams will shine in 2024?
Many thought MBC would challenge for top spot in 2022, but 2023 in fact saw it all come together. What does 2024 hold?
Hilton always up there and their u16A’s were strong as well if i recall.
Mhouse will lose a number of their big stars…any views on those that will step into the 1st team jerseys?
DHS…should be a dominant force again based on player strength in open and u16As i think?
NW, had a decent enough u16A team but lost to a few of the big teams and the 1st team struggled as well against the big boys…don’t see major change next year.
Glenwood – may struggle again a bit..
All depends also on who recuits well now to fill gaps or change team fortunes!
Pity that there’s a whole 4 Saturdays where the private/state schools can’t play each other. DHS and Glenwood seriously need to sort their problems out. I really feel for the students/players who are ultimately the biggest losers and are missing out on what could/should be the biggest game of their school careers
An interesting 2024 season awaits.
St Charles not really playing any of the big teams next year. I thought their rugby was building nicely a few years back but seem to have struggled to ‘level up’, and/or the others schools have continued to strengthen themselves and so have pulled ahead again.
DHS and Glenwood really need to come to an agreemtn again. Would be great to have that rivalry back on.