Kearsney is thinking outside the box in an effort to revive its struggling rugby programme. In a bold move, the school has decided to cancel its Sevens season for 2025 to place much-needed focus on player skills and conditioning. Interestingly, mental revitalisation is also mentioned as a significant benefit.
It’s a risky decision that might pay off—but could also give rival schools ammunition in the Grade 8 recruitment space. Kearsney is hoping for a turnaround in its 1st XV rugby fortunes in 2026 and 2027.
In contrast, a vastly experienced coach—unaffiliated with Kearsney—pointed out that Sevens rugby offers significant developmental benefits, that not every student is interested in playing soccer, and that a successful Sevens programme depends heavily on motivated coaches.
Hmm, not sure, think there is a different reason
I can see the benefit of this as long as that skills & S&C program is quality content and faithfully attended.
One of the many interesting things Fenner, Grey High has mentioned while in the commentary box is that during his time at a Saints school in Gauteng, he picked up that the boys who played soccer could kick a rugby ball very well out of hand.
@Kantman (Comment #1)
Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse prove your point.
There are also benefits to rugby players from playing soccer not least the fitness, lung capacity / endurance, but crucially, spatial & positional awareness, patterns & movement, increased ‘ball sense’ and as KC says fun and camaraderie playing with schoolmates.
Exciting backs are created at schools sevens level