Rondebosch are best in the Southern Suburbs in 2026

The passionately contested Southern Suburbs rugby rivalry was heading towards a fascinating debate over which school would emerge as the region’s best in 2026. Going into the final round of fixtures on 22 August, both Wynberg and Rondebosch had won four and lost one. Wynberg had established an early advantage by claiming the Triple Crown in the second term, while Rondebosch had worked their way back into contention with a 33–29 victory over Berg.

The final round would settle the argument.

Earlier in the afternoon, the drama unfolded on SACS Memorial Field, where Wynberg travelled to face a SACS side that had shown undeniable form heading into the clash. The visitors appeared to be taking control when they stretched their lead to 29–19 after half-time and continued to threaten on attack. It looked as though the writing was on the wall for the hosts.

Instead, SACS produced a remarkable second-half points onslaught, scoring 25 unanswered points through three tries and two penalties. It was an extraordinary turnaround as SACS stormed to a commanding 44–29 victory — and, in the process, did Rondebosch the biggest favour imaginable.

Rondebosch still had their own battle to win in BishBosch.

On the Tienie Heyns, Bosch were made to work exceptionally hard by a spirited Bishops outfit. Rondebosch eventually prevailed 29–15, a scoreline that arguably did the Platinum Blues’ gutsy defensive effort a disservice, given just how competitive the contest felt right up to the end when the home team put the game out of reach with the last try.

The result, however, was enough to settle the Southern Suburbs debate. Rondebosch’s victory, coupled with Wynberg’s defeat, confirmed the victory over Berg as the decisive result that had put them back in the running.

Rondebosch therefore finish the 2026 season as the best U19A rugby team in the Cape Town Southern Suburbs — a distinction earned the hard way in a fiercely competitive final stretch.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS 2026				BISH	BOSCH	SACS	BERG
Sat.11Apr	Wynberg	27-17	Rondebosch	–	1	–	5
Sat.18Apr	SACS	22-17	Bishops	2	–	4	–
Sat.09May	Bishops	20-38	Wynberg	0	–	–	6
Sat.09May	Rondebosch	19-17	SACS	–	4	2	–
Sat.13Jun	Bishops	24-29	Rondebosch	2	4	–	–
Sat.13Jun	Wynberg	26-15	SACS	–	–	1	5
Sat.01Aug	Wynberg	38-20	Bishops	0	–	–	6
Sat.01Aug	SACS	30-36	Rondebosch	–	4	2	–
Sat.15Aug	Bishops	22-55	SACS	0	–	6	–
Sat.15Aug	Rondebosch	33-29	Wynberg	–	4	–	2
Sat.22Aug	Rondebosch	29-15	Bishops	1	5	–	–
Sat.22Aug	SACS	43-29	Wynberg	–	–	5	1
			POINTS	5	22	20	25
			WINS	0	5	3	4
			Position	4	1	3	2
				BISH	BOSCH	SACS	BERG

Scoring
MOST VICTORIES WINS THE SS4 CHAMPIONSHIP
4pts for a win, 3pts for a draw
Margin of victory points:
Greater than 14 = 2pts to the winning team
Between 8 & 14 = 1pt to the winning team, 1pt to the losing team
Less than 8 = 2pts to the losing team