The Sharks have invited the top KZN rugby schools to take part a unique tournament that aims to embrace “festival style” rather than “win at all costs’ rugby.
And they will get to play on the hallowed KINGS PARK turf in the new McCarthy Toyota Top Schools Festival, which aims to build a bridge between the schools, where the youngsters now play, and The Sharks, where they all dream of one day playing.
“We have a strong appreciation of the fact that KZN has some of the best rugby playing schools in the country and this tournament is a fantastic opportunity to get them all together and showcase their talents to the rugby public who are keen followers of quality, exciting schoolboy rugby,” said KZNRU CEO Pete Smith.
“The main focus of the tournament is to emphasise playing enterprising rugby over a win-at-all-costs attitude. These shortened 40 minute matches (two 20 minute halves) should contribute to festival-style rugby.”
The inaugural McCarthy Toyota Top Schools Festival takes place on Wednesday 6 March and is set to become a regular fixture in the schools’ preseason rugby calendar.
Jimmy Smith, MD of McCarthy Toyota, added that: “Having originated with the sponsorship of the Easter Club Championships many years ago, McCarthy Toyota’s support of rugby in KZN continues. The strength of South Africa rugby owes itself to a proud rugby tradition at school level so it is a great pleasure to be involved with this tournament.”
10 teams will be involved, with the action getting under way at 4.30pm.
Date – Wednesday 6th March
Venue – Kings Park
Fixtures:
16h30: Port Natal vs Pionier
17h20: George Campbell vs Clifton
18h10: DHS vs Northwood
19h00: Westville vs Kearsney
19h50: Glenwood vs Maritzburg College
Brilliant stuff Sharks! Now this is what schoolboy rugby should be about. With a view to producing skilled players who can play a ball in hand type of game, instead of robots looking to kick, chase and tackle … Wonderful stuff
I think this is a great idea. Should be made compulsory in every province. Guaranteed we will unearth 7’s players that will whip the rest and produce 15 man Boks that will make us the envy of the rugby playing world. Well done to McCarthy’s and KZN administrators.Hammy