Border Schools’ Rugby Day set to kick off at Dale College

School rugby excitement is set to take centre stage this week as the annual Border Schools’ Rugby Day takes place at Dale College, bringing together dozens of teams from across the Eastern Cape.

The popular rugby festival will run over two days, with Under-16 matches scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2026, followed by Under-18 fixtures on Saturday, 14 March 2026. The event will see school teams and regional sides competing across multiple fields at the historic Qonce school.

The tournament is organised by the Border Schools’ Rugby Association (BSRA) and is widely regarded as one of the key platforms for developing schoolboy rugby talent in the region.

Warm welcome from rugby association

BSRA Chairperson Katiso Mosioua welcomed rugby administrators, referees, players, parents and supporters from across the province.

“On behalf of Border Schools’ Rugby Association, I take immense pleasure in welcoming rugby administrators, referees, parents, players and spectators across Eastern Cape to BSR Day 2026 edition,” Mosioua said.

He also expressed appreciation to the many volunteers who help grow youth rugby.

“This group of volunteers is the backbone of our youth rugby in the country,” he said, thanking coaches, selectors, referees and medical staff for their contribution to the sport.

Host school recognised

Special recognition was given to the host school leadership at Dale College for organising the event.

Mosioua congratulated Acting Headmaster Viwo Nzima, Director of Rugby Lukhanyo Tshongweni, and Head of Rugby Wynand Nel, along with the staff and organisers responsible for hosting the annual rugby showcase.

According to organisers, the event provides a platform for young players to test their skills, meet new teammates and opponents, and experience the values that make rugby a respected sport.

“This event is an opportunity to display talent in all spheres, to make new friends, to gain deeper understanding about what makes rugby such a special game,” Mosioua said.

Encouraging future rugby stars

The BSRA chairperson also encouraged players to approach the tournament with dedication and passion.

“With hard work, discipline, determination and love for the game, you may be able to make life from rugby,” he told participants.

He wished all players and coaches success during the weekend’s matches.

Under-18 fixtures – Saturday, 14 March

The Under-18 matches will take place across three fields at Dale College.

Field A fixtures:

• 10:00 – George Randell High School vs Lilyfontein High School

• 11:15 – Queen’s College Boys’ High School vs Cambridge High School

• 12:30 – Queenstown Region vs Berlin / Mdantsane / Nxaruni Region

• 13:35 – Ooskus Gymnasium vs Port Rex Technical High School

• 14:50 – Selborne College vs Stirling High School

• 16:05 – Dale College vs Hudson Park High School

Field B fixtures:

• 08:30 – King Region vs Komga / Kwelera / Mooiplaas

• 09:45 – Khanyisa High School vs Hoërskool Hangklip

• 11:00 – Wongalethu High vs Cathcart High

• 12:15 – Dordrecht High School vs West Bank High School (East London)

• 13:35 – Ngangelizwe High vs Thubalethu High

• 14:50 – Dale College 2nd XV vs Toise High School

Field C fixtures:

• 08:30 – St Christopher’s Private School vs St Thomas Private School

• 09:45 – East London / Chalumna / Peddie Region vs Alice / Middledrift Region

• 11:00 – Umtata High School vs Get Ahead College

• 12:15 – Hoërskool De Vos Malan vs Stutterheim High School

• 13:35 – Amitek High School vs West Bank High School (Komani)

Under-16 matches – Friday, 13 March

The Under-16 competition will take place the day before, also across three fields at Dale College.

Some of the key matchups include:

• Ooskus Gymnasium vs Cambridge High School

• Stirling High School vs Ngangelizwe High School

• Queen’s College Boys’ High School vs Port Rex Technical High School

• Selborne College vs Thubalethu High School

• Dale College vs Hudson Park High School

Other schools competing include West Bank High, Dordrecht High School, Stutterheim High School, Umtata High School, Get Ahead College and several regional teams from across the Eastern Cape.

Rugby showcase for the Eastern Cape

Border Schools’ Rugby Day remains one of the most anticipated school rugby events in the province, providing young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain valuable match experience.

Organisers have also wished travelling teams and supporters a safe journey to and from Qonce for the tournament.