Hangklip’s First U/12 Sevens Rugby Festival a Smash Hit

Youth rugby took center stage in Komani this past weekend as Hangklip Primary, in partnership with Roman’s Pizza, hosted its very first Under-12 Sevens Rugby Festival. The event drew schools from across the region and ended with a clear message: grassroots rugby in the Eastern Cape is alive, competitive, and growing.

The festival was more than just a series of matches. For players, parents, and coaches, it was a celebration of school sport and community spirit. “It’s about giving kids the platform to showcase their skills, build friendships, and fall in love with rugby,” said one coach on the sidelines.

Results that Spoke Volumes

The games were hard-fought, with no shortage of grit or flair. Hangklip impressed their home crowd with victories over Stepping Stone (24–12), Van Coller (19–0), and Kings College (10–5), while also edging Elliot 12–5 before rounding off with a 32–12 win over the same side later in the day.

Oakwood emerged as one of the dominant forces, securing big wins against Lukhanji (26–0), Louis Rex (7–0), and later dismantling Nokwanda (34–0). Lukhanji, meanwhile, showed attacking firepower, putting 42 points past Thembilihle without reply.

Other highlights included a thrilling 14–14 draw between Stepping Stone and Van Coller, as well as Transkei’s commanding 30–0 victory over Louis Rex.

Building a Tradition

For the organizers, the success of the inaugural festival sets the stage for what they hope will become an annual fixture. “We are thrilled with how the day turned out,” a Hangklip spokesperson told us. “The level of rugby was outstanding, and the support from our community and sponsors like Roman’s Pizza made it possible. This is only the beginning.”

Beyond the Scoreboard

While the final results will be remembered by players and fans, the bigger win was for youth sport itself. Festivals like this one provide opportunities for young athletes—many from small towns or under-resourced schools—to compete on an equal footing and inspire dreams of playing at higher levels.

As the sun set on the festival, one thing was clear: Hangklip’s U/12 Sevens isn’t just about rugby. It’s about building community, tradition, and hope for the next generation of South African sport.