The Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) returns once again as one of South Africa’s premier schoolboy rugby gatherings, bringing together leading local teams alongside international visitors for a celebration of the game that blends tradition, development and high-quality competition.
Over the years, Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival has earned a reputation for producing entertaining rugby and memorable matchups, while providing a platform where established rugby schools and rising programmes can test themselves against diverse playing styles. This year’s festival features 28 teams, including touring sides from Ireland, Italy and Zimbabwe, adding an exciting international flavour to the Easter weekend spectacle.
At the heart of the festival remains a strong South African presence, with schools from across the country representing the depth of local school rugby. KwaZulu-Natal is well represented by Durban High School (DHS), Westville Boys’ High, Glenwood High School and hosts Kearsney College — programmes steeped in tradition and known for producing competitive, structured rugby.
They are joined by strong travelling sides including EG Jansen and Helpmekaar from Gauteng, Hoërskool Rustenburg from the North West, Hoërskool Framesby from the Eastern Cape, and Milnerton High School from the Western Cape. Each brings its own identity and rugby culture, creating a balanced festival lineup that reflects the diversity of South African school rugby.
Played across three days over the Easter weekend, the festival is known for its fast-paced fixtures and attacking style of rugby, often producing matchups that shape early-season narratives and introduce emerging talent to a wider audience. The inclusion of international touring teams adds another layer of intrigue, offering local supporters a rare opportunity to witness different rugby philosophies on South African soil.
Beyond the main fixtures, Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival continues to expand its role in developing the game through additional youth participation, including girls’ rugby matches and primary school fixtures that contribute to the festival’s inclusive, community-driven atmosphere.
Set on the picturesque Kearsney College campus, the event combines competitive rugby with a family-friendly festival environment, attracting players, supporters and rugby enthusiasts who return year after year for one of the highlights of the school rugby calendar.
