The stakes are high for Border Schools Rugby Association, given their performance as hosts for the U13 Craven Week in East London next week will determine the success of their bid to host the U18 Craven Week in 2026.
The heralded schools rugby tournament will be held at Selborne College from June 29 to July 4, with 14 SA-affiliated unions sending teams from the nine provinces to compete alongside Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The prestigious youth competition is among those used by SA Rugby to develop and showcase the country’s leading young players.
Despite being under administration for nearly five years, Border Schools’ Rugby Association pushed for three years to host U13 Craven Week, finally succeeding after the union regained full SA Rugby membership in 2022.
The association’s Andre Matthee said it was a dream come true to receive the go-ahead to host the U13 Craven Week because it will bolster the associations bid to host the U18 Craven Week next year which was always the long-term vision.
Matthee said: “Border schools have always been competitive and now we have formed a stronger bond with the mother union to restore our schools structures to the powerhouse they used to be.
“We can cement this by securing the opportunity to host the U18 Craven Week because this is a lucrative opportunity for the association, the union and the city.”
Matthee said they intended to use the momentum from potentially hosting U18 Craven Week, to build on their plans to develop incentives to stem the tide of schoolboy rugby talent being lured away to other unions. With the injection of credibility from hosting coveted tournaments, Matthee believes there will be more room to build on plans to retain talent in Border.
Border’s U13A and B teams have been hard at work undergoing intense preparation ahead of the tournament to maximise home ground advantage.
The coaches have hailed the opportunity to host Craven Week as a major milestone in the region’s revival, following years of rebuilding after the union’s exit from administration.
U13B head coach Dmitri Strydom said hosting the tournament offers more than just home ground advantage but also visibility for Border’s talent.
Strydom said: “Craven Week showcases the best youth rugby talent in SA, and giving our players this platform at home is invaluable. It boosts development, draws the community together, and puts our boys on the radar for scouts and future rugby pathways.
Strydom added that the squad had worked hard to develop a strong set piece, disciplined defence, and a clinical kicking game. Players to watch included Lithemba Mgubo, Mattheo Mabe, Logan Edwards, and Milla George.
U13A forwards and assistant coach Lusindiso Nkomo said the squad had specifically trained to make the most of home conditions.
He added: “We’ve really focused on fitness, composure under pressure, and adapting our game to the conditions.
“This is not just about this tournament because we’re building something bigger, strengthening school partnerships, improving coaching standards, and creating a clear development pipeline. We hope the team’s performance reflects the unity, skill, and potential of a region that’s on the rise again.”
The Border U13s play their first game on June 30 at 4.30pm at Selborne College. 
