Schools Rugby in South Africa is the backbone of many communities around the republic.
In a similar vein to the famed Friday Night Lights in the USA, Saturday morning Rugby clashes are often the highlight of the week for whole community.
These fixtures are the breeding grounds for local legends, future superstars and tales that will live on in the school’s history
Most importantly however is that every schoolboy, family member and friend is encouraged to turn out and support their boytjies.
Few rivalries match that of the famous Paarl Boys vs Paarl Gimnasium clash. Both schools have been breeding grounds for legendary Springboks, names such as Jean De Villiers, Handre Pollard and Schalk Burger immediately spring to mind.
In July 2022 the two sides played a fixture that will go down in history as one of the greatest clashes in their long and storied history.
Played in front of a whopping 25,000 fans, Boys High would hold on for a tight 26 – 24 victory and as such would claim bragging rights for the year.
Over a minute into extra time, Gim had the ball and were attacking the Boys High defence with serious intent.
The defence of Boys High would match the Gim attack blow for blow before turning over the ball as they were awarded a decisive penalty that would seal the victory.
As the referee blew the whistle, the Boys High fans stormed the pitch to celebrate with their heroes.
In a scene that wouldn’t be out of place in a Hollywood sporting classic, the celebrations undoubtedly ran strong throughout the day and will continue throughout the week.
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