Botha’s Hill set for three days of thrills at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival
The ripple effects of global events have reached as far as Botha’s Hill, where the 2026 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) has been forced into an unexpected late adjustment.
Dublin’s Catholic University School, originally slated to be part of the line-up, has withdrawn after travel complications linked to the outbreak of conflict between the USA and Iran. Their route to South Africa, via Dubai, became untenable, opening the door for a new contender.
Stepping into the breach is Hoërskool Transvalia, with the Vanderbijlpark outfit being handed an opportunity to showcase their credentials on one of school rugby’s biggest stages.
They begin their campaign on Thursday at 09:20 against Zimbabwe’s Peterhouse, before a marquee clash with the hosts, Kearsney College, at 14:20 on Saturday. Their festival concludes bright and early on Easter Monday, when they face Framesby.
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Based on recent evidence, Transvalia is no mere stopgap. Their 2025 season featured notable victories over fellow KERF competitors Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen and Hoërskool Rustenburg, while they also held Noordheuwel to a draw and pushed Hoërskool Garsfontein to the brink in a narrow 41-43 defeat.
The reshuffling of the fixtures has also had a knock-on effect for another of the newcomers, Helpmekaar Kollege, who face a baptism of fire. They kick off the festival in the opening match against Glenwood High, before locking horns with Westville Boys’ High on Saturday in one of the festival’s most eagerly anticipated clashes. There’ll be no let-up for Helpies, who conclude their campaign against Durban High School (DHS) on Easter Monday.
That is no gentle introduction. Both Westville and DHS navigated the 2025 festival unbeaten, going on to finish as KwaZulu-Natal’s top two sides. It would surprise few if they were again central figures in the race for provincial supremacy in 2026.
Westville has built a reputation for consistency and composure, while DHS continues to set the benchmark for balance and depth. The Horseflies will be chasing a third successive unbeaten KERF showing, which underlines their status as perennial contenders for top honours.
The hosts, though, may have something to say about that. Kearsney College has assembled one of the province’s most intriguing combinations. Early-season outings have offered a glimpse of their potential: a thrilling 60-19 dismantling of St Charles showcased their attacking ambition, while a gritty 18-10 win over Glenwood in wet, misty conditions at Botha’s Hill highlighted their adaptability.
Central to their challenge is flyhalf Daniel Miskey, a composed and creative playmaker who steered the Sharks u16 side to Grant Khomo Week glory in 2025. Yet Kearsney’s strength lies not in individuals alone, but in a squad brimming with players capable of producing decisive moments.
Another side worth watching closely is Hoërskool Zwartkop. Making their KERF debut, they arrive on the back of a remarkable 2025 campaign in which they won 19 of their 20 matches. With many of those players returning, they’re a rising force in school rugby.
An intriguing subplot to the festival is the involvement of five teams – Zwartkop, Dr EG Jansen, Transvalia, Rustenburg, and Helpmekaar – in the Noord/Suid Tournament in the build-up to Easter. Whether that proves to be a benefit or a burden remains to be seen.
A few seasons ago, DHS coach Peter Engledow made the call to skip that competition, a decision that paid dividends as his side arrived at KERF fresh and finely tuned. For others, however, the additional match practice could serve as valuable preparation. It is a delicate balance between sharpness and fatigue, and one that may well influence outcomes over the long weekend.
What is certain is that, despite the late changes, the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival once again boasts a compelling mix of proven powerhouses and ambitious challengers. If recent editions are anything to go by, drama is guaranteed on Stott Field.
The home of Kearsney College rugby will also host u16 girls’ matches at 12:00 on all three days.
For more information, please visit the Kearsney College website.
FIXTURES
Thursday, 2 April
08:00 – Helpmekaar Kollege vs Glenwood High
09:20 – Transvalia vs Peterhouse
10:40 – Westville Boys’ High vs Framesby
12:00 – Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High vs Grosvenor Girls’ High
13:00 – Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Rustenburg
14:20 – Milnerton vs Dr EG Jansen
15:40 – Durban High School vs Zwartkop
Saturday, 4 April
08:00 – Peterhouse vs Milnerton
09:20 – Durban High School vs Hoërskool Rustenburg
10:40 – Zwartkop vs Dr EG Jansen
12:00 – Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High vs Ohlange High School
13:00 – Glenwood High vs Framesby
14:20 – Kearsney College vs Transvalia
15:40 – Westville Boys’ High vs Helpmekaar Kollege
Day Three
08:00 – Transvalia vs Framesby
09:20 – Glenwood High vs Dr EG Jansen
10:40 – Peterhouse vs Hoërskool Rustenburg
12:00 – Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High vs Mowat Park High
12:50 – Closing ceremony
13:00 – Westville Boys’ High vs Milnerton
14:20 – Durban High School vs Helpmekaar Kollege
15:40 – Kearsney College vs Zwartkop
