SA’s rising rugby stars set to shine at Grant Khomo Week
Since its inception in 2003, the u16 Grant Khomo Week has served as a launchpad for numerous talented young schoolboy rugby players, offering them their first taste of national exposure.
Follow all the Grant Khomo action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)
Named after South Africa’s first Ubuntu Springbok captain, Grant Austin Khomo, the inaugural tournament took place 22 years ago on the fields of the University of Johannesburg. Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength, consistently unearthing the future stars of South African rugby.
This year the Grant Khomo Week returns to one of the country’s—if not the most—successful rugby unions, the Blue Bulls, where St Alban’s College will host three days of thrilling rugby action over five days, from 30 June to 4 July, for eager fans and passionate supporters alike.
Over the years, many players who went on to become household names have graced the tournament. The 2007 edition was especially notable, featuring the now two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain, Siya Kolisi, representing the Eastern Province. That same year, Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane made his second consecutive appearance, having already played for the Limpopo Blue Bulls the previous year.
The 2009 and 2010 editions were equally fruitful. In 2009, the tournament featured Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe, while flyhalf Handré Pollard appeared in 2010. Alongside these marquee names, many other current and former Springboks have cut their teeth at this elite level of u16 rugby, highlighting the tournament’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable national rugby structure.
Last year, on the Kolisi Field at Grey High School, Western Province emerged as unofficial champions after completing an unbeaten run. They defeated Eastern Province 38–24, edged past the Sharks 19–13, and capped off their campaign with a 31–22 win over the Blue Bulls. As always, the Cape-based side will enter the tournament as strong favourites to retain their title. They launch their 2025 campaign against fellow contenders Free State in the main fixture on day one.
The hosts, bolstered by a strong contingent from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies), are perennial contenders and will open their campaign against a dangerous Boland outfit. In the preceding fixture, fans can expect a bruising, high-intensity clash between the Sharks and the Golden Lions—traditionally one of the tournament’s most physical match-ups.
A new addition to this year’s lineup is the Iqhwe XV, selected from standout players at the 2024 Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, hosted by SA Rugby Legends at Queens High School in Johannesburg. They will feature in the main B-field match, facing off against Griquas.
The action kicks off at 09:30 on the Moshate Field (A-field) with Border taking on the Leopards, while games on the Baloyi Field (B-field) get underway at 09:00 when Zimbabwe lock horns with Border Country Districts.
The fixtures for Day One (Monday, 30 June):
A-Field
09:30 – Border vs Leopards
10:50 – South Western Districts vs Eastern Province
12:10 – Sharks vs Golden Lions
13:30 – Bulls vs Boland
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15 – Western Province vs Free State
B-Field
09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Border Country Districts
10:20 – Valke vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:40 – Griffons vs Namibia
13:00 – Western Province XV vs Pumas
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15: Iqhawe XV vs Griquas
