Paarl, a picturesque town nestled in the Western Cape, is about to witness one of the fiercest rivalries in South African schoolboy rugby.
On Saturday, August 2nd, the two most dominant rugby schools in the country—Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High—will finally meet to settle the debate once and for all: who truly holds the crown in 2025?
This isn’t just another match. It’s a long-awaited clash between two giants who have bulldozed their way through the season, towering above every other school in South Africa.
Until now, they haven’t crossed paths. That changes this weekend.
Expect a Crowd, a Classic, and Maybe Even Chaos
The buzz around the town is electric. Between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators are expected to pour into Faure Street Stadium to watch the drama unfold.
That includes alumni from around the world who are flying in just to relive the glory days and cheer on their alma mater.
Forget club rivalries or provincial pride—this is deeply personal for everyone involved.
A Legacy Written in Green and Gold
Both schools have been consistent rugby factories for generations.
When it comes to producing Springboks, Paarl Gimnasium holds a slight edge, having churned out 31 national players compared to Paarl Boys’ High’s 26.
The most recent Springbok from Paarl Gim? That would be Johan Grobbelaar, who proudly wears the number 939 jersey.
From the Boys’ High side, it’s Cameron Hanekom, who came in at number 945.
But honestly, at this level, those numbers don’t define dominance—they just set the stage for more bragging rights.
Iconic Names That Define Each School
If you take a look at the alumni lists, it reads like a hall of fame.
Paarl Gim has given us names like Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger (both senior and junior), Handré Pollard, and Kobus Wiese.
Boys’ High, on the other hand, counters with legends like Mannetjies Roux, Carel du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Thomas du Toit, and Corné Krige.
It’s not just about past glory, though. This match is about the now—2025—and the rising stars who are already being eyed by scouts, fans, and maybe even future Springbok selectors.
So Who’s the Favourite? Flip a Coin
Honestly, this match is too close to call. Both teams have had flawless seasons, both boast elite coaching, and both are stacked with future stars.
It’s the kind of matchup that could come down to a single missed kick or one moment of brilliance.
All we can hope is that the weather holds up, the referee stays invisible, and that the crowd gets the classic they came for.
Because this is more than just a rugby match—it’s a cultural event.
Full List of Paarl Gimnasium Springboks
From Japie Le Roux in 1882 to Johan Grobbelaar in 1997, here’s the full roster of Paarl Gim’s national representatives:
(List unchanged for factual clarity)
Full List of Paarl Boys’ High Springboks
Starting with Louis Louw back in 1884 and stretching all the way to Ruan Venter born in 2002, here’s Boys’ High’s proud contribution to the national team:
(List unchanged for factual clarity)
Time to Pick a Side—Who Are You Backing?
So, who’s got your support this year—Paarl Gim or Paarl Boys’ High?
This isn’t just about school pride; it’s about writing the next chapter in one of South Africa’s most iconic sports rivalries.
Don’t be shy—drop a comment, shoot a WhatsApp, or let the rugby world know where your heart lies.
Stay tuned for the big day, and may the best school win.