 | Get your game face on! Interschools and derby season kicks off in Drakenstein
29 July 2025 | Press Releases |
29 July 2025
Interschools and derby fever is already running high in Drakenstein, with the first major clash between Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys' High set to take place at Drakenstein Municipality's flagship stadium, the Faure Street Stadium in Paarl, on Saturday, 2 August 2025. Arguably the largest rugby interschools match in the world, drawing crowds of over 30 000, this year's battle promises to be nothing short of epic.
Interschools and derbies, taking place throughout Drakenstein in August every year, not only bring local sporting communities and families together to celebrate this rich tradition, but they also attract thousands of visitors from all over the country. From school pride to match-day gees, the anticipation is palpable. School teams across Drakenstein are dusting off their rugby boots and netball takkies as they buckle up for their face-offs.
“Drakenstein Municipality is thrilled to be the host destination for these interschools and derbies – in fact, it is a privilege to welcome all the teams, coaches, parents, supporters and sponsors to our 'home' every year," says Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of the Municipality.
Municipal service teams have been working around the clock to ensure that roads, parks and other infrastructure in Drakenstein are in tip-top shape, that the area is clean, and that all safety and waste management measures are in place.
“We are committed to ensuring that all interschools, derbies and related events take place in a secure and welcoming environment. To uphold this commitment, our law enforcement and traffic services will be fully deployed throughout the activities. We are ready to put our best foot forward," says Councillor Korabie.
The Municipality is making its parking areas available for visitors and reminds them to please be courteous when parking in urban areas and not obstruct driveways.
“The wellbeing of our residents and visitors is very important to us, and together, we are creating a space where school pride and community spirit can thrive. I encourage our visitors to not only enjoy the matches, but also to explore Paarl-Wellington's assortment of top-rate tourism offerings. May your stay generate the kind of memories that make you want to return.
“To every learner stepping onto the field, every coach guiding with heart, every sponsor who contributes and every fan bringing gees from the sidelines, this is your moment! Enjoy the game, lift each other up, and may the best teams rise as champions," the Executive Mayor concludes.
The main rugby interschools and derby clashes for 2025 are:
| DATE | SCHOOLS | VENUE |
| 2 August | Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High | Faure Street Stadium, Paarl |
| 9 August | Klein Nederburg Secondary School vs New Orleans Secondary School | Faure Street Stadium, Paarl |
| 9 August | Hoër Landbouskool Boland vs Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale | Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale, Riversdale |
| 15 – 16 August | Ihlumelo Secondary School vs Desmond Mpilo Tutu High School (Soccer) | Ihlumelo Secondary School, Mbekweni |
| 16 August | Hugenote High School vs Hoërskool Swartland | Hoërskool Swartland, Malmesbury |
| 16 August | Paulus Joubert Secondary School vs Noorder Paarl High School | Faure Street Stadium, Paarl |
| 23 August | Charleston Hill Secondary School vs Wellington Secondary School | Charleston Hill Secondary School, Paarl |
| 23 August | Bergrivier Secondary School vs Weltevrede Secondary School | CPUT Sports Field, Wellington |
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
