Latest news with #PieterRossouw
The South African
02-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
How to watch Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High
The two standout rugby schools in South Africa in 2025 - Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys' High - will clash on Saturday. Image: Premier Interschools Home » How to watch Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High The two standout rugby schools in South Africa in 2025 - Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys' High - will clash on Saturday. Image: Premier Interschools The Springboks won't be in action for another couple of weeks, but if anyone needs any reminding of how much talent and passion run through all levels of the game, they would do well to observe how Paarl will become the centre of attention for the iconic Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High schoolboy derby on Saturday. This remains a major attraction on the rugby calendar every year, and kick off has been confirmed for 16:00. For those who can't be there in person, the match will be screened live on SuperSport channel 216. This year's match will be played in front of a packed stadium, with about 20,000 fans expected, and Paarl Gimnasium director of rugby Pieter Rossouw has likened preparations for Saturday's interschools clash against Paarl Boys' to that of a World Cup. 'For many of the boys, this is the biggest game of their rugby career. It's something they've been dreaming about for a long time,' Rossouw said at a pre-match press conference. 'I think you can compare it to the journey of a World Cup tournament, where guys prepare for four years to play in that final. Similarly, boys come into school in Grade 8 and dream of playing for the 1st XV in that particular [interschools] game.' Meanwhile, Paarl Boys' coach Sean Erasmus believes Saturday's showdown will shine a light on the incredible pool of talent at schoolboy level. 'Among the 30 boys who will play, I believe there could very well be three or four future Springboks,' he said. Erasmus added that Boishaai had learned from last year's disappointing 30-8 defeat to Gimmies. 'We conceded 30 points in the interschools last year and afterwards we talked to each other about how it was an important lesson and what we could take from it. 'It's nice to see how the boys who are now in matric have grown as people.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
31-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PREVIEW: Paarl giants ready for high-stakes derby showdown
Paarl Boys' High and Paarl Gymnasium will meet at Faure Street Stadium on Saturday in what is widely seen as the biggest schools rugby fixture in South Africa. This year's match will be played in front of a packed stadium, with about 20,000 fans expected and many more watching online or on TV. Both teams have had strong seasons, and the game will likely decide which side finishes 2025 as the top performer in school rugby. Paarl Boys', coached by Sean Erasmus, have bounced back well from a difficult 2024 season. They lost 30–8 to Paarl Gym in last year's derby, but have shown big improvements since then. This year, they've won 15 out of 16 games, including a good win over Grey College. Paarl Gym, coached by former Springbok Pieter Rossouw, are unbeaten in 2025. They've played 15 games, winning 13 and drawing two. Their attacking play has been a standout. They've scored 40 points or more in most matches, and centre Markus Muller, who also captains SA Schools, has led the way with some strong performances. Boishaai have built their game on solid defence. They've only conceded 20 or more points in three games this season, which shows they can handle pressure. That defence will be tested on Saturday by one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the country. Both teams have good reasons to believe they can win. Gimmies have been consistent and dangerous on attack, while Boishaai have improved a lot and will be determined to turn the tables after last year's defeat. The stage is set for another big derby between two of South Africa's most famous rugby schools. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
