Latest news with #SeanErasmus
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.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Schoolboy rugby fixtures: A feast of action awaits in derbies
It's another feast of action, including the big Eastern Cape derby between Dale and Queen's. There should be plenty of quality schoolboy rugby action on offer this weekend. Picture: Supplied It's King Price Derby time, but also the Noordvaal series (cup division), so there's plenty of quality schoolboy rugby to look forward to this weekend. A number of teams have only had a few days off following the Wildeklawer rugby tournament in Kimberley last week and they're back in action on Saturday. In the new King Price Derby series there are four hugely exciting matches taking place on Saturday. Matches in Western and Eastern Cape Down in the Western Cape, two big rivalries are happening. In Paarl, Paarl Boys High host Grey College from Bloemfontein at 2pm, while in Stellenbosch Paul Roos Gimnasium host Paarl Gimnasium, the current number one team in the country, also at 2pm. Boys High have in their coaching ranks the likes of Sean Erasmus and Neil de Bruin, both men who've worked with the Lions in Joburg, while former Irish Test star CJ Stander is also involved in the coaching staff. The Paarl team recently beat Monument from Krugersdorp 85-0. The last four meetings between Boys High and Grey have all belonged to the boys from Bloemfontein. In their coaching team are the likes of former Boks Wian du Preez and Helgard Muller. There are also two big derbies in the Eastern Cape. Dale College host Queen's College (3.30pm) and Grey High host Wynberg Boys High (5pm). Noordvaal matches In the Noordvaal series upcountry, there are five matches on the go on Saturday. Transvalia host Rustenburg, Monument entertain EG Jansen, Helpmekaar welcome Noordheuwel, Menlopark take on Nelspruit while Pretoria rivals Garsfontein and Waterkloof clash at the former team's home field. Garsfontein are currently ranked sixth in the country, while Waterkloof are 20th. Kickoff times for these matches are not available.
