Interschools and derby fever are 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.
“Drakenstein Municipality is thrilled to be the host destination for these interschools and derbies, says Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of the Municipality.
Interschools and derby fever are running high in Drakenstein
Interschools and derbies, which take place throughout Drakenstein in August every year, not only bring local sporting communities and families together to celebrate this rich tradition but 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.
Councillor Korabie says, “We are ready to put our best foot forward.”
Arguably, the largest rugby interschools match in the world
Mayor Korabie says it’s a privilege to welcome all the teams, coaches, parents, supporters and sponsors to our ‘home’ every year. 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.
He added, “We are committed to ensuring that all interschools, derbies and related events take place in a secure and welcoming environment.
The Municipality is making its parking areas available to visitors
The Municipality is making its parking areas available to visitors and reminds them to be courteous when parking in urban areas, avoiding obstruction of driveways.
“To uphold this commitment, our law enforcement and traffic services will be fully deployed throughout the activities,” says Councillor Korabie.
The main rugby interschools and derby clashes for 2025 are:
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
Creating a space where school pride and community spirit can thrive
“The well-being 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.
May the best teams rise as champions
“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.
