This weekend’s South African derbies in the Vodacom URC promise thrilling action but also highlight the rich heritage of schools giants Paarl Boys’ High and Grey College.
The Lions and Vodacom Bulls will do battle in the Jukskei Derby at Ellis Park on Saturday in round 10 of the competition, before the Sharks and DHL Stormers lock horns in a rematch between the coastal rivals in Durban.
The teams will be sporting their school or club colours in a unique start to the second half of the URC, in the first of two special ‘Origin’ rounds where the players’ rugby roots will be remembered and celebrated.
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Paarl Gimnasium, Paarl Boys’, Paul Roos and Grey College feature prominently in the Stormers lineup for the Kings Park clash including one, three, two and four players, respectively.
⚡️ @Hacjivah ⚡️
From @JeppeBoys to @TheStormers 🏉@Vodacom #URC | #GrassrootsToGreatness pic.twitter.com/aBoYhe7mWz
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) February 14, 2024
The Sharks, meanwhile, have three Grey College alum in their matchday 23 while also showcasing talent from Dale College, Glenwood High and Durban High, contributing two players each.
🦈 @WernerKok1 🦈
From Nelspruit Primary to @SharksRugby 🏉@Vodacom #URC | #GrassrootsToGreatness pic.twitter.com/W0e75WEFDn
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) February 16, 2024
The Lions, too, exhibit strong ties to Paarl Boys’ and Grey College, boasting three and two players respectively, with three graduates in total from both institutions represented in the Bulls squad.
Among the Springboks not in action this week, SA Rugby Player of the Year nominee Frans Malherbe is a Boishaai old boy, while Paul Roos counts fellow double world champion Damian Willemse as one of its proudest sons.
As part of the @Vodacom #URC‘s Origin Rounds we are looking at some of the famous local rugby schools that have produced DHL Stormers over the years. This week we feature Paul Roos Gimnasium. #iamastormer #FromGrassRootsToGreatnesshttps://t.co/pDkcK80Wj2
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) February 14, 2024
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix