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More than 1,000 young rugby players from across South Africa and the United Kingdom will converge on Johannesburg’s northern suburbs this week as St David’s Marist Inanda prepares to host the 2026 Independent Schools’ Rugby Festival (ISRF), in a landmark year as the school celebrates its 85th anniversary. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by ABSA.
From 27 June to 1 July, St David’s Marist Inanda will welcome the full spectrum of ISRF competition to its campus, with the Preparatory Festival and all three College age categories taking place at a single venue. This milestone sees St David’s Marist Inanda bring together the full spectrum of ISRF competition in one venue, creating a unique celebration of school rugby and player development.
The 2026 Independent Schools’ Rugby Festival will bring together more than 1,200 players and 300 coaches and support staff from 16 high schools, 10 preparatory schools and England’s prestigious Eton College. Competing across U13, U14, U15 and Open age groups, the festival will showcase some of the most promising young rugby talent emerging from South Africa’s independent schools, with Eton College adding an international flavour to an event that is firmly focused on celebrating local rugby excellence and development.
The festival provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the rugby development pathway, showcasing emerging talent from Preparatory School level through to Senior College teams. It reflects both the Independent Schools’ Rugby Festival’s and St David’s Marist Inanda’s commitment to supporting rugby development and school sport more broadly, highlighting the important role that sport plays in developing not only talented athletes, but well-rounded young men equipped with values of discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership.
Across the week, 168 fixtures will provide a high-performance platform for young athletes to test themselves against strong opposition while reinforcing the values of respect, camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the ISRF. The festival serves as a celebration of the depth of rugby talent within South Africa’s independent school system and the pathways that continue to nurture the next generation of players. It is also expected to attract crowds of spectators and provides St David’s Marist Inanda with an opportunity to showcase its campus, its boys and the strong sense of Family Spirit that defines the school community.
“This is a significant milestone not only for St David’s Marist Inanda, but for the Independent Schools’ Rugby Festival as a whole,” said Mike Thiel, Executive Headmaster of St David’s Marist Inanda.
Etienne Fynn, Director of Rugby at St David’s Marist Inanda, added:
“The ISRF represents everything that makes school rugby special, high-quality competition, lifelong friendships and opportunities for players to challenge themselves against some of the strongest school teams in the country. Hosting the festival during our 85th anniversary year makes the occasion even more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming players, coaches, parents and supporters for what promises to be an exceptional week of rugby and celebration.”
All matches played on the main Prep and College fields will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools, allowing supporters across South Africa and around the world to follow the action as it unfolds.
Festival Information
Tickets: R50 per person and available via WebTickets or at the gate.
Spectator Information
Food Court
Retail Area
Beer Tent
Activations
Live Entertainment
Spot Prizes
Non-stop Preparatory and College Rugby
No entry via First Avenue
Additional parking available at Summer Place on Melville Road
E-hailing services are strongly advised
Cashless event
Access all fixtures, player profiles, and the latest tournament updates via the My Event
Zone app.
Access Code: StDavids
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-event-zone/id1086822549
Google Play Store:
Venue: St David’s Marist Inanda
36 Rivonia Road, Sandown, Sandton, 2146
INFO SUPPLIED.