Kearsney Festival pits best of KZN talent against top SA schools, but Iran war stops Irish participation

BELIEVE it or not, the outbreak of war between the USA and Iran has impacted the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF), with Dublin's Catholic University School no longer able to make it to Botha's Hill because their flight to South Africa was scheduled to pass through Dubai.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The festival kicks off on April 2 and concludes on April 6.

Hoerskool Transvalia, from Vanderbijlpark, fills in for the Irish side.

They run out onto Stott Field for the first time at 9.20am on Thursday, when they take on Zimbabwe's Peterhouse.

They also face an exciting Kearsney College outfit in a prime slot, 2.20pm, on Saturday, and complete their assignments against Gqeberha’s Framesby in Monday's first game.

They’re a formidable side based on their 2025 record, which included wins over fellow KERF participants, Dr EG Jansen and Rustenburg, as well as a draw with Noordheuwel, and a narrow 41-43 defeat to Garsfontein.

The three festival play days over Easter weekend are Thursday 2nd, Saturday 4th, and Monday 6th April.

Four U16 girls’ teams will play during lunchtime slots, and 12 primary school teams will also enjoy the excitement of playing festival rugby in front of large crowds on an adjacent field.

As a result of Catholic University School's withdrawal, some tweaks have been made to the fixture list, including handing one of the newcomers, Helpmekaar Kollege, three tough assignments. They kick off the event at 8am on Thursday, 2 April, against Glenwood High.