Noord Suid Festival Sees Garsfontein and Stellenberg Steal the Show with Historic Upsets

The Noord Suid festival, a prestigious annual event in the South African schools rugby calendar, has once again provided a thrilling spectacle for fans and spectators alike. This year's edition, held from March 28 to 31, saw the southern schools narrowly edge out their northern counterparts by a single result, claiming bragging rights in the process.

However, it was not the overall victory that grabbed the headlines, but rather two remarkable upsets that are set to be etched in the memories of South African schools rugby enthusiasts for years to come. Garsfontein's stunning victory over Paarl Boys High and Stellenberg's hard-fought triumph over Grey College were the standout stories of the festival, announcing the arrival of these two schools as significant players in the 2026 schoolboy rugby landscape.

Garsfontein's match against Paarl Boys High was an instant classic, with the former edging out their opponents 31-28 in a heart-stopping encounter that swung back and forth like a pendulum. The Pretoria-based side appeared to be in control at halftime, leading 21-7, but Paarl Boys High staged a dramatic comeback, fueled by the pace of Aleit Stander and the forward presence of Ruben De Jager. As the clock wound down, Garsfontein found themselves trailing 28-24, but they refused to give up. With eight minutes remaining, Drewyn Baron burst clear from a scrum, leaving the defense in his wake and restoring his team's lead at 31-28.

Stellenberg, meanwhile, continued their impressive run of form with a 26-21 victory over Grey College, one of the most storied schools in South African rugby. The Cape Town-based side's set-piece proved too strong for their opponents, laying the foundation for a hard-fought win. This triumph, combined with their earlier victory over Paarl Gimnasium, serves as a testament to Stellenberg's growing status as a force to be reckoned with in South African schools rugby.

The Noord Suid festival has a long history of providing a platform for schools to test themselves against the best of the best, and this year's edition was no exception. With its unique format, pitting schools from the north against those from the south, the festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the state of South African schools rugby. As the 2026 season continues to unfold, the performances of Garsfontein and Stellenberg will undoubtedly be watched with great interest, as these two schools look to build on their impressive showings at the Noord Suid festival.

For Garsfontein, the victory over Paarl Boys High will be particularly sweet, given the reputation of their opponents. Paarl Boys High has consistently been one of the top schools in South African rugby, and to overcome them is a significant achievement. As for Stellenberg, their win over Grey College serves as a statement of intent, announcing their arrival as a major player in the schoolboy rugby landscape.

As the schoolboy rugby season continues to gain momentum, the Noord Suid festival has provided a thrilling preview of what is to come. With its unique blend of exciting rugby, fierce competition, and emerging talent, this year's edition will be remembered for years to come. As the dust settles on the 2026 Noord Suid festival, one thing is clear: Garsfontein and Stellenberg are two schools to watch in the world of South African schools rugby.