KwaZulu-Natal Schoolboy Rugby 2025: Season Wrap-up
- House Rugga
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Westville Clinches KZN Schools Rugby Title in 2025
Westville capped off an extraordinary 2025 season by claiming the KZN schools rugby crown. The Griffins finished the year undefeated, going 7-0 to top the log. They held off perennial power DHS in their climactic meeting. At a packed Bowden’s Field in May, Westville survived a furious DHS comeback to win 33 – 28. Flyhalf Jade Will Koopman was instrumental, contributing 18 points through penalties and conversions. Reflecting on the match, coach Zander Erasmus called it “one of my proudest days as a coach.”
Westville's Achievement
Erasmus noted that to finally compete and “win these big matches” against DHS proved that the program’s rebuilding was bearing fruit. In his words, Westville had matched “a powerhouse of KZN rugby.” They did so with remarkable composure, “up and down, a rollercoaster,” as he put it. The final score meant Westville finished clear on top of the KZN standings.
Crucially, Westville fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya (2024 SA Schools and 2025 Top 3 schoolboy prodigy) was essential in key games. NBA’s analysis of Siyaya notes that “with razor-sharp counterattacking instincts and a massive kicking game, he is one of the most exciting talents in schoolboy rugby in South Africa.” The Griffins' unflinching form was reflected in the Sharks Craven Week selections. A province-leading eight Westville boys made the 23 man squad (three forwards and five backs), reinforcing how fully Westville dominated KwaZulu-Natal rugby this year.
DHS Are Still a Powerhouse
Durban High School (DHS) pushed Westville all the way and ultimately finished a narrow runner-up. The Horseflies went 5–1 and fell to Westville by just five points. In the title clash, DHS scored four tries, Simka, Ikotela, Aneke, and Nero—and briefly led in the second half, demonstrating their customary grit.
DHS's Performance
In the end, Westville’s unwavering defence and kicking game won out. DHS coach Nathan Pillay and his squad could take pride in another strong year. Their program once again produced elite talent. Nine DHS players were named in the Sharks Craven Week side in 2024. The 2025 season continued that representative pipeline. As Erasmus admitted, it felt significant to beat “a powerhouse of KZN rugby.”
Hilton College As A Midlands Contender
Hilton College continued to show its traditional strength, finishing third with six wins from nine games. Late in the season, Hilton closed out a season's sweep of their old rivals Michaelhouse with a 29 – 20 victory at Gilfillan Field. The home side led 16-10 at halftime and never relinquished control, thanks largely to captain-flyhalf Liyema Nela.
Key Player Highlights
Nela scored 19 points (three penalties, a drop goal, and conversions) and dictated proceedings from the front. “I haven’t had the greatest time off the tee, but today, luckily, I brought it,” Nela said after the game. This impressive run by Hilton means they claim bragging rights going into 2026, winning three consecutive Hilton-Michaelhouse derbies. They trail House by just two overall wins in derby history.
Hilton’s pack laid a sturdy platform, with hooker Josh Grant anchoring the scrums. Nela combined effectively with backline players like Zander Muller. Their consistency stood out—Hilton recorded a massive +151 point differential, third overall, and comfortably outperformed the rest of the chasing pack. With a core of returning players and proven leaders, Hilton remains firmly in the upper echelon of KZN schoolboy rugby.
Northwood & Maritzburg College Are Still Playoff Contenders
A close chase for the minor placings saw Northwood and Maritzburg College round out the top five. Northwood (4 wins, 3 losses) had an “outstanding season” under coach Jacques Deen, winning key matchups and showcasing a powerful forward pack. “If our set pieces work, then we’re 80% of the way there,” Deen stated. Locks Chad Howe and Jamie Wimble were among the most consistent performers in the engine room.
Maritzburg College ended the year with five wins from eight matches and narrowly missed fourth place. Highlights included a huge 23 – 20 win over Hilton College and strong performances against Michaelhouse and Northwood. The school continues to provide talent to provincial structures and has the pedigree to rise again. Both programs earned Sharks representation and remained key components in the KZN rugby ecosystem.
Michaelhouse's Year of Growing Pains
Michaelhouse endured a tough season, finishing sixth with just two wins from nine games. Despite the results, coach James Fleming remained optimistic: “We have an incredibly young side, and the heart of this team is still learning what it takes to compete at this level.”
Finding Potential in Adversity
There were flashes of promise, such as a massive 50 – 17 win over Kearsney College that broke the mid-season drought. A 31 – 24 away win against Pretoria Boys later in the season was perhaps their most complete performance. However, Michaelhouse could not end their season on a high and will be looking to come back strong in 2026. They are yet to claim victory over their rivals Hilton since May in 2024.
Kearsney, Glenwood, St Charles & Clifton – Down the Table
The remaining four schools endured mixed fortunes. Kearsney College, with two wins in seven games, saw development but struggled for consistent results. Coach Matt Forde focused on player growth, and four players still cracked the Sharks Academy squad, a silver lining in a frustrating campaign.
Glenwood, a former powerhouse, won just once all season and has drifted from its top-tier perch. Similarly, St Charles College won once in four outings (against Clifton), while Clifton College, in a rebuilding year, failed to notch a single win from their limited fixture list. While these schools found the going tough, signs of promise emerged in their junior ranks and talent development initiatives.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season belonged to Westville, unbeaten champions who passed every test, including a titanic battle with DHS. Their rise marks a shift in the KZN landscape, while traditional giants like DHS and Hilton remain dangerous challengers. Michaelhouse and others continue to rebuild, and the middle tier is closing the gap.
As the Sharks Craven Week selections reflect school form, many young stars are breaking through. The stage is set for an even more competitive 2026. The question remains: can Westville do it again, or will a new champion rise from the chasing pack?
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