Schoolboy Rugby May 2025 Roundup: Key Results Across South Africa
- House Rugga
- May 29
- 7 min read
Updated: May 29
It was a weekend of huge intensity in schoolboy rugby. In KZN, unbeaten Westville edged old rivals DHS 33–28 in a dramatic interschools derby. The hosts led early through winger Ntobeko Sithole’s try, then withstood a furious DHS comeback in the second half. Flyhalf Jade-Will Koopman was Westville’s hero – his boot netted 18 points (five penalties and three conversions) to seal the win.
In the Western Cape, Paarl Boys continued their surge, rallying from 21–9 down to beat Paul Roos 36–26 at home. Down in the Cape West, Paarl Gim ran roughshod in their match, smashing Drostdy 92–12 and then last weekend knocked out DHS 47–20 to snap the defending champions’ 10-game streak. Grey College also shone, roaring back to form with a commanding 45–29 victory over Garsfontein.
Some other notable results include Oakdale, who continued to shine beating Jeppe 42–27, Rondebosch blew out Boland Landbou 57–26, and Wynberg put 34 on Bishops. In short, the traditional powerhouses mostly won – but there were shocks and statement performances from the coaches and players who proved they can mix it with the best.
Westville’s Perfect Run & KZN Supremacy
In KZN school rugby, Westville has been the story of 2025. Under coach Zander Erasmus they’ve blasted out to an unbeaten 8–0 record. Saturday’s 33–28 win over DHS was their latest triumph and may very well decide the provincial crown. It was nothing short of historic – DHS had been KZN’s undisputed No.1 all of 2024, and in fact hadn’t lost a KZN inter-schools fixture in nearly two years. Westville’s victory not only keeps their perfect season alive, it potentially vaults them into the glory of KZN’s best 1st XV. (As one blogger quipped, DHS hadn’t lost a KZN match since a narrow defeat to Paarl Boys last year – making Westville’s win all the sweeter.)
Coach Erasmus could barely hide his pride after the match. “To compete with DHS, and to beat them… it’s one of my proudest days,” he said. Beyond the result, the manner of victory underscored Westville’s rise. They scored early through powerhouse centre Sean McGough and were led by the boot of flyhalf Jade-Will Koopman (who notched 18 points). The win essentially hands Westville the inside track to become KZN’s No.1 team this year.
Historically the KZN title has eluded them since 2004 - now they look poised to dethrone DHS, who claimed the 2024 title. In our provincial table, Westville now stand alone with a 100% win record. They’ll get another chance to flex their muscle this weekend against Glenwood before taking on a shaky Michaelhouse side – cementing their role as KZN’s new rugby kings.
Paul Roos Gymnasium: A Slide in the Cape
By contrast, Paul Roos Gymnasium has struggled recently. Once considered Western Cape heavyweights and the 2024 SA Rugby Schools Champs, the Stellenbosch boys have hit a rough patch that’s rattling the Cape standings. The alarm bells rang loudest this weekend when Paarl Boys stormed back from behind to beat Paul Roos 36–26. That loss – coupled with an earlier narrow upset by Affies – marks a slide in form we haven’t seen from the “Gym” in years. Cape Town reporters called it a stunning comeback by Boishaai, who piled up tries against a Paul Roos side that started hot but wilted under pressure.
Paul Roos had led 14–6 early on, but Paarl Boys chipped away and eventually flipped the game. This was no small matter: Paul Roos had entered the weekend in winning terms after beating Boland, yet now they have three losses – an unprecedented start for PRG (something even a 2015 record didn’t show until late season).
In practical terms, the loss means Paul Roos will likely finish behind the Paarl schools in the Western Cape pecking order. Paarl Boys and Paarl Gim, buoyed by strong wins, will lay claim to the top two spots, while Paul Roos must regroup to avoid slipping further down the Top-5. PRG must now balance its attack with steadier defence – or risk ceding the Cape crowns to their Paarl neighbors.
Paarl Gimnasium: Kings of Cape and Country
Meanwhile in the Cape, Paarl Gymnasium is looking every bit like a national power – perhaps the form team in South Africa right now. The Gimnasium dismantled DHS 47–20, ending the Durbanites’ mighty unbeaten streak and cementing their own elite status. That match was emblematic: PRG scored freely, ran cycles like a machine, and exposed DHS as a top opponent. Statistically, PRG’s center Markus Müller has tormented defenses all season – he’s racked up 20+ tries (including four hat-tricks!) in 2025 .It’s no wonder PRG sits at number 1 nationally, with a perfect unbeaten record.
Hype is warranted: Paarl Gim “the current number-one 1st XV in the country" Behind their superstar Müller, the team has balance up front and back, flair on attack and grit on defense. Their season-defining statement was not just beating KES 102-00, but scoring 92 points against a tougher Drostdy (and cruising at Wildeklawer Festival, where they trounced every opponent). With one or two favorable fixtures left, PRG is on track to claim both Western Cape and national honours. Several pundits have already crowned them “King of South African schoolboy rugby” in form this spring – and after a weekend like this, it’s hard to argue.
Paarl Boys’ High: The Fearless Runners-Up
Hot on Gim’s heels are Paarl Boys. They’ve enjoyed their own superb season, positioning themselves as prime contenders. Last week’s 36–26 win over Paul Roos was a thrilling example: Boishaai overturned a 21–9 deficit to snatch victory Earlier, they demolished Monnas (Monument) 85–00 – a result so lopsided it stunned everyone. They’ve swept through weaker opponents and pushed the big teams hard. In the House Rugga rankings, Paarl Boys sits among the Top 3 with a 6–1 record, only behind PRG and Grey.
Their campaign has all the makings of an “uber-utility” season: they’re physically imposing, unafraid to run at anyone, and have playmakers like Gershorn Pieters and their strikefullback. If PRG falters, Paarl Boys will be waiting – already labeled by some as “Kings of the Western Cape” in practice. The pressure is on, but Boishaai seem to thrive in that spotlight. With two big derbies ahead, they have a chance to cement a historic runner-up or even better finish as number 1.
Grey College: Highs and Lows in Bloemfontein
Back in the Free State, Grey College has had an up-and-down season. On the “up” side, Grey has ripped apart most middling opponents (for example, a comprehensive 42–37 win over Affies this past weekend - shows their firepower). Their backline is as electric as ever, and the team still boasts one of the nation’s most talented squads. But the “down” story is that Grey has already dropped two games – both against Paarl sides – which is extremely uncharacteristic. As one blog noted, losing twice (to Paarl Boys and Paarl Gym) marks Grey’s worst loss-rate since 2015. The Bradford-style streak of unbeaten years seems broken.
The contrast suggests what’s going wrong: Grey’s normally rock-solid forward game has had hiccups, and they seem vulnerable under pressure. Their losses have come at times when mistakes crept in. Grey must win to keep title hopes alive. In truth, though, much is going right too. The talent is immense (the likes of AJ Meyer, Joas Hammes, Gillian Fourie, etc.), and Grey’s structure under coach Johan Retief remains strong. If they clean up errors and handle Paarl’s physicality better, they’ll bounce back; but for now, their season is a rollercoaster of exhilarating wins and surprising stumbles.
Standout Players of the Season
Several stars dominated the headlines. Zekhethelo “Zeke” Siyaya (Westville) has been electrifying all year – a generational talent on wing or fullback. He terrorized defences with pace and big kicks, and his exploits for Sharks youth sides (U16 Grant Khomo Week, Sharks U17 Sevens, U18 Craven week & SA Schools) have been well-documented. Siyaya is a genuine “break-the-game” athlete, and Westville’s unbeaten run owes much to his brilliance.
At Grey College, powerful outside centre Ethan Adams has similarly shone. The Pretoria-born linebreak specialist (who scored a handful of tries over the weekend) has already earned a contract with the Golden Lions – a testament to his national-schoolboy dominance.
For Paarl Gim, the name on everyone’s lips is Markus Müller. The burly No. 13 has been a try factory (20+ scores this year, including four hat-tricks), and in May he put it on cinema display against DHS. In fact, SA Rugby Magazine reported Müller as among Stormers’ top 2025 recruits – he’s set to join the Cape franchise after school. Paarl Boys’ have several standouts too (lock Gershorn Pieters, flyhalf Sean Erasmus, etc.), but last week’s match-winner was Pieter du Plessis, who put two through Paul Roos.
Other weekend heroes included Westville captain Liam Simpkins (drove hard with the ball and led from the front in their win over DHS) and flyhalf Jade-Will Koopman (his 18 points kept Ville ahead). Northwood’s inside centre Tino Ndamani and Rondebosch’s fullback Simon Smit also caught eyes in their big provincial games. In sum, the season’s best players are now well known – and scouts are circling.
Future Prospects: Academy Signings
Unsurprisingly, the top talent is already lining up pro deals. Grey’s Ethan Adams will leave school for the Lions next year – the Johannesburg franchise “snapped him up” as soon as it could. Paarl Gim’s try-star Markus Müller (along with several other WC standouts) has locked in a move to Western Province/Stormers rugby. Westville speedster Siyaya, already a Sharks academy junior, is widely expected to sign a full Sharks contract when he turns 18 – just as reported by SA Rugby Magazine when praising his Sharks involvements.
Other big names have deals too: for example, Stormers coaches announced they’ve recruited Paarl Boys’ Gus du Preez and Wynberg’s Jayden Brits from Boland Landbou for their junior system, and Grey lock AJ Meyer also heads to Cape Town. In short, the weekend’s heroics are already translating into pro pathways. Scouts and unions follow these matches closely – and schools proudly point to SA Rugby Magazine reports and team announcements to show that their players are taking the next step.
Looking Ahead: Big Fixtures to Watch
The summer heat isn’t done yet – week by week there are can’t-miss matches on the horizon. Top of the bill is Grey College vs Paul Roos 16 August, a heavyweight clash between the former top 2 schools in 2024. It’s being billed as a top-3 decider and a preview of playoff intensity. Back in KZN, all eyes will be on Hilton College vs DHS , a game either must win to stay behind Westville in the event that Westville do lose to Michaelhouse, Kearsney or Glewood in the coming weeks.
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