Top 10 Best Rugby Schools in South Africa (2023–2025): A Powerhouse Ranking Based on Performance
For many South African families, the choice of a high school is a deeply personal and strategic decision. Academic results matter. Discipline matters. But for thousands of parents, the rugby culture of a school carries real weight because it represents something bigger: teamwork, toughness, sacrifice, and ambition.
Between 2023 and 2025, schoolboy rugby has delivered unforgettable moments and revealed the real forces behind our future Springboks. These are not just teams; they are institutions, legacies, and communities.
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List of Best Rugby Schools in South Africa
Based on consistent results, bonus point margins, and key match performances, here is the list of best rugby schools who led from the front — season after season.
1. Grey College – Bloemfontein
2023: 1st | 2024: 2nd | 2025: 3rd
Founded: 1855 | Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
Grey College is more than a rugby school. It is a national symbol of discipline, excellence, and tradition. With a long list of Springbok alumni, including Bismarck du Plessis, Ruan Pienaar, and Frans Steyn, the school has built an unmatched sporting reputation. Their 2023 unbeaten season was surgical in its execution. Even when edged out in 2024 and 2025, Grey remained at the top — never falling out of the top three.
For parents who want excellence without compromise, Grey College is the gold standard.
2. Paul Roos Gymnasium – Stellenbosch
2023: 4th | 2024: 1st | 2025: 4th
Founded: 1866 | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Paul Roos Gymnasium blends academic strength with a deep rugby culture rooted in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Named after South Africa’s first official Springbok captain, the school honours its heritage through discipline, balance, and structure. Their flawless 2024 season proved they are not chasing past glory — they are writing new chapters. That 36–3 win over Grey College was not a fluke. It was a statement.
Parents who value legacy, character-building, and fierce competition consistently look to Paul Roos.
3. Paarl Gimnasium – Paarl
2023: 2nd | 2024: 3rd | 2025: 1st
Founded: 1858 | Location: Paarl, Western Cape
Paarl Gim is known across South Africa for two things: top-tier rugby and producing polished, mentally tough players. In 2025, they delivered one of the most commanding seasons in recent memory, including that thunderous 102–0 win over KES. It is not just the scoreboard that tells their story — it is the way they play. Clinical, composed, and physically dominant. Past alumni include Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger.
Families looking for a school that shapes warriors and thinkers will find Paarl Gim a rare mix of both.
4. Affies – Pretoria
2023: 6th | 2024: 4th | 2025: 5th
Founded: 1920 | Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, or Affies, is a Pretoria institution. Known for its military-style discipline, cultural depth, and academic focus, it is a school where routine and respect are as important as results. On the rugby field, Affies has built its game around physicality and strong tactical play. Their 2025 near-upset against Paarl Boys’ High shows they are still one of the most feared schools in the north.
If you want your son to grow in structure, resilience, and leadership — Affies offers just that.
5. Paarl Boys’ High (Boishaai) – Paarl
2023: 5th | 2024: 5th | 2025: 2nd
Founded: 1868 | Location: Paarl, Western Cape
Boishaai has always been measured, methodical, and incredibly deep. This is a school that wins not because of one star player, but because of the system that supports the entire squad. With strong rivals like Paarl Gim just across town, Boishaai’s consistency in staying at the top is no accident. Their 2025 victory over Affies sealed their return to the top two.
Boishaai is for families who believe in quiet confidence, high expectations, and long-term growth.
6. Garsfontein – Pretoria
2023: 3rd | 2024: Not Ranked | 2025: 8th
Founded: 1988 | Location: Pretoria East, Gauteng
Laerskool Garsfontein may not have the oldest buildings or the flashiest legacy, but what they do have is hunger. Their rugby programme has surged in recent years thanks to bold coaching and serious investment in player development. Their 2023 campaign shocked the system when they finished 3rd and won the Noordvaal Cup. After a quiet 2024, they returned in 2025’s Top 10 — proving their culture is here to stay.
For parents looking at emerging powerhouses with fight and future, Garsfontein is worth serious attention.
7. Durban High School (DHS) – Durban
2023: Not Ranked | 2024: 10th | 2025: 6th
Founded: 1866 | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
DHS has long been a respected academic and sporting school, but in recent years, their rugby programme has surged with fresh energy. Known for producing athletes like Hashim Amla and BJ Botha, the school’s broad sporting legacy is now matched by a structured, aggressive brand of rugby. Their rise from outside the Top 10 in 2023 to 6th in 2025 is proof of their momentum.
DHS is ideal for parents who want balance: strong sport, strong leadership, and coastal energy.
8. Rondebosch Boys’ High – Cape Town
2023: Not Ranked | 2024: Not Ranked | 2025: 7th
Founded: 1897 | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Rondebosch is a school steeped in tradition, but 2025 has been their breakout year. Their draw against Paarl Gim shocked many, and their unbeaten run so far has silenced doubters. Known for academic excellence and a strong music and leadership culture, this school’s growing rugby presence is exciting to watch.
For Cape Town parents wanting a balance of cultural depth and athletic progress, Rondebosch is emerging as a strong contender.
9. King Edward VII School (KES) – Johannesburg
2023: 8th | 2024: 8th | 2025: Not Ranked
Founded: 1902 | Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
KES is one of Johannesburg’s most historic schools, known for grooming sharp minds and strong men. With alumni like Graeme Smith and Bryan Habana, the school has delivered sporting excellence across multiple codes. While their 2025 season was a painful one, including that devastating 102–0 loss to Paarl Gim, their form in 2023 and 2024 earned them respect and a place on this list.
Parents who value legacy, grit, and top-tier Gauteng competition still see KES as a powerhouse in recovery.
10. Oakdale Agricultural – Riversdale
2023: Not Ranked | 2024: 6th | 2025: Not Ranked
Founded: 1928 | Location: Riversdale, Western Cape
Oakdale is not a big city name. It is a hard, proud school from a small town that punched well above its weight in 2024, finishing 6th nationally. Their game plan relies on a dominant forward pack, smart set-pieces, and discipline under pressure. What makes them unique is their agricultural roots — these boys are often up early feeding livestock before lacing up boots.
For parents who want humility, work ethic, and real toughness, Oakdale is more than just a rugby school — it is a way of life.
What These Schools Represent
This list is not just about rankings. It is about schools where young men are taught to hold their line, to back their teammates, and to carry more than their own weight. These schools have shaped characters, not just rugby results. They are not just breeding grounds for Springboks — they are communities raising leaders.
If you are a South African parent looking for a school where your child will be challenged, supported, and inspired to push harder — this list is your guide.
As 2026 approaches, new stories will be written. But for now, these are the schools that have led from the front. Their results speak loudly, but the impact they leave on their boys will echo far longer.
For further reading and to explore more detailed rankings, visit the following trusted sources:
- SA School Sports – Latest Rugby Rankings
- Ruggas – 1st XV Rankings South Africa
- NextGenXV – South African Schools Rugby Rankings (29 July 2024)
- Schoolboy Rugby SA – Ranking Analysis
- The South African – First XV Top 50 Rankings