Future World Cup winners Take Centre Stage at the 2025 FNB Youth Weeks

The FNB U18 Craven Week, a highlight on the calendar of every aspiring schoolboy rugby player, will take place from 7 to 12 July at Middelburg High School in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. This marks the third time the town will host this prestigious tournament, having previously done so in 1978 and 2014.

This year is extra special as it marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Craven Week, first held in East London in 1964. Over six decades, the tournament has proven to be a launchpad for rugby’s rising stars, offering a clear path from school rugby to the professional stage.

For many players, Craven Week is where dreams take flight.

Teams to Watch

All eyes will once again be on Western Province, who have dominated in recent years. With 15 consecutive wins and a convincing 37–24 victory over Free State in last year’s final match in Krugersdorp, they are the team to beat.

The Sharks, however, are also entering with a powerful lineup and will be strong contenders for the coveted main match slot on the final day.

Youth Weeks in Full Swing

The rugby action has already kicked off with the FNB Grant Khomo Week, which began on Monday, 30 June at St Alban’s College in Pretoria. Since its inception in 2003, this tournament has helped launch the careers of many future Springboks, giving fans a glimpse into the next generation of greatness.

Simultaneously, the FNB U18 Girls Week and FNB U16 Girls Week are underway at Queen’s High School in Johannesburg. These events are pivotal to the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa and are especially significant this year, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup set to take place in August.

Voices of Support

“The development of sporting talent is a long-term journey, and the FNB Youth Weeks are more than just rugby matches; they are a celebration of South African school sports and the spirit of competition. Through the support of these iconic events, FNB is helping to shape the future of South African sport, ensuring that young athletes have the platform and resources they need to reach their full potential.”
— Brad Guymer, Sponsorship Lead, FNB South Africa

“These Youth Weeks are more than just tournaments — they are where futures are shaped. At SuperSport Schools, we’re proud to bring South Africans the sport they care about most and we remain committed to ensuring that these stories of determination, talent and passion are captured and shared with the world. The boys and girls on these fields today are your future Springboks and World Cup winners.”
— Thando Bakumeni, General Manager, SuperSport Schools