Rugby remains a cornerstone of the South African school-sporting landscape — and 2025 is no exception. Among dozens of excellent institutions, a small number of schools continue to stand out through results, traditions, talent production and elite fixtures. Here are some of the top schools in the country for rugby in 2025 — and what makes them special.
1. Paarl Boys’ High School (Western Cape)
2. Paarl Gimnasium (Western Cape)
Paarl Gimnasium remain perennial powerhouses. In the 2025 season they finished a very narrow second in the rankings, underlining how tightly contested the top is. SA School Sports+1 Their tradition, facilities and competitive fixtures make them a top option for serious young players. Key takeaway: If you’re looking for a school with elite rugby pedigree and consistently high standards, Paarl Gim is among the very top.
3. Grey College (Free State)
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Grey College continues to command national respect for its rugby programme. Their record of producing high-level players and sustained excellence has drawn international acclaim. SA People+1 In the 2025 rankings they hold a top‐three position. SA School Sports For families from outside the Free State, the draw is the combination of strong academics plus rugby excellence.
4. Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) (Gauteng)
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Affies remains Gauteng’s standout rugby school and a regular in the national top-rankings thanks to strong fixtures and player development. The South African+1 Choosing Affies offers access to the Pretoria region’s sports network, excellent academic standards and a school that takes rugby seriously.
5. Paul Roos Gymnasium (Western Cape)
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Paul Roos Gymnasium has featured not just at national but even Southern Hemisphere school-rugby levels — including a top ranking for school rugby performance internationally. 2oceansvibe In 2025 they continue to rank within the top five nationally. SA School Sports+1 This school is an excellent option for a combination of high‐performance rugby culture and strong academics.
