Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (GHS) will make history this weekend as it hosts its first-ever home mini
rugby festival on Saturday, 25 April 2026. The event marks a significant milestone in the school’s sporting
journey and underscores the growing importance of women’s sport in South Africa.

The festival will feature fixtures at the GHS Rugby Field, beginning at 8am with the U16 team taking on
Grosvenor Girls’ High. Teams from Kokstad Rugby Club and Estcourt High School will also compete, with
matches streamed live by SuperSport Schools to ensure broader visibility for the athletes.

“This is a proud moment for our school and for women’s rugby in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Mr Matthew Marwick,
Principal of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. “Hosting our first home rugby festival is not only about
celebrating sport but also about empowering young women to take their place on the field with confidence
and pride. We are committed to building a legacy where women’s sport is given the recognition it deserves.”

With full participation and support across the school, the festival also reflects the school’s ethos of
teamwork, leadership, and community involvement. Later in the year, from 1-4 October, the school will host
a bigger festival featuring 14 teams, held at UKZN.

South Africa has seen a surge in interest and investment in women’s sport, and events like this festival are
vital in sustaining momentum. By providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, GHS is
contributing to the national effort to break barriers and ensure equal opportunities for women in sport.