After a weekend of tactical battles and hard-fought results, the landscape of South African schoolboy rugby remains incredibly competitive. Stellenberg continue to be the story of the 2026 season, maintaining their position at the summit of the rankings following a series of commanding performances that have left traditional heavyhouses in their wake.
While these rankings serve as a barometer for current form rather than an official SANZAAR-style log, they highlight a significant shift in power dynamics across the provinces.
The Top Five: Garsfontein Surges, Grey College Slips
The battle at the very top is intensifying, with narrow margins separating the elite.
- Stellenberg Unshaken: With nine matches under their belt and a ranking points total of 21.911, the Bellville side remains the team to beat.
- Paarl Gim in Pursuit: Only a fraction of a point behind, Paarl Gim (2nd) remains within striking distance.
- Pretoria Power: Garsfontein provides the biggest shake-up in the top tier, surging into 4th place and overtaking Grey College (5th). It is a testament to the “Bere” and their ability to consistently punch above their weight against the Bloemfontein giants.
- The Winelands Core: Paul Roos (3rd) and Paarl Boys High (6th) remain firmly in the conversation, ensuring the Western Cape’s dominance in the top six.
Movement in the Top 20: Monument and Jeppe on the Rise
Beyond the top ten, several schools are making strategic climbs as the season enters its middle stretch.
- The Big Leap: Monument delivered a statement climb this week, jumping from 14th to 11th. They are now officially knocking on the door of the Top 10.
- Efficiency Leaders: Kearsney College has broken into the Top 20 despite having played only six matches—the fewest of any ranked team—highlighting the high quality of their limited outings.
- Joburg Momentum: Jeppe continues to build a head of steam, moving up two places to 18th.
SA Schools Rugby First XV Rankings: The Top 20
| Rank | Team | Played | Points |
| 1 | Stellenberg | 9 | 21.911 |
| 2 | Paarl Gim | 8 | 21.550 |
| 3 | Paul Roos Gym | 8 | 19.775 |
| 4 | Garsfontein | 8 | 19.463 |
| 5 | Grey College | 10 | 19.360 |
| 6 | Paarl Boys High | 7 | 18.629 |
| 7 | Affies | 10 | 18.230 |
| 8 | Hilton College | 7 | 17.900 |
| 9 | Oakdale | 8 | 17.413 |
| 10 | Northwood | 8 | 17.400 |
| 11 | Monument | 9 | 17.289 |
| 12 | Outeniqua | 9 | 17.278 |
| 13 | Maritzburg College | 8 | 17.175 |
| 14 | Michaelhouse | 8 | 16.838 |
| 15 | Rondebosch | 7 | 16.743 |
| 16 | Westville | 10 | 16.480 |
| 17 | DHS | 9 | 16.433 |
| 18 | Jeppe | 10 | 15.630 |
| 19 | Helpmekaar | 9 | 15.500 |
| 20 | Kearsney College | 6 | 15.450 |
