Rugby
Blue Bulls, WP flex their muscles at U13 Craven Week─── MORGAN PIEK 08:15 Fri, 03 Jul 2026
On a bitterly cold day in Bloemfontein, day of the U13 Craven Week at Grey College produced another thrilling day of schoolboy rugby, with several teams delivering strong performances, while others had to dig deep to secure hard-fought results.
The Blue Bulls were among the standout performers as they powered their way to an emphatic 57–0 win over Namibia. Western Province was equally impressive, producing a clinical and well-organised display to run riot in a 50–0 victory against Griquas and underline their quality at the prestigious tournament.
One of the most dramatic matches of the day saw Free State and the Valke share the honours in an entertaining 17–17 draw. The hosts had suffered heartbreak in both of their previous matches, losing by a single point after late scores, but this time it was Free State who struck at the death with a try on the stroke of full-time to secure a deserved draw.
The Western Province captain powers over the line. Photo: Morgan Piek
The Leopards also caught the eye with a convincing 39–12 win over the Pumas. The boys from the North West shifted through the gears in the second half, producing a dominant finish to stun the Lowvelders.
The Sharks delivered a strong all-round performance to beat Border 27–15, while Eastern Province showed great composure to hold off a determined Limpopo Blue Bulls outfit for a narrow 27–20 victory.
Scoring tries was too easy for Western Province against the team from the Northern Cape. Photo: Morgan Piek
SWD produced the biggest scoreline of the day as they continued their outstanding tournament with a commanding 67–3 win over the Griffons. Boland, meanwhile, edged the Golden Lions 14–7 in a physical and closely contested encounter.
Academy Week action delivers more excitement
In the U13 Academy Week fixtures, Zimbabwe impressed with a solid 32–15 victory against Border Country Districts, while the Limpopo Blue Bulls got the better of Free State with a 22–10 win.
The Leopards and Pumas game was a thrilling affair with the youngsters from the North West shifting gears in the second half. Photo: Morgan Piek
Boland recorded a 26–17 victory over Eastern Province, while the Golden Lions were in ruthless form as they cruised to a dominant 52–7 win against the Valke.
The Griffons also enjoyed success with a convincing 40–12 victory over the Pumas, while the Leopards’ defence stood firm as they kept Border scoreless in a 10–0 win.
The Valke going in for a try against the Free State. Photo: Morgan Piek
The Blue Bulls claimed bragging rights with a strong 31–7 victory against the Sharks, while Western Province completed an impressive day in Bloemfontein with a commanding 47–12 win over SWD.
With the next generation of South African rugby stars on display, the action at Grey College once again highlighted the incredible depth of talent coming through the country’s junior structures.
The tournament will conclude on Friday, with matches taking place across four fields – the main field, the Oval, Windmill A and Windmill B – as the country’s best young players look to finish their week on a high.
U13 Craven Week – Day 3 Results
• Blue Bulls 57–0 Namibia
• Western Province 50–0 Griquas
• Free State 17–17 Valke
• Leopards 39–12 Pumas
• Sharks 27–15 Border
• Eastern Province 27–20 Limpopo Blue Bulls
• SWD 67–3 Griffons
• Boland 14–7 Golden Lions
U13 Academy Week – Day 3 Results
• Zimbabwe 32–15 Border Country Districts
• Limpopo Blue Bulls 22–10 Free State
• Boland 26–17 Eastern Province
• Golden Lions 52–7 Valke
• Griffons 40–12 Pumas
• Leopards 10–0 Border
• Blue Bulls 31–7 Sharks
• Western Province 47–12 SWD
