Friday’s (5 September) matches were played in scorching Lowveld heat, testing players’ stamina and determination. By Saturday (6 September), however, the weather had turned cool and windy, a welcome relief for athletes and spectators alike. The contrasting conditions added an extra layer of drama to an already exciting event.
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A total of 30 boys teams competed across the U/17 and U/15 divisions, producing high-intensity fast rugby throughout.
In the U/17 category, Hoërskool Bergvlam claimed the prestigious Cup title, while Penryn College lifted the Plate, Hoërskool Patriot the Bowl, Witbank High the Shield, Curro Nelspruit the Spoon, and Lowveld High the T-spoon. In the U/15 division, hosts Barberton High delighted home supporters by taking the Cup, followed by Hoërskool Nelspruit (Plate), Bergvlam (Bowl), Generaal Hertzog (Shield), Witbank High (Spoon), and Lowveld High (T-spoon).
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For the first time, seven girls’ teams participated in the U/17 and U/15 divisions, marking a historic step forward for the tournament. In the U/17 category, Coovadia High walked away with the Cup, Lowveld High took the Plate, and Bergvlam secured the Bowl. In the U/15 competition, Lowveld High clinched the Cup, Steelpoort earned the Plate, and Coovadia High collected the Bowl.
The inclusion of the girls’ teams was met with resounding support and excitement from parents, teachers, and fellow players. Their skill, energy, and determination sent a clear message: schoolgirl rugby is here to stay.
As the final whistles blew late on Saturday afternoon, players left the field knowing they had been part of something truly special. The 2025 BUCO Makhonjwa Sevens Tournament will be remembered for its fierce competition, weather extremes, and above all, the historic moment when girls proudly took their place on the rugby stage.
Johan Theron, sport organiser of Hoërskool Barberton says it was a delight to experience the joy of the players at the prize-giving ceremony.
“The support of our sponsors made this event possible and we appreciate what they have done for our children. This is the only tournament in Mpumalanga that accommodates girl teams and that was a big highlight. We are very proud of our u/15 boys who won the Buco Makhonjwa Sevens 2025 cup and the second place of our u/15 girls. We are very grateful for our main sponsor, Buco, for its support over the past six years,” he says.
The coach of Hoërskool Bergvlam’s girls’ teams, Cobus van Niekerk, says the school made history this past weekend by having girls compete in rugby for the very first time at the Barberton Sevens Tournament.
“Amazingly, the team only started playing together two weeks ago, yet they showed incredible spirit, determination, and enthusiasm throughout the event. The girls thoroughly enjoyed every match, learning and growing with each game, and their efforts were rewarded by winning the U17 Girls Bowl. It was a truly memorable first step for our school’s girls’ rugby journey, and we are excited for what lies ahead,” he says.
Hennie Oosthuize, the coach of Hoërskool Bergvlam u/17 team, says winning the Cup at the tournament was a big highlight for the team.
“We have never progressed to a point where we played for position one and two in a sevens tournament,” he says.
