The top ten schools in South Africa will take on ten of the best schoolboy rugby teams from around the world at the inaugural World Schools Festival in Paarl.

The international event will be hosted by Paarl Boys’ High School between 2-7 April this year as part of the institution’s 150-year anniversary celebrations.

Aside from the hosts, local participating schools will include Afrikaanse Seuns, Boland Landbou, Glenwood, Monument, Grey College, Outeniqua, Oakdale, Paarl Gymnasium and Hilton College.

The overseas schools taking part will be announced closer to the event.

Aside from showcasing global stars of the future, some of the world’s best coaches will also be invited to the tournament to work with the youngsters and local coaches, in order to assist in driving development by raising domestic standards across the board.

Fulfilling a dream by providing a platform for local talent to face the best schools from around the world on home soil, Carinat Sports Marketing managing director Heyneke Meyer believes the event will offer all participants a life-changing opportunity.

“I’ve always coached rugby because I believe in making a difference in people’s lives, and I truly believe this event can do that,” says Meyer, a renowned coach who has mentored the Springboks and the Bulls.

“Rugby is not only about competing hard on the field, but also making friendships for life off the field, so this tournament will give something back to the game by making a difference and developing rugby in South Africa.

“I’m really excited about it and really looking forward to some great games,” continued Meyer.

“We look forward to hosting the world’s most promising young rugby players,” says Paarl Boys headmaster Derek Swart.

“We have firmly established our place among the best rugby schools in the country, and this gives the players a chance to test themselves against rising young stars from around the world.”

Paarl Boys head coach Sean Erasmus is eager to see his team in action at a whole new level, as they look to celebrate the school’s anniversary in style.

“It’s definitely going to boost the boys, and it’s an ideal opportunity for the South African sides to band together and measure themselves against the best from across the world.”

Having already received significant support from the international rugby fraternity, final processes are also in place to gain official recognition from rugby bodies beyond the realms of school sport.

“This tournament will give talented young players an opportunity to measure themselves at the highest level of their age group,” says Jon Phelps, a founding partner of event organisers Carinat Sports Marketing.

“It also gives fans a chance to watch these young players in action,” said former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers De Villiers says.

“By developing the game at school level, we will see that success flowing into the senior game, and hopefully more international contests like this will be launched.”