South African schools are spending millions of rands to strengthen their rugby teams.
The results are already shaking up the traditional pecking order.
Stellenberg have shocked Paarl Gym, Gray College and Paul Roos this season, Michaelhouse has upset the Effigies, while Garsfontein beat Stellenberg and Paarl Boys High, but lost to Jeppe.
Behind this increased competitiveness is a dramatic shift in funding, with top programs now investing millions to remain competitive – and to close the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging challengers.
According to data collected by relationship, Leading schools are spending an average of Rs 6 million annually on their first XV alone.
In some cases, the budget goes even higher, with up to R10 million allocated for scholarships to attract top young talent.
Those funds cover everything from coaching salaries and travel costs to recruitment drives.
Coaching has become a major investment area. At some of the wealthiest schools in the country, First XV coaches earn between R600,000 and R800,000 per year, with the total package exceeding R1 million in some cases.
Recruitment at junior level is also big business, with schools spending between R1.4-million and R1.8-million to assemble competitive U14 squads.
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Effies 1st XV coach Ruan Jacobs believes the commercialization of school rugby has been a major driver behind the increasingly competitive landscape.
“More and more schools are considering a model where a professional coach like MJ Mentz comes to the school team,” Jacobs explained. relationship. “That type of coach has already built the network necessary to obtain players for their school team.
“That's why school rugby has grown so much and is so strong.”
Jacobs also pointed to the role of broadcast performance.
“The commercial product has also improved with the advent of SuperSport Schools. You can now do marketing and get exposure for your sponsors through SuperSport Schools. It makes a lot of sense financially for a school.”