The 2025 NMI Toyota North/South Tournament at Paul Roos Gymnasium delivered an unforgettable spectacle of schoolboy rugby, showcasing some of the brightest talents from across South Africa. The level of competition was fierce, and with so much quality on display, selecting a Team of the Tournament was no easy feat. Yet, after four days of high-octane action, these are the players who made the biggest impact on the field.
With so much talent on display, picking just 15 players was a challenge. Many players put their hands up, but these were our top picks:
15) Lamla Mgedezi (Grey College)
There were those who questioned our decision to put Mgedezi in our 5 rookies to watch earlier in the year; many said he would be a cherry on top rather than a core piece. The lightning-quick fullback has silenced his critics with epic performances, including a hat-trick that got his team over the line against a tough Noordheuwel outfit. Expect him to truly shine this year.
Honorable mentions: Valrhino Olckers (Durbanville), Keenan Stoffels (Paul Roos), Quewinn Lackay (SACS)
14) Jordan Steenkamp (Paul Roos)
Born to finish, Steenkamp followed up his epic Western Province Schools Day performance with a dominant display at the festival. His speed off the mark is something to behold, and his consistency on the big stage is remarkable. A big player for the big occasion.
Honorable mentions: Johan Kleynhans (Paarl Gim), Ralton Rhode (Stellenberg), Bradley Snyers (Rustenburg)
13) Markus Muller (Paarl Gim)
A try-scoring machine, Muller has set the benchmark for school rugby centers. His ability to finish from any angle, break tackles, and dominate defensively makes him one of the most exciting prospects. Truly a special talent, Muller is destined for greatness.
Honorable mentions: Randall-John Davids (Rondebosch), Ethan Adams (Grey College), Blake de Kock (Boland Landbou)
12) Dylan Stumke (Menlopark)
The dark horse of the tournament, Stumke announced himself on the schools scene with a combination of raw power and tactical intelligence. A true game-changer who keeps defenders guessing.
Honorable mentions: Matthew Galpin (Rondebosch), Ethan Barker (Paarl Gim), Armand Potgieter (Stellenberg)
11) Caleb Bell (Rondebosch)
Bell’s electric speed and passion for the game make him a crowd favorite. His ability to beat defenders and play with unyielding energy set him apart as one of the most dynamic wingers at the tournament.
Honorable mentions: Myburgh Eksteen (Oakdale), Deveno Barnardo (Outeniqua), Jadon Ocks (Boland Landbou)
10) Travis Pheiffer (Paul Roos)
Displaying maturity beyond his years, Pheiffer was composed and clinical throughout the tournament. His goal-kicking under pressure and control of the game were reminiscent of seasoned professionals.
Honorable mentions: Francois van der Merwe (Paarl Boys), Ruben Groenewald (Affies), Jeandre Uithaler (Noordheuwel)
9) Jayden Brits (Boland Landbou)
The heartbeat of Boland’s attack, Brits set the tempo with quick distribution and sniping runs. His tactical kicking and ability to exploit gaps were second to none.
Honorable mentions: Sherwin Buys (Grey College), Matt Forbes (SACS), Derrick Kuhn (Garsfontein)
8) Quintin Potgieter (Paarl Gim)
A workhorse and a warrior, Potgieter led by example with powerful carries and dominant breakdown work. He let his performance do the talking and earned his place through sheer hard work.
Honorable mentions: Jakobus de Villiers (Oakdale), Gert Kemp (Paul Roos), Stefan Macdonald (Affies)
7) Josh Neill (Rondebosch)
A natural-born leader and relentless in both attack and defense, Neill’s work rate and commitment were unrivaled. Easily one of the best players to come out of Rondebosch in recent years.
Honorable mentions: Wian Muller (Voortrekker), Albert Smit (Affies), Luke Kent (Paul Roos)
6) Xander Smit (Grey College)
Like his brother JH, Smit has made the number 6 jersey his own. His work ethic and physicality were unmatched, making him a cornerstone of Grey College’s dominant pack.
Honorable mentions: Alutha Wesi (Rondebosch), Wege van Zyl (Paarl Boys), Dylan van Wyk (Paul Roos)
5) Juvan Burden (Stellenberg)
A big, athletic lock who looks anything but a rookie. Dominant in the lineouts and physically imposing in open play, Burdern is a star in the making.
Honorable mentions: Jayden Joubert (Paarl Boys), Christiaan de Wet (Affies), Jean Dreyer (Paarl Gim)
4) Gershom Pieters (Paarl Boys)
Commanding and relentless, Pieters was the backbone of Paarl Boys’ set-piece success. His work rate in tight phases made him a vital part of their strategy.
Honorable mentions: JJ Fourie (Garsfontein), Diaan Augustyn (Oakdale), Migael Turner (Paarl Gim)
3) Luan van den Berg (Garsfontein)
An old-school prop built for the modern game. Van den Berg’s scrummaging power and solid carrying made him a dominant force up front.
Honorable mentions: Matthew Prins (Outeniqua), Ockert Grobler (Rustenburg), Henry Rudder (Boland Landbou)
2) Clinton Agu (Noordheuwel)
A warrior for Noordheuwel, Agu’s physical presence and lineout accuracy set him apart. His grit and determination kept his team in the fight throughout the tournament.
Honorable mentions: Phillipus Swart (Affies), Tian Fourie (Grey College), Adrian Smith (Oakdale)
1) Qawe Sawuka (SACS)
Explosive around the breakdown and powerful in the scrums, Sawuka’s two-try performance showcased his strength and versatility. An invaluable player for SACS.
Honorable mentions: Lindelani Nkambule (Jeppe), Kai Pratt (Oakdale), Zak Hickman (Paul Roos)
