South Africa's top young female rugby players gather for FNB Youth Weeks

Some of South Africa’s most promising young female rugby players have descended upon Queens High School in Johannesburg for the highly anticipated FNB U16 and U18 Girls Weeks, two major tournaments that are reshaping the future of women’s rugby in the country.

Running from 30 June to 4 July, these two tournaments are part of SA Rugby’s 2025 FNB Youth Weeks programme and serve as vital platforms for junior talent to showcase their skills on a national stage.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander hailed the importance of the event, calling it “nothing short of nation-shifting”.

“These tournaments are instruments of progress, opening rugby’s gates wider than ever before,” said Alexander. “Girls now have structured, high-profile avenues to express and elevate their talent – platforms that were unimaginable not long ago. This isn’t just about athletic development; it’s about transforming perceptions and normalising girls’ rugby as a proud, powerful part of our national sporting fabric.”

He added that SA Rugby’s investment in girls' rugby is helping rewrite the narrative of the sport in South Africa, sending a strong message that rugby excellence knows no gender.

“It’s a cultural shift that will echo into classrooms, homes, and communities—and eventually, into packed stadiums both here and abroad.”

Monday morning marks the official kickoff of the U18 competition, with Eastern Province facing the Leopards on the A Field. Over on the U16 side, Border will get the ball rolling as they take on a Golden Lions Invitational team in what promises to be an exciting start to the week.

With skill, determination, and pride on full display, the next few days at Queens High School will not only highlight future stars but also celebrate a growing movement in South African sport.