Dates set for Milton High rugby festival

SCOTT VINCENT

THE dates for the 2025 edition of the Milton Schools Rugby Festival have been confirmed, with the highly anticipated schoolboy tournament set to take place on April 11 and 12.

The two-day rugby extravaganza, expected to be bigger and better this year, will once again be hosted at its traditional venue, Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, with participating schools drawn from across Zimbabwe. The Botswana Under-19 national team is also set to join the competition.

A total of 15 local schools have confirmed their participation and will compete for top honours at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds. Each school will field two teams, an Under-16 side and a first team. Among the participants, Prince Edward is a notable new entry, having not competed last year.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Milton Boys High rugby teacher and tournament organiser, Lovemore Mangwiro, confirmed that preparations for the annual event are well underway and progressing smoothly.

“All is in place. Our preparations are already at an advanced stage. We want to ensure everything runs smoothly without any disruptions, and Hartsfield is undergoing improvements. For the second year running, we will also include girls’ teams, as we aim to offer equal opportunities for everyone to showcase their talents,” said Mangwiro.

With the calibre of schools participating, Mangwiro anticipates a thrilling weekend of top-quality rugby.

“It will be games galore—an action-packed two days of high-quality rugby from our schools. Tournaments like this are crucial for the growth and development of the game in Zimbabwe. We’re looking forward to an enthralling festival where I am confident the boys and girls will give their all on the field in pursuit of the trophies in their respective categories,” he added.

The participating schools include Prince Edward, Churchill, Christian Brothers College (CBC), Marondera, Goromonzi, Allan Wilson, Milton Boys High, Plumtree, Gifford High, Direct Academy, Petra College, Midlands Christian College (MCC), Botswana Under-19, Northlea, Entumbane, and Nkulumane.

Veteran referee, Simbarashe Danga, will officiate the tournament’s final as the guest referee. Danga is well-known in the Bulawayo schoolboy rugby scene, having previously served as the chairperson of the Matabeleland Rugby Referees Society.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Under-20 league, initially scheduled to kick off this past Saturday, has been postponed by two weeks.

The delay was confirmed by tournament director George Hlatshwayo, who cited logistical challenges as the cause. The Under-20 league traditionally serves as the season opener for rugby in the region. — @brandon_malvin.