Milton Rugby Fest roars into action

Brandon Moyo

HARTSFIELD Rugby Grounds is bracing for an earth-shaking weekend as the 2025 Unforgettable Milton Rugby Festival kicks off in full throttle this Friday and Saturday — and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and includes girls in the scrum!

A total of 15 schools from across the country will descend on the iconic turf for what’s shaping up to be the most electrifying schoolboy (and schoolgirl!) rugby extravaganza Zimbabwe has seen in years.

Each school will field two teams — an Under-16 side and a First Team, with games running from as early as 07:20am. For the first time ever, the festival also features girls’ teams, setting the stage for a fierce display of youthful talent across the board.

“All is in place and we are ready for Friday and Saturday. It’s going to be massive,” said Lovemore Mangwiro, Milton Boys High rugby boss and festival organiser.

“Our preparations have gone well . . . and as you saw during the recently-ended Under-20 league, Hartsfield is in good condition.”

In a mouth-watering twist, Prince Edward — the fierce Tigers of Harare — will make their debut at this year’s festival. And in what promises to be a blockbuster grand finale, the boys from Harare will go head-to-head with Milton Elephants in the final match of the tournament — a traditional rugby grudge match that’s guaranteed to bring down the curtain in style!

“Once again, this year we will also have girls’ teams as we aim to offer equal opportunities for everyone to showcase their talents. You never know who is watching in the terraces, so I call on all players to give their all,” added Mangwiro.

The festival isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s about shaping the future of Zimbabwean rugby, one tackle at a time.

“It’s going to be a tournament to remember . . . All the participating teams will be using this tournament as part of their preparations for the upcoming season, so at the end of it all, rugby development will emerge the winner,” said Mangwiro.

“We are grateful to our partners. It will be two days of rugby galore and we are looking forward to seeing the future of Zimbabwean rugby in action.”

First Team battles will light up the main field, while Under-16s battle it out on the B-field. Add in the girls’ fiery matchups, and this festival isn’t just unforgettable — it’s unmissable.

So, whether you’re Team Elephant, Team Tiger, or just crazy about good rugby — Hartsfield is the place to be!