The inaugural World Schools Festival launched in April 2018 with 10 of the best rugby playing schools in South Africa join 10 teams from all 4 corners of the globe arrived at the wonderful Paarl Boys’ High School venue, as the first ever host, in their 150th Anniversary year.

The 2018 WSF was a huge success and immediately caught the imagination of schools rugby fans all over the world.

The 2019 edition staged in South Africa and saw the WSF move across to the SA springbok factory, Paul Roos Gynamsium in Stellenbosch. The event continued the success and interest where the inaugural edition left of with viewership rising to 1.39 million views and 3.1 million impressions.

In 2020 the WSF was ready to move to Pretoria, and be staged at Affies as part of their 100th Anniversary, but covid pandemic saw the Festival cancelled.

After a 2 year break the WSF will return in 2022 with a new date, new location and a brand new format will take the Festival to a new level and hopefully excite followers of schools rugby around the world.

But most importantly the WSF will continue to offer all participants a life-changing opportunity and experience; continue to bring the best schools rugby in the world, and showcase ‘school rugby’ style making it more accessibale for rugby fans.

2023 will see the expansion with more rugby categories being added, as for the first time a Girls competition.

WSF will also launch a Netball competition in 2023, with more sports for 2024 and beyond.