Durbanville's extensive use of post-matrics has caused an uproar in the Western Cape Schoolboy rugby circles. to such extent that the WPHSRA clarified the use of post matrics in a letter circulated to all Principals, Coaches and Sports Administrators affiliated with the WPHSRA.
"The following is to inform our affiliates of the "Post Matric" issue that has been circulating since the start of the 2023 rugby matches.
We as WPHSRA, have erred in not applying the full SASRA explanation of the eligibility of learners who wrote their Matric examinations, to play in our leagues. We have previously taken a decision that Post Matrics (learners who wrote their matric examination), are ONLY eligible to play WPHSRA fixtures if they are registered at the school where they finished matric and are still under 19. They should then be registered with WCED and attend school regularly for all seven (7) subjects. This will be applied for this season until October 2023"
According to informed sources, it was decided at a meeting on 01 April 2023, that Durbanville may no longer play one pupil who matriculated elsewhere in the Western Cape for the rest of the season. Durbanville decided to ignore the ruling of the WPHSRA and played this boy this past weekend against Drostdy HTS.
It was also mentioned that several Premier "B" schools are in the process to cancel their fixtures against Durbanville.
According to a Durbanville opinion, the match does not form part of the WPHSRA fixtures therefore they did not do anything wrong. He also confirmed to me that also included in their 1stXV against Drostdy HTS were three boys that matriculated in 2022 at Durbanville.
A top school was also mentioned that competes with two post-matrics (Southern Cape) while allegations were made of a high school in Limpopo where boys transferred from Gauteng in their grade twelve year during 2022, their registration to write matric was cancelled and are therefore not post-matrics. We will investigate and report when confirmation was received.