Following a meeting between SA Rugby and the SA Schools Rugby Association (SASRA), it was clear that SA Rugby, owners of the youth weeks, are intent on changing the hosting of the youth weeks to suit their needs, ignoring the requests of SASRA, representing the school rugby community, completely.
A request by SASRA that the U18 Craven Week and U18 Academy Week be hosted at the same venue was dismissed. SA Rugby made it clear at the mentioned meeting that they have taken the decision that the U18 Craven and Girls weeks and the U16 Grant Khomo and Girls weeks will be hosted together (same venue and time) from 2026.
Apparently, SA Rugby decided that it is more practical, aligns with their operational and commercial responsibilities and is logistically more efficient. The arrangement will also facilitate talent identification across the boys and girls tournaments.
SASRA, according to SA Rugby, will also be able to play a greater role in the Girls weeks if they are hosted together with the boys.
It was also made clear that it is essential that SASRA must be actively involved to help SARU raise the standards of the girls' game and impact on selections and how fixtures are arrived at without delay.
SA Rugby are not against hosting the U18 Academy nearby, and that it can be explored. However, it will have to be self-funded, and cannot compromise the Craven, GK and Girls weeks.
On the request that all the youth weeks must benefit from national sponsorships, SA Rugby made it clear that the share of sponsorships can not happen. SA Rugby have contractual obligations with the Commercial partners/ Sponsors for the U18 Craven and Girls weeks and the U16 Grant Khomo and U16 Girls weeks, only.