Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week 2026: SWD Eagles Crowned Champions in thrilling final

Worcester, Western Cape | October 2026

South Western District Eagles edged out defending champions Border in a hard-fought final to lift the Gavin Varejes Trophy at the 12th edition of the Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, which concluded at Higher Technical School Drostdy in Worcester on Thursday, October 1.

In a keenly contested encounter, the team from Oudtshoorn held their nerve to claim the 2026 title, capping off an outstanding week of schoolboy rugby that displayed the depth of emerging talent from across South Africa.

Organisers, talent scouts, and spectators agreed that this year’s tournament exceeded expectations, bringing together sixteen U15 teams representing rugby unions from across the country. The competition provided a national platform for promising young players from non-traditional rugby schools, as well as schools participating in the South African Rugby Legends Association’s (SARLA) Vuka Rugby development programme.

Iqhawe Week remains SARLA’s flagship rugby development initiative. This year’s tournament also marked the fifth anniversary of its partnership with the Hollywood Foundation, reaffirming their shared commitment to developing young rugby talent and creating opportunities for players from previously underrepresented communities.

“Each year, it just gets better and better,” said tournament director SARLA’s Jessie Claassen. “Iqhawe Week has become a pillar of rugby development at this age-group level. It not only gives players the opportunity to compete in a national tournament but also provides a pathway for talented youngsters to be identified for further development within South Africa’s rugby system,” he said.

From the opening day through to the final whistle on Thursday, October 1, the tournament delivered entertaining, competitive, and often hard-fought rugby, with teams displaying impressive skill, determination, and discipline.

The unofficial “final”  brought together two sides that had established themselves as the teams to beat following strong performances during the opening rounds. Defending champions Border, from East London, were determined to retain their title, while the SWD Eagles arrived with their sights firmly set on lifting the coveted Gavin Varejes Trophy.

From the opening whistle, neither team was prepared to give an inch. Both sides produced well-organised defensive performances, limiting scoring opportunities in a tense and closely fought contest.

Border took the early lead with a converted try and held their advantage until a penalty gave SWD their first points. The Eagles carried that momentum into the second half, scoring a converted try to move ahead. Their discipline and determination proved decisive as they held their nerve through the closing stages to secure the victory and the 2026 title.

“Once again, Iqhawe Week has provided a wonderful showcase of the depth of schoolboy rugby talent across the country,” said Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager of the Hollywood Group.

“The standard of rugby this year was incredible, and the tournament continues to play an important role in providing young players with opportunities to develop their talents and build brighter futures, both on and off the field.”

Heffer confirmed the Hollywood Foundation’s continued commitment to the tournament, with preparations already turning towards the next edition.

“We are proud to continue our support of Iqhawe Week and look forward to welcoming the tournament to Durban next year, where we hope to build on the success of this year’s event.”

Building a pathway beyond Iqhawe Week

The tournament’s impact extends beyond the final whistle, with player identification and development remaining central to SARLA’s objectives.

A squad drawn from this year’s tournament will soon be announced for selection into the Iqhawe XV, which is set to compete at the 2027 U16 Grant Khomo Week.

“Our 2026 Iqhawe XV team did us proud this year, winning two of their three matches,” said Claassen. “By identifying and selecting players directly after Iqhawe Week, we hope to track their progress and development in the months ahead, leading up to the team’s training camp for Grant Khomo Week.”

This structured approach reinforces Iqhawe Week’s role as an important stepping stone for talented young players, helping them progress from grassroots development into the broader provincial and national rugby pathways.

SARLA extends its sincere thanks to the Hollywood Foundation for its continued partnership and support, HTS Drostdy in Worcester for hosting the tournament, the Local Organising Committee and Boland Rugby Union, SA Rugby, Cell C, Deep Heat, Jive Cooldrinks, and all participating rugby unions whose contributions helped make the 2026 edition a success.

Their collective support continues to create meaningful opportunities for young players and strengthen the future of South African rugby.