The 12th edition of the Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week kicks off from September 28 to October 1 at HTS Drostdy in Worcester in the Western Cape. The theme for this year’s edition is “Beyond the Try Line.”
A flagship rugby development initiative of the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA), Iqhawe Week gathers 16 representative U15 teams from across the country, putting a spotlight on players from non-traditional rugby schools who have been identified through SARLA’s Vuka Rugby programme.
Creating Pathways and Milestones
The tournament offers exposure comparable to Craven Week and Grant Khomo Week. Some of the highlights include:
- 20 players secured scholarships to prominent traditional rugby schools following the 2025 tournament.
- The 2026 Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe XV invitational team won two matches at Grant Khomo Week.
- 16 former players featured in 2026 provincial youth-week teams.
- Standout alumni include Ncutu Kepe (Border Craven Week, SA Schools), Ngcali Nonxuba (Westville Boys’ High Head Boy for 2026), and Mawande Mdanda who played for the KwaZulu-Natal Iqhawe team and regional Vuka rugby structures from a non-traditional background before earning a scholarship to Maritzburg College.
25 Years of Developing South African Rugby
The event aligns with SARLA’s 25th anniversary.
“Through our Vuka Rugby Programme and Iqhawe Week, we have made a meaningful contribution towards the growth of rugby in South Africa, and we are committed to continuing this work,” said SARLA CEO Marius Schoeman.
Hollywood Foundation returns as title sponsor for a fifth consecutive year.
“This tournament has become an important platform for young players to showcase their talent and access life-changing opportunities,” said Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager for the Hollywood Group.
Broadcast Coverage
Matches take place on 28 and 29 September and 01 October 2026, with coverage on the SuperSport Schools app, Channel 216, and SA Rugby Legends TV.
