Paarl Gim vs Boishaai 2025: The Ultimate Schoolboy Rugby Showdown!

The rumble in Paarl is coming! Forget the pros, this weekend all eyes are on the epic clash: Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High. This isn't just a game; it's a battle for bragging rights, steeped in history and overflowing with school pride. Mark Keohane of TimesLIVE argues that this derby eclipses all other rugby matches in South Africa this weekend.

More Than Just a Game: It's Identity

Faure Street Stadium will be packed to the rafters as Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High lock horns. Keohane emphasizes that this fixture is about identity, transcending rankings and even televised international matches. It's about legacy, family, and the fierce rivalry that defines the region. He puts it bluntly: “It’s blood.”

Gim's Unbeaten Streak vs. Boishaai's Battle-Hardened Team

Paarl Gim boasts an impressive 16-match unbeaten streak, fueled by the exceptional talent of Markus Muller, the Stormers-bound centre. Keohane praises Muller for his all-around contribution: “every try, try assist, tackle, conversion, penalty kick and turnover.” But Boishaai, with 15 victories under their belt, are no pushovers. They are battle-tested and ready to challenge Gim's dominance. Keohane predicts that the match will feature “a handful of future Test Springboks.”

Last year, Gim triumphed over Boishaai with a score of 30-8. However, Keohane cautions against complacency, reminding everyone that the Paarl derby often comes down to the wire: “so often it has come down to the last play of the game”. Form is irrelevant; this match writes its own story.

Keohane also gives a shout-out to Jack Cloete, the No 10 who doubled as scrumhalf in Paarl Boys High’s win. He notes that Jack's father, Craig Cloete, was also a talented schoolboy player.

Get ready for a thrilling encounter as these two rugby powerhouses collide! The Paarl derby is more than just a game; it's a spectacle you won't want to miss.