Craven Week 2023

The 2023 Craven Week will take place in George this year. Photo: SA Rugby.

George to host 2023 U18 Craven Week

Hoërskool Outeniqua in George will host the 2023 U18 Craven Week tournament.

Craven Week 2023

The 2023 Craven Week will take place in George this year. Photo: SA Rugby.

SA Rugby have confirmed the dates and venues for this year’s editions of the U18 Craven Week, U16 Grant Khomo Week, and Girls Weeks for U18s and U16s.

SA Rugby confirmed on Friday that four Youth Week tournaments – Craven Week, Grant Khomo Week and the Girls Weeks for U18s and U16s – will take place in George, Stellenbosch and Johannesburg during the mid-year school holidays, from 26 June to 14 July.

ALSO READ: Schoolboys banned after testing positive for steroids at 2022 Craven Week

YOUTH WEEKS: VENUES AND DATES CONFIRMED

The Youth Weeks programme will start with the U16 Grant Khomo Week at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Fields in Stellenbosch (26 to 30 June), followed by the U18 Craven Week from 3 to 7 July at Hoërskool Outeniqua in George, with the school celebrating its centenary year.

The programme will conclude with the two Girls Weeks (U16 and U18), which will run simultaneously at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg from 10 to 14 July.

ALSO READ: Craven Week cancelled in light of Covid-19, SA Rugby confirms

YOUTH WEEKS A KEY DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY FOR SA RUGBY

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said it was good for the governing body to host these Youth Weeks, as they were a key component in the Elite Player Development (EPD) pathway.

“The SA Rugby Youth Weeks returned last year after a two-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it was amazing to see the excitement amongst our best schools’ players to represent their provinces,” said Oberholzer.

“This year, we are hosting the four Youth Weeks at schools who have a rich history in South African rugby, and we are grateful to these institutions, their provincial unions and the local organising committees for their assistance.

“We are still under financial strain, which means we can’t host all seven of our traditional Youth Weeks, but plans have been made to ensure as many players as possible get the opportunity to don their provincial colours.

“I would also like to thank our partners and suppliers for their fantastic support and playing a crucial role in assisting these young players realise their dreams, especially Stadio, McDonald’s and Freddy Hirsch.”

The South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA), in cooperation with the relevant provincial schools’ bodies, will organize the the U18 Academy Week (Johannesburg), U13 Craven Week (Pietermaritzburg) and the LSEN Week (Welkom).

Youth Weeks programme 2023:

Under-16 Grant Khomo Week
Venue: Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch
Date: 26 June to 30 June

Under-18 Craven Week
Venue: Hoërskool Outeniqua, George
Date: 3 July to7 July

Under-16 and Under-18 Girls Weeks
Venue: Jeppe High School for Boys, Johannesburg
Date: 10 to 14 July

ACTION FROM THE 2022 CRAVEN WEEK TOURNAMENT

Craven Week 2023 action
Action from the 2022 Craven Week. Photo: SA Rugby.