Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (GHS) is proud to host the inaugural Nashua Green Elly Rugby Festival, a groundbreaking celebration of women’s sport in South Africa.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Pieter Booysen Sports Park, this landmark event will be the first-ever full 15-a-side U18 rugby festival for girls at high school level.

Inspired by the Lady Springboks’ trailblazing performance at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the festival aims to showcase female rugby talent, break barriers, and create pathways for young women in rugby.

A Festival of Resilience and Pride

The festival has already attracted 10 confirmed teams, with up to 260 players expected to participate. Each team will play two matches during the day, with selectors forming a prestigious All Stars team to highlight the best emerging talent.

The event will be branded under the cherished “Green Elly” emblem, a symbol of GHS’s 106-year legacy of resilience and pride, deeply rooted in the Msunduzi and Umgungundlovu region.

Nashua Partnership

GHS proudly welcomes Nashua as Title Sponsor, whose support underscores a shared vision of empowerment through sport. Sponsorship benefits include:

● Naming rights and branding across media platforms
● Livestream coverage via SuperSport Schools
● Branded tee-shirts, prizes, and goodie bags for every player
● Transport subsidies to ensure inclusivity and accessibility

“Through this partnership, Nashua’s sponsorship will not only elevate sport at GHS but also stand as a visible legacy of commitment to education, empowerment, and community development,” said the festival organizing committee.

Community and Media Engagement
The festival will be amplified through GHS’s strong digital platforms, with match highlights and inspirational stories shared widely. Nashua will spearhead a PR campaign, while the presence of celebrated players and public figures will add prestige and inspiration for young participants.

Confirmed Teams

Among the schools and clubs participating are:

● Grosvenor Girls’ High (Emeris)
● Newcastle High School
● Estcourt High School
● Durban Invitational
● Sarel Cilliers
● Ogwini Club
● Edendale Tech
● Mandlamthethwa School of Excellence
● Alexandra High School
● Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School

A Landmark for Women’s Rugby

With strong school participation, committed sponsorship, and a deliberate focus on inclusivity, the Nashua Green Elly Rugby Festival is set to become the premier annual girls’ rugby event in South Africa.

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