Along with the two FNB Girls’ Weeks, the U16 tournament marks the start of SA Rugby’s annual FNB Youth Weeks programme – and 20 teams will compete across three match days, between 30 June and 4 July.

Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, said: “The FNB Youth Weeks have never been just tournaments. They are platforms where dreams take shape and potential is given a path.

“From the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week to the FNB U18 Craven Week as part of our broader player development pathways, they have served as engines of opportunity and inclusion, developing talent while also contributing to nation-building.

“These gatherings offer our young rugby players exposure, mentorship and competition, but more than that, they cultivate character, discipline and a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.”

The FNB Grant Khomo Week kicks off on Monday morning, with Zimbabwe tackling Border Country Districts on the Baloyi A Field at St Alban’s College. The Blue Bulls, who featured in last year’s unofficial final, will meet Boland at 13h30 on the Moshate Field.

Later in the day, the FNB Grant Khomo Week opening ceremony will be followed by a clash between Western Province – who finished the 2024 tournament unbeaten – and Free State on the Moshate Field.

The SA Rugby Legends’ Iqhawe XV are back on the roster for the first time since 2018 and this year, they will be coached by former Springbok centre and assistant coach Dick Muir. This invitational side start their campaign against Griquas.

Monday, 30 June schedule:
09h00: Zimbabwe v Border Country Districts, Baloyi A Field
09h30: Border v Leopards, Moshate Field
10h20: Valke v Limpopo Blue Bulls, Baloyi A Field
10h50: South Western Districts v Eastern Province, Moshate Field
11h40: Griffons v Namibia, Baloyi A Field
12h10: Sharks v Golden Lions, Moshate Field
13h00: Western Province XV v Pumas, Baloyi A Field
13h30: Blue Bulls v Boland, Moshate Field
14h45: Opening Ceremony, Moshate Field
15h15: Western Province v Free State, Moshate Field
15h15: Iqhawe XV v Griquas, Baloyi A Field