Paarl Boys’ High will not be taking part in next year’s World Schools Festival in Stellenbosch after hosting the event in April.

The festival, a brainchild of outgoing Boishaai coach Sean Erasmus and Heyneke Meyer, will be moving from Brug Street Stadium to Paul Roos’ Markotter Stadium next year.

However, Boishaai confirmed in a statement that they will be replaced by Boland Landbou, who were initially left out, next year.

‘Our initial contract with the event organisers, Carinat, gave us the option to extend the hosting for another two years, but after lengthy discussions, it was decided rather to move the tournament around among schools, similar to the Craven Week.

‘Unfortunately, Boland Landbou school missed out on a place in next year’s tournament due to initial uncertainty and late changes. As a result, Paarl Boys’ High withdrew from the 2019 tournament to give Boland Landbou school a place as we felt they were the innocent victims of these very late changes.

‘We would like to wish Paul Roos the best of luck with next year’s event and would like to see the World Schools Festival become the best showcase of schoolboy rugby in the world.’

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images