After a two-year break due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Standard Bank Schools Festival season is back in action, and Standard Bank will once again play sponsor to the much-anticipated rugby events, which are set to take place from the 14-18 April at various host schools across the country.

This year, sports fans will be able to witness the action on the side-lines of the fields as teams from SA’s top rugby-playing schools go head-to-head in a series of matches to be played at different festivals over the course of the Easter weekend to be held at St Stithians College, St Johns College, King Edward School and Kearsney College.

“The Standard Bank Easter School’s Festival has become an invaluable platform for promoting the development of SA school rugby culture and growth since its inception. It provides the opportunity for a diversity of young players to display their innate talents on the rugby field, and it is no secret that this is where provincial selection often takes place – the next step in the journey that many young players only dream of realising,” says Lindy-Lou Alexander, Brand and Marketing Head: Consumer and High Net Worth at Standard Bank South Africa.

Over the years, the Standard Bank Schools Festival has produced top rugby players who have gone on to pursue professional rugby careers and represented South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.

The festival gives a glimpse into one of the most loyal community sets, from students, parents, old boys (alumni) and coaches all the way to medics, matrons, and groundsmen. While the heart of the tournament is centred on rugby and promoting true sportsmanship, it is also an event that brings together communities and families.

She adds that Standard Bank remains committed to supporting the development of sports in schools by sponsoring the Easter festivals and through other initiatives aimed at growing sports in the country due to the social and economic development benefits it provides. “Our purpose is as follows: Africa is our home; we drive her growth. But this can only be achieved if everyone is given the opportunity to develop and grow,” Alexander notes.

“Standard Bank sees this festival as an opportunity to not only support and nurture the leaders of the future, but also to fulfil one of our most vital philosophies: to connect with our valued customers, we are dedicated to developing ongoing partnerships with people. We help them to prepare for their big ‘next’ – life’s milestones – to ensure they realise their dreams through sport and education. These partnerships become important to young customers as they progress from the supportive school environment to tertiary education level where they need greater personal independence and commitment to their studies to succeed. Our best wishes go to all the young sportsmen who are competing this season. Standard Bank encourages them to give their best for their teams and bring their possibilities to life.”