Are you spending Easter weekend at home and looking for pulsating action to entertain the entire family?
Look no further than the St Dunstan’s College 12th annual Easter Sports Festival 2026.
From April 2 to 6, 89 teams from 40 schools across Southern Africa will descend on Benoni, as they aim to shoot, score and convert their way to glory.
Up from last year’s 63 teams from 32 schools, St Dunstan’s will host 1 272 participants from schools from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, Zimbabwe and Namibia.College Rector Warwick Taylor said the festival is a launching pad for a season of thrilling winter sports.
“We are incredibly excited that this year we will be piloting a sevens rugby tournament along with festival staples, including 15-man rugby, netball and hockey,” he said.
“In an effort to continuously improve on previous years’ success, we decided to incorporate sevens rugby into this year’s programme.
“Every participant matters, and by optimising our offering, we aim to expose them to formats that will contribute to their sporting development and prepare them for future competitions.”
Taylor continued by saying that during festivals such as this, participating teams have their eyes firmly set on putting points on the board, inching up the leaderboard as they strive to return home as the ultimate winner.
“Good gamesmanship is the cornerstone of sport. Lines may be drawn on the field, but we endeavour to create an environment where friendships can be formed,” he said.
“I look forward to welcoming every participating boy and girl to our school and wish them a safe and enjoyable festival.
“May their love for the game burn with passion while triumphs and setbacks contribute to their personal development, both on and off the field.”
St Dunstan’s wing attack Hannah Gomes.
NetballFollowing last year’s success, the St Dunstan’s College netball team are hoping to shoot their way to securing a second consecutive festival win.
Under the guidance of then-skipper Denley McCulloch, the team beat Reddam Waterfall, claiming the 2025 champion’s title.
Leading from the front, McCulloch led from the front, displaying her leadership skills from the first blow of the whistle.
The team were undefeated with 10 wins and a draw from 11 matches, finishing top of the standings with 25 points, while scoring 478 goals and only conceding 193.
St Dunstan’s players prepare to bounce back at this year’s festival after a tough run last season.
RugbyOn the rugby field, the school’s team will be looking to improve on last year’s disappointing performance.They lost all three of their matches, while Hellenic Academy, Helpmekaar, Wise Owl, Hillcrest High and Lomagundi maintained their momentum, ended the competition undefeated.
St Dominic’s Jemma Ferreira (blue and white) was named the player of the tournament last year.
HockeyOut on the astro turf, St Dunstan’s hockey team has a score to settle.
They kick-started their 2025 festival campaign with a round-robin and knockouts, going undefeated, but lost the final on penalties to CBC Zimbabwe.
St Dunstan’s College rector Warwick Taylor with the undefeated St Dunstan’s College netball team, who claimed victory during last year’s Easter Sports Festival.
Get festive at the festival – here’s what you need to know• The St Dunstan’s College Easter Sports Festival runs over three days with the action-packed programme taking place on April 2, 4 and 6.• With 10 000 spectators expected to file through the gates throughout the three days, it promises to be a thrilling outing for young and old.• Secure parking will be available on the Preparatory School fields (President Kruger Street).• Entrance is R20 per person and learners in school uniform and those under the age of 13 years, enter for free.• Away from the try-lines supporters can look forward to a bustling entertainment zone, packed to the brim with lip-smacking food stalls, entertainment, market, refreshment areas as well as a dedicated Kids Zone.• Note that the festival is cash-less, so increase your daily limits and tap away.• Ample seating is available but if you prefer sitting back and enjoying a day of sporting action in comfort, load up the camp chairs.• No outside food, beverages or alcohol will be allowed so rather leave the refreshments to cool at home.• Strap on your sensible shoes and lather on the sunscreen for a weekend of fun, action and school’s sport at its best.
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