“It’s widely known that French clubs scout South African schoolboy events for top talent, and Stade Francais has indeed followed suit.”

“South Africa’s prestigious schoolboy rugby tournament, Craven Week, concluded in thrilling fashion last week, as Western Province triumphed over the Cheetahs 37-24 in the final match of the day.”

“South African Schoolboy Headed to Paris

The annual event gathers teams from across South Africa for a week of intense schoolboy rugby, showcasing some of the brightest young talents.

It’s not just a platform for coaches and fans to witness the emergence of future stars, but in recent times, it has also become a prime opportunity for French clubs to scout and recruit players for their academies.

This year, Stade Francais has seized the chance by securing the services of Lions standout Jacques Botha. At just 17 years old, Botha stands out for his impressive physical stature, towering at 2.06 meters and weighing 117 kilograms—making him taller and heavier than Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth.”