By JN Reporter

The 2025 FNB U18 Craven Week, set to kick off on Monday, marks the 60th edition of the iconic tournament.
 
Hosted in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, the tournament will see a repeat of a mouthwatering clash between the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions in the main curtain raiser for the day. The tournament, which began in East London in 1964, will be hosted from 7 to 12 July at Middelburg High School.
 
This will be the third time Middelburg hosts the prestigious week, having previously welcomed it in 1978 and 2014.
 
According to organisers, over the decades, Craven Week has remained a proven platform for rising stars, offering a clear pathway from school rugby to senior professional levels.
 
“For many, it is the start of something bigger, where dreams begin to take flight. All eyes will be on Western Province, the perennial powerhouse of the tournament, who arrive as favourites once more. With 15 consecutive wins, including a 37–24 triumph over Free State in last year’s main match in Krugersdorp, they remain the team to beat. The Sharks, however, have also built a formidable squad and are serious contenders to feature in the headline fixture on the final day,” explained organisers in a statement.
 
The Youth Weeks action has already kicked off with the FNB Grant Khomo Week, which got underway on Monday, 30 June at St Alban’s College in Pretoria. Since its inception in 2003, the tournament has been a launchpad for numerous future Springboks, giving fans a first look at the next generation of greats.
 
Meanwhile, the FNB U18 Girls Week and FNB U16 Girls Week are taking place at Queen’s High School in Johannesburg.
 
“These tournaments play an integral role in growing the women’s game, showcasing young talent and building towards the continued success of the Springbok Women’s team and this year the tournaments will have a heightened importance given that the Women’s Rugby World Cup will take place in August.”