Eastern Province claimed the 2026 SA Rugby U21 Shield title at Otto du Plessis High School in Gqeberha on Saturday, overturning a seven-point half-time deficit to beat Griquas 36-24 in a compelling final.
Griquas dominated the opening half, with Luke Davids, Grante Savage and Aiden Holtzhausen all crossing for converted tries — Blane Marais converting all three and adding a penalty — to lead 24-17 at the break. EP kept themselves in contention through tries from Lu-Craine Muggels, Ruwaan Zealand and Sean van Zijl.
The second half told a different story. EP tightened their defence and wore Griquas down through sustained phase-play, with Zealand and Van Zijl both adding second tries to their tallies, joined by Owen Breda. Lyle Meintjies converted three of the six EP tries as the hosts outscored Griquas 19-0 after the break to seal a 12-point win.
The match was interrupted by yellow cards for Griquas' Dwayne Lubbe and Mvelo Ndwalane, as well as EP's Cameron Doyle.