Cape Town - The inaugural World Schools Festival will go ahead as planned in Paarl later this year.

The international rugby event, which will feature the top 10 schools in South Africa and 10 of the best school teams from around the world, will be hosted by Paarl Boys' High School as part of the institution's 150-year anniversary celebrations.

The event is scheduled for April 2-7, 2018.

Despite the current Western Cape drought, the school insists that the festival, along with the annual Craven Week set to be held at the same venue, would not be cancelled.

According to SA Rugbymag, two additional boreholes have been drilled near the school, with the water tested and confirmed to be of acceptable drinking quality, while a sponsor will also provide drinking water for the festival.

The event is the brainchild of former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
 
Aside from the hosts, local participating schools will include Affies, Boland Landbou, Glenwood, Monument, Grey College, Outeniqua, Oakdale, Paarl Gymnasium and Hilton College.
 
The overseas schools taking part will be announced closer to the event.

Meyer, the current managing director for Carinat Sports Marketing, believes the event will offer all participants a life-changing opportunity.

"I've always coached rugby because I believe in making a difference in people's lives, and I truly believe this event can do that," Meyer said last month.

"Rugby is not only about competing hard on the field, but also making friendships for life off the field, so this tournament will give something back to the game by making a difference and developing rugby in South Africa.

"I'm really excited about it and really looking forward to some great games. It's a tremendous new project for Carinat in South Africa and we are looking forward to building the Festival over the coming years."