St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School and Helen Franz Special School emerged as champions in the girls’ categories at the seventh annual RCS Rising Star Tennis National Schools Finals. The three-day championship, which brought together the country’s top qualifying school teams and wildcard entries to celebrate young talent and another milestone year for school tennis in South Africa, concluded at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School claimed the primary school girls’ title, while Helen Franz Special School enjoyed an outstanding championship in the wheelchair tennis division, retaining the girls’ title it won in 2025.
The 2026 edition marked the programme’s most successful and expansive year to date, with 891 school-team entries recorded nationwide, a 6.7% increase on the previous year. The competition showcased emerging talent, sportsmanship and the power of sport to create opportunities for young people.
Since its launch in the 2019/20 season with 361 entries, the RCS Rising Star Tennis programme has more than doubled in scale. By offering free participation to primary school learners and learners at special schools, the programme continues to help remove financial barriers and broaden access to tennis across communities.
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Regan Adams, CEO of sponsor RCS, congratulated the participants and reflected on the company’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent.
“Congratulations to all our RCS Rising Star Tennis champions! It has been inspiring to witness the excitement, enthusiasm and passion these young players bring to the game. At RCS, we believe in the Power of Possible, and we’re proud to play a part in creating opportunities for young talent to grow, shine and realise their potential, both on and off the court.”
Tennis South Africa General Manager Anthony Moruthane highlighted the programme’s impact on broadening access to the sport and developing the next generation of tennis players.
“The true success of Rising Star Tennis lies in breaking barriers, creating opportunities for children of all backgrounds and abilities, and inspiring future champions. Congratulations to all our winners and participants, and thank you to RCS, our schools, teachers, parents and coaches for their continued support. As we look towards our eighth edition, we remain committed to nurturing young talent and making tennis a sport for all,” said Moruthane.
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After a weekend of fiercely contested matches, the 2026 National Schools Finals produced outstanding performances across the primary school and wheelchair tennis categories.
Primary School Girls Medal Positions
1. St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School (Gauteng)
2. Laerskool Saamtrek (North West)
3. Laerskool George-Suid (Western Cape)
Wheelchair Tennis Girls Medal Positions
1. Helen Franz Special School (Limpopo)
2. Vukuzenzele Special School (Eastern Cape)
3. Ithembelihle LSEN School (Gauteng)
Original Copy: Tennis SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Georgia Frankish won her match against Lua Pfister of Laerskool Saamtrek as St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School beat their North West rivals 2-0 in the primary school girls’ final at the RCS Rising Star Tennis National Schools Finals, which concluded at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni on Sunday, 1 November 2026. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Pfister and her Laerskool Saamtrek teammates reached the final as ninth seeds after beating top seeds Laerskool George-Suid 2-1 in the semi-finals.
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