Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, visited Collège Charles III on the morning of Wednesday, November 5 to celebrate the winners of the second edition of the creative jersey design competition. The winning design will be worn by Monaco’s U16 national rugby sevens team at the International Tournament in Dubai later this month.
Organised by the Monegasque Rugby Federation in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and the Department of Education, Youth and Sports, the competition brought together nearly 160 students from Year 7 to Year 10. Guided by their art teachers, pupils spent five weeks designing a jersey that symbolises the link between Monaco and South Africa — reflecting both the Principality’s sporting spirit and the Princess’s heritage.
Accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of her Foundation, Princess Charlene congratulated all 158 participants and praised the creativity of the 17 finalists before presenting awards to the top three.
The overall winner, Year 10 student Yohann Fonkoa, will see his design brought to life on the pitch when the national U16 team competes in Dubai. He will also receive a one-of-a-kind version of the jersey, signed by the players themselves.
After the ceremony, Princess Charlene took time to chat with students, sign their artwork, and share words of encouragement. The visit, filled with smiles and school spirit, reflected the Princess’s enduring commitment to youth, education, and the unifying values of sport.
