Sun expected to shine on Paul Roos Rector long after his retirement

Andre van Staden is in the twilight years of his career at Paul Roos, and from a rugby perspective, it looks like he may go out with a bang!

For the second time during his tenure, his school is on track to contest the SA schoolboy rugby National Championship game. Just like in 2018, his 1st XV’s esteemed opponents will be Grey College. Grey won that epic clash in Bloemfontein 28-26 and ended Paul Roos’ unbeaten run. However, this time around, the match will be hosted in Stellenbosch at the excellent Markotter facility. No surprises, the 17 August showpiece is officially sold out!

One drawback of the occasion is that many of the dependable star players who helped their respective schools are expected to be unavailable due to SA U18 rugby internationals commitments. With the interschools event sponsor Premier Interschools showing their willingness to break ground in 2024 and host two top school clashes on the same Saturday, perhaps it is time for the Paul Roos rugby decision-makers to consider an earlier season-ending date from 2025 onwards. This would accommodate the big derby day with maximum exposure and allow their star players the opportunity to represent their school in what, for many, would be their last and biggest match wearing Maroon.

For popular headmaster Andre van Staden, irrespective of the result, he has overseen a gradual change in the approach to rugby player subsidies, which has elevated Paul Roos’ achievements at all age-group levels. The term “rugby committee” is still taboo at 311 Suidwal Road, but these days there is a coordinated effort to secure talent.

Paul Roos is a bedrock of the school rugby establishment in the Western Cape and the nation as a whole, with unparalleled achievements in its proud history. However, it has been years since they completed a season unbeaten or were crowned the national champions of South Africa. These two incredible achievements remain within their grasp, and if achieved, they are certain to transform the career of a successful, well-liked rector into one who would be fondly remembered for plenty of years to come.