New coaches take centre stage as Brandwag and Hudson Park clash

Both 1st XVs enter the new season under fresh leadership, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.

Hudson Park begin a new chapter following the departure of sought-after coach Lwazi Zangqa to St Alban’s. Former Hudson Park 1st XV captain and old boy Onke Dubase has stepped into the role of director of rugby, while Ntando Kebe has been promoted to head coach, the position previously held by Dubase.

Dubase is widely regarded as a Border Bulldogs stalwart, having accumulated 100 caps for the union during his playing career. Kebe was an accomplished scrumhalf in his own right and, like Dubase, also spent time with the Southern Kings setup.

Hudson Park have steadily built a reputation as the leading co-educational rugby school in East London (KuGompo), recently edging ahead of Dale College in the Border school rugby pecking order.

Brandwag also arrive with a new voice guiding the 1st XV. William Travill takes over the reins from Heine Erasmus, who steps down to take charge of the U16 side after guiding the school through an outstanding 2025 season.

With new leadership on both benches, Saturday’s clash offers an early glimpse into two programmes entering a new era.