The big news is that Clifton will begin their first season since 2007 without Ross Saayman (Westville Class of 1991) as Head Coach. Ross has been such an integral part of Clifton that, although the primary school has existed since 1924, the high school was only established in 2002, with their first matric class graduating a few years later. In short, Ross has been a fixture on the Lambert Road high school almost from the beginning. His sons have attended the school and contributed to the 1st XV over the years. Ross is a passionate and dedicated coach who has served Clifton exceptionally well. Clifton College’s rugby history will undoubtedly be kind to him for his unwavering service. While he is also a successful businessman, his deep-rooted love for rugby almost guarantees that he will continue shaping young players at one of the local schools.
Clifton are also set to part ways with Director of Rugby Grant Bell, who has reached Clifton’s retirement age after serving in the role since 2016. Grant is calm, composed individual, with a great rugby IQ and a wealth of coaching experience. He is set to return to his alma mater, Westville in an A-team coaching capacity. Here he once coached their 1st XV.
Additionally, top-rated rugby coach Grant Bashford stepped down as Director of Sport a few months ago to join Kearsney.
This exodus of rugby coaching talent has left a significant gap at Clifton. Compounding the issue, several promising players from their 2024 U14A team have transferred to other KZN high schools, raising concerns about the rugby programme’s future, which may require a renewed confidence boost. No doubt in severe cases like this, all eyes tend to start focusing on the headmaster for answers, direction, and probably even decision-making scrutiny. Clifton won’t be any different.
However, the high-profile arrival of former Bok loosehead Heinke van der Merwe as Head Coach offers hope. Heinke, who was previously the 1st XV Assistant Coach at Glenwood, brings an inspiring story: after earning millions as a successful professional rugby player, he followed his father’s advice and became a qualified school teacher. He now lives in KZN due to his wife’s family ties to the province. Interestingly, though an Afrikaans teacher by profession, he will teach Life Orientation at Clifton. It goes without saying that Heinke was a standout schoolboy player in his day. He captained the 2003 Monument Witbulle team which won the National Media 24 competition and was coached by school rugby legend Hans Coetzee.
Joining Heinke at Clifton at the start of 2025 is a familiar face in the form of Jose dos Santos. Jose, a well-liked and knowledgeable figure, has vast experience, having served as Glenwood’s MIC of Rugby, Head of Rugby at St Charles, and then returning to Glenwood as Director of Sport – all within just over a year. Clearly in search of a place to settle, Jose will face a significant challenge at Clifton as he steps into Grant Bell’s role as Director of Rugby.
Reverting to Kearsney, in a major change in rugby approach Grant Bashford is now the very first full-time rugby head coach, having replaced Afrikaans teacher Neil van Heerden. “Bash” really needs no introduction, having served as a Sharks assistant coach under John Plumtree in the past and worked at has old school Northwood in three different stints. He is expected to have his work cut-out for him preparing for the challenges that 2025 will bring. Neil will be leaving the teaching profession and joining the private sector. Fortunately his value will not be lost to schoolboy rugby as he will be assisting Durban High School with their blossoming rugby programme.
On a related note, Kearsney old boy Nico Breedt has been appointed as Maritzburg College’s 1st XV Head Coach, succeeding the dedicated Tim Orchard. Nico enjoyed a solid senior rugby career. Before that he was one of KZN’s top schoolboy players in the 1990s, having made SA Schools in his post-matric year and is considered one of the greatest in Kearsney’s history. As the standout player in Kev Smith’s 1st XV for three seasons from 1996 to 1998, Barend Steyn, who would later earn a well-respected reputation as Head Coach, served as Assistant Coach during those same years. From 2013, and again from 2015 to 2021, Nico worked alongside Barend at Kearsney, where they formed a good partnership and Nico built on a strong reputation as an excellent coach, gaining valuable experience in various senior coaching roles as well. In 2024, he took charge of Maritzburg College’s U15A team, an association brought on by his son attending College.
Over the past few decades, apart from Tim Orchard, College has struggled with consistency in the head coaching role, a position once famously held by Skonk Nicholson from 1948 to 1982. As a result an interesting point of discussion is that since his arrival at College a few years ago, Director of Rugby Hendre Marnitz has played a hands-on role in coaching the 1st XV. It is believed that his responsibilities will shift, possibly leading to a reduced role in 2025. With the frequent changes in head coaches, the working dynamic between the school’s top two coaching positions will likely come under examination.
At Westville, the departure of 1st XV Head Coach Jabz Zulu to KES, following a strong final season at the Griffins, created an opportunity for Zander Erasmus (Kuswag, Toti Class of 2007) to step up from his role as U16A coach. Zander brings an interesting background, having played Koshuis rugby for his alma mater NWU Pukke (Eagles) in the Varsity Cup and later club rugby for Toti in the KZN Murray Cup, winning silverware in both competitions. It was during his Koshuis days in 2009 that he began his coaching career.
Notably, Zander coached Springbok loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp, who was his powerhouse U15 loose-forward captain in a Potch Gim team that reached the Beeld Trophy final. Between 2013 and 2020, Zander served as head coach at Kuswag, where he led the team in over 100 matches. His qualifications include a Sports Science degree, making him a certified Strength and Conditioning coach, and an education degree, enabling him to teach Life Orientation and Physical Education.
Zander will need to hit the ground running as he takes charge of a talented Westville 1st XV, where the expectations often outpace potential. One of his standout qualities is his willingness to serve as a streaming match commentator, where his quick interpretation of game situations and expert technical analysis have showcased his sharp rugby mind.
@beet (Comment #5)
nteresting, not heard of most of them. Torsten I remember, hard name to forget. Again Steve La Marque has been the biggest loss to Glenwood since 2000, massively involved in grade 7 recruitment, Aquatics and junior rugby (u14/u15), he is sorely missed. Hutch and Jordan used to look after the U14 D,E,F and coached good essentials into the boys, both probably not involved any longer. I think Glenwood need a rethink re rugby…
KEARSNEY
@beet (Comment #3)
Thanks beet. Oh interesting, yes I thought the BE would also help secure services of boys. It will still I believe, but that will be a blow for them losing those boys, and all boarding now clearly at MHS and MC.
@Grasshopper (Comment #1)
In spite of the coaching losses Glenwood still has quite a strong coaching line-up even before any considerations of replacements.
Derek Heiberg – DOR/1st XV HC assisted by Justin Hollis (Fwds) and Ruan Lombard (Backs) – Former DHS 1st XV HC
u16A Torsten Sorenson – former NW 1st XV HC assisted by Eugene Cilliers
u15A is Warren Hitchings
u14A Ethwill Manel with Luke van As
@Grasshopper (Comment #1)
I think Glenwood will be stronger next year and will benefit from tehir young team this year mostly being back next year, but top 5 will be a big ask. Looking at the top teams this year and their 2nd team and u16A results, off the top of my head you would think that DHS, Hilton, Westville, Maritzburg College, Michaelhouse will all be strong again and I would think stronger then Glenwood still. Northwood, despite a fantastic 2024, wont be as strong in 2025 I suspect due to our u16A team being surpisingly weak, and losing the Matrics who were the bulk of the 1st team this year. But could still have the edge over Glenwood next year perhaps? So I think looking to sit above St Charles, Clifton and Kearsney (who are maybe an unknown entity still) would be key. Not sure what your u16A group will be like next year, but a strong group there would be key.
@Skywalker (Comment #2)
Yes I agree. Sad that things have not worked for CC u14A. With the new boarding house, it looked like they would close the gap in terms of consistency but rugby is tough ask these days.
Its fun to see a school bring a good age-group team up and watch them cause a few upsets.
From what I’ve heard the boys opted for MHS and MC. One is believed to be due to his father getting a post at MHS.
CLIFTON
vs Maritzburg College Lost 14:12
vs Westville Won 14:12
vs Kearsney Won 12:5
vs Northwood Won 12:5
vs St Charles Won 19:5
There was some real promise in this group to work with and bring them through to 1st team level. Would have bene good for KZN rugby. But I also don’t know any internal views, and appreciate that other school rugby programmes may be able to offer them more right now.
Where did the players go beet do you know? Which schools?
Lots of change is seems, but change is good. I’m really surprised Derek Heiberg has stayed on, surely he wants a new challenge too. Ross & Grant are Westville legends, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ross ended up coaching Westville Old Boys or Varsity College. I can’t believe Grant is at retirement age, I just think of him in that local band, Gee Jays or something. Nico Breedt was a few years below me, an absolute beast at Kearsney, I think similar era to Matt Stephens and for me would be in the Kearsney greatest 15, with the Doops of course. I’ll be watching 2025 season with interest. Glenwood have to break back into the top 5 in KZN of drift into oblivion. We need the Head, OBs and coaches to really step-up and make a difference. Good luck to Heike and Jose, hard to say no to a private school offering…..