D-day is fast approaching for KES, who are expected to unveil their new 1st XV coaching structure for 2026 in the coming days. One of the strong contenters for the main position has to be former Westville head coach Jabz Zulu, who is the only internal candidate with prior 1st XV head coach experience.
There’s still no clear word on former head coach Marco Engelbrecht, who seems to be linked with almost every top schoolboy post on the market right now. The latest rumour ties him to Michaelhouse, where the 1st XV role could become available if James Fleming steps back to focus fully on his broader duties as the school’s rugby director equivalent.
One of the schools where Marco was floated about was St Alban’s. However, word is that they intend to appoint a new Director of Sport first, before turning their attention to the Director of Rugby post.
St John’s may also be in the mix for changes at some stage, with uncertainty still surrounding the future of current director Katleho Lynch and whether he’ll continue in the role or perhaps move into a post school coaching setup.
At St David’s, a key vacancy has opened after rated u16A coach Charlie Gird moved across to St Stithians, where his exact rugby role has not yet been confirmed. If he’d stayed at the Inanda private, he might have been a natural successor to current 1st XV coach Matt Schneider, who is believed to be finding managing coaching and other school workload challenging. As things stand, St David’s, now under the directorship of Etienne Fynn, could potentially find themselves two coaches short. The silver lining, though, is that with a strong group of returning 1st XV players for 2026, the job offers a prime opportunity for a new head coach to make a significant impact.
Elsewhere, Nelspruit parted ways with Ryno Luus after the season. The Rhinos are currently being guided by Chris Mans on an interim basis but are believed to be closing in on a permanent appointment, with MJ Mentz, assistant coach at the Pumas, seemingly emerging as the frontrunner.
Before his stint at Nelspruit, Luus was at Marais Viljoen, who themselves recently parted with veteran coach Hans Coetzee. Coetzee must surely be the holder of a schoolboy rugby record by now, having coached at no fewer than seven different schools in roughly as many years — Monument, Noordheuwel, Witteberg, Durbanville, Drostdy, Ben Vorster, and Marais Viljoen. The verdict? Probably too many stops in too short a time to leave a lasting impression.
Also looking to turn the page is Waterkloof, who after parting with Lukas Holtzhauzen have put out a detailed advert in the hopes of securing a strong candidate to take over as Director of Rugby at their macro state school in Pretoria.
And finally, it may not come as a surprise that Eldoraigne and Naas Botha have parted ways. With Eldo’s intent on positioning themselves as an upward-trending rugby school, the instant name recognition of a rugby legend may have been more of a luxury than a long-term solution. For now, Dave du Plessis (Director) and Deon Anderson (Head of Rugby) will continue to oversee the rugby structures until September 2026, when the school plans to appoint a permanent head.
@Smallies (Comment #8)
Jip, ego’s kneus maklik.
@Middies pa (Comment #7)
Eks bevrees ek is bietjie old-school vir vandag se laaities….
@Smallies (Comment #6)
Paar lekker bulte om te hardloop daar by Loskop. Selfs ‘n paar lengtes deur die dam terwyl jy agterna “cruise” met jou “bass” boot. Die manne sal verseker die fikste span in die Noordvaal wees. Ek hoop jy het jou naam in die hoed gegooi.
@Middies pa (Comment #5)
As ek daai joppie vat sal Middies maar n oefen veldjie daar langs Loskop moet bou🤣🤣
@Kaya 85 (Comment #4)
Middies need all the help they can get for next year. Watch this space.
@Middies pa (Comment #2)
That is going to be a dynamic situation with a big opportunity…
Thanks for the update Beet.
MIDDIES HEAD OF RUGBY
OVERLOAD OF TALENT
1. Where are we?
2. Where do we want to be?
3. How are we going to realistically get there within the budget and resources we have?
And then find a person who can fill that role.
So many times in these interviews, they get sold a story/dream/vision/picture, and then after a year, it doesn’t align with the school’s values or governing board goals.
I’m looking for something exciting to come, someone new to think outside the box and set a new trend in school rugby. There are so many talented players and coaches.
From the blog above, if I were to put my name in a hat, I think my top 3 positions would be:
1. Michaelhouse
2. St Albans
3. Waterkloof