Many in schoolboy rugby know Allan Miles as the voice of reason behind Coach Talk, a blog that champions balance between the game we love and the true role of educators. Level-headed, intelligent, and principled, Miles clearly has the leadership qualities that could one day see him as headmaster of a top South African school.
At his alma mater, Selborne College, Miles has been head of rugby for five years, yet he never put his name forward for the school’s first full-time Director of Rugby position. What seemed like a slam dunk was never on the table.
Miles, who has coached at Selborne for 13 years and taught there for a decade (during two spells), continues to play a central role in the rugby programme while juggling duties as Grade 8 Tutor and Hostel Superintendent. Throughout his career — including stints at St Andrew’s and Grey High — he has always combined rugby leadership positions with classroom responsibilities.
Now his higher calling seems to be coming to the fore. Prioritising education and leadership development over a full-time sporting post, Miles is currently completing an Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management. Respected across the school community, his decision underlines his values — and hints at an even bigger future beyond the rugby field sidelines.
The new Selborne Director of Rugby is set to be announced this coming week! It will hopefully be the important step on the path to upping the competitive standard of rugby at the East London all boys’ school.
@Palma (Comment #1)
Yeah interesting. Word is Derek is the Headboy from 1986 and currently works in corporate
Old Selbornian Derek Page has been named director of rugby. Jake White will provide advisory and mentorship support to Selborne as well.