Class of 2026 Headboys — rugby talent aplenty

Schools across South Africa have finalised the announcing their headboys for 2026, and once again, there’s no shortage of rugby talent among the newly appointed leaders. Many schools have named boys with outstanding ability and potential, both on and off the field.

Over the weekend, Wynberg Boys’ High School celebrated another milestone for its rugby programme. Zach Porthen, the school’s 2022 headboy and 1st XV captain became Wynberg’s latest Springbok when he made his debut against Japan at Wembley Stadium in London. The Southern Suburbs champions of 2025 have developed a strong post-Covid reputation for producing sportsmen who lead from the front in rugby and cricket. Current SA u19 rugby international Adan de Costa — another former Wynberg headboy and 1st XV captain — continues to fly the school’s flag high.

Interestingly, Wynberg selects its next headboy early in the third term (July), months before most other schools finalise their choices. As a result, James Orwin, who will lead WBHS in 2026, was confirmed long ago.

Staying in the Western Cape, at Boland Landbou, Jaeger Coetzee has made history by becoming the agricultural school’s first headboy of colour. An exceptional athlete and gifted rugby player, Coetzee’s appointment is a proud moment for the Landbou community and a testament to his leadership qualities.

Down the road at Paarl Gimnasium, it’s brothers who have been named Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy, respectively. Former U19A flanker Pierre Dreyer, who unfortunately had to give up rugby following a series of concussions in recent years, leads the co-ed powerhouse, who are expected to head into the 2026 rugby season as the country’s top-rated side. His twin brother, Jean Dreyer, a first team lock, serves as Deputy Head Boy.

Meanwhile, at St Alban’s College in Pretoria, there’s a fascinating case of lightning striking twice. The school’s 2013 headboy, Jason Jenkins, famously went on to earn Springbok honours as a lock — despite starting high school as a hockey player before switching to rugby. In a remarkable parallel, James Dyer, who will serve as headboy in 2026, followed a nearly identical path. Standing at 198cm, Dyer also began as a hockey player before taking up rugby in 2024, where he quickly made a name for himself. With his athleticism, frame, and pedigree, he’s expected to feature on the Bulls’ Craven Week radar next year.

Dyer hails from the well-known rugby family associated with Hilton College. His brother Thomas Dyer, a standout eighthman and the battering ram who was KZN’s best player in 2022 school season, has since represented South Africa at age-group level and is currently contracted to the Sharks, turning out for their u21 side in 2025.

List of 2026 headboys of top South African rugby high schools: