Robbie Fleck will be the Bishops Director of Rugby

It is perhaps hardly surprising news. Former Springbok centre and Old Diocesan Robbie Fleck has been given the green light to take up the newly created role of Director of Rugby at his old school, where his son is in contention for the U19A side in 2026.

The moral dilemma centred on whether someone who helped shape the position — and may have influenced the selection process and remuneration package — ought to be eligible to apply. However, given where Bishops currently find themselves in rugby, and Robbie’s deep understanding of the Platinum Blues’ rich history and trademark style, his appointment does appear to be a sound choice.

OD Union:

The Bishops community is immensely proud to celebrate Robbie Fleck (1993O), who will step into the role of Director of Rugby at Bishops in 2026. A proud son of the College.

Robbie Fleck attended Bishops and represented the school with the same flair and creativity that would later define his provincial and international career. His school coach, the legendary Basil Bey, had a profound influence on the way a young Fleck saw the game, helping him build a reputation as a fearless and incisive centre with quick hands and feet.

Having made his senior DHL Western Province debut in 1997, Fleck played for the first DHL Stormers team in a black jersey during the 1998 Vodacom Super Rugby season. He went on to feature in the Springbok team that finished third at the 1999 World Cup, and one of his finest hours came in the Springboks’ 46–40 victory against the All Blacks at Emirates Airlines Park in 2000, where he scored twice. Fleck earned 31 Test caps for the Springboks, scoring five international tries and becoming known for his combination of physicality and attacking skill.

After retiring, Fleck transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He led the Stormers across multiple Super Rugby campaigns, winning the South African Conference Trophy and establishing a reputation for structured, attacking, and disciplined rugby. His journey from Springbok legend to a coach nurturing the next generation reflects his enduring love for the game and the power of school rugby to inspire young players.

Since 2023, Bishops rugby has continued to honour the College’s rich history of running rugby, creativity, and expressive play. Robbie Fleck, along with Wes Chetty (2006) and Ronald Jacobs, was instrumental in setting up the new Bishops Rugby programme, ensuring that it stayed true to the school’s philosophy of attacking rugby, skill development, and freedom to play with vision.

In true Bishops tradition, players still run out without numbers on their jerseys, a small but powerful symbol of the school’s ethos, humility, unity, and team above self. Piley Rees Field, at the heart of the College, remains a symbol of this heritage, where generations of players have showcased flair, courage, and teamwork. With Fleck’s leadership from 2026, the College is set to continue blending tradition with modern innovation, inspiring young athletes to play with heart, intelligence, and pride in the blue jersey.

The vision for Bishops Rugby is to inspire and unify the College, promoting a fast-paced, highly skilled, support-based attacking game while remaining unyielding in defence. Core values of love for the game, sportsmanship, excellence, selflessness, fearlessness, and respect for the College’s rugby heritage guide every player and every match.

At Bishops, rugby is not just a game, it is a tradition, a culture, and a way of shaping character for life.