After two difficult seasons in 2024 and 2025, there is a renewed sense of direction at Hoërskool Monument.
The dip in performance at 1st XV level was evident, with last year’s matric group regarded as relatively modest by Monnas standards. Yet, beneath the surface, there were encouraging signs. Performances improved as the season progressed and, importantly, 16 players from that squad return in 2026. Among them are several provincial representatives who have featured for the Golden Lions at U16 and U17 level — a core that offers both quality and continuity. Their progress will be tested immediately, with a demanding encounter against Diamantveld awaiting as their first major challenge of the season — a fixture that should provide an early indication of just how far this group has come.
Pre-season preparations have been excellent. The conditioning base has been laid; however, a congested schedule — with athletics commitments on Wednesdays and trials on Thursdays — has limited valuable match practice. That lack of game time may present an early challenge, but the physical groundwork appears solid.
Crucially, the 1st XV coaching staff remains unchanged, bringing much-needed stability after a baptism-of-fire introduction for Head Coach Jannie du Plessis. Hardworking hands on Director of Rugby Reinhard Gerber assists him, along with a good coaching team. There have been a few structural adjustments from U14 level upwards, aimed at strengthening alignment within the system. The prospect of a new, highly motivated headmaster who understands the Monnas culture well also adds optimism and clarity of vision.
There is a clear sense that Monument are back on the right track. With a more settled environment and a promising group coming through, the task now is less about rebuilding and more about reinforcing standards and restoring the culture that has long defined Monnas rugby.
| YEAR | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | WIN% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 656 | 414 | 242 | 53% |
| 2024 | 19 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 702 | 588 | 114 | 47% |
| 2025 | 19 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 509 | 706 | 207 | 32% |
@SB Rugby (Comment #6)
Jy klink na n kenner maar ek weet nie van een skool binne n raduis van 2000 km vanaf die Wesrand wat net home grown spelers het op 1ste en 2 de span vlak.
Dalk kan jy my inlig.
@HSBR (Comment #5)
Ek weet, sal verkies om nie name tenoem op die platform nie.
@Mate (Comment #4)
Geregtig tot jou opinie, miskien moet Ek meer spesifiek wees op 1st/2de span vlak glad nie gewoont om tewerk met spelers wat hulle het nie. Dit kan dalk nou verander maar gaan heel moontlik n jaar or twee vat.
@SB Rugby (Comment #3)
Wie het almal Helpmekaar toegeskuif, weet jy dalk…. Daai 0/16 het nog elke keer die Noordvaal in hulle groep gewen en daar was baie opgewondenheid oor hulle wat oop spanne toe gaan
@SB Rugby (Comment #3)
Daai wat jy tussen hakies geskryf is nou n klomp tjol
@OudAffie (Comment #2)
Jy’s reg Noordheuwel se opkoms speel beslis n rol, asook geld en beurse(Beslis nie gewoont om tewerk met spelers wat hulle het nie). Laat ons nie uitlaat die die 2025 0/16 spelers wat helpmekaar kollege toe geskuif het nie, dai is intresant
Hoe groot ‘n rol speel Noordheuwel se opkoms in skolerugby in daai streek ten opsigte van Monument se laaste 3 sukkeljare? Of is daar ander redes vir sukkel van Monument se rugbyprogram? Geld, Beurse, Politiek, Ligging? Dood opregte vraag, probeer nie neerhalig wees nie, net probeer verstaan hoekom Monument teruggesak het.
Ek twyfel