Michaelhouse open their 2026 regular season with an away clash against St Charles, and while there has not been a great deal of hype surrounding House this year, they do have several talented players capable of making an impact.
Two of their standout forwards, however, will miss the opening weekend.
Top of that list is tighthead prop Nicolas Salamousas. The powerful ball-carrier was one of the more surprising omissions from the Sharks youth sides in 2025 and has the ability to be a dominant figure in schoolboy rugby. He is sidelined for this weekend but is expected to play a major role once he returns.
Another forward set to miss the early action is Jayden Jubber. The physical U17 forward is a big unit who thrives with ball in hand and is expected back during the second term.
In Salamousas’ absence, the responsibility at tighthead falls to Aphelele Chamane. The U17 prop is a player to keep an eye on — a powerful scrummager who could have a bright rugby future beyond school.
Head boy Max Oliva proved his value at hooker last season. Secure lineout ball is critical in schoolboy rugby and House appear well served in that department. Oliva also contributes strongly in open play.
Oliver Guy may not be a traditional No 8, but the versatile loose forward remains a useful option in the back row.
Among the backs, Alex Jankowitz is the headline name. After an eye-catching 2025 campaign at fullback, the talented runner with a big boot shifts to inside centre this year. With good size and an all-round skill set, he is expected to be a key figure in the Michaelhouse backline.
Another player worth watching is Laird Hamilton-Brown. Often underrated, he produced several moments of quality last season that hinted at the potential to become an important attacking asset for House in 2026.
The match also marks the debut of young KES old boy Marco Engelbrecht as Michaelhouse’s head coach.
| TEAM | MICHAELHOUSE | TEAM | ST CHARLES | ||
| 1 | Lee-Roy Mochan | 1 | |||
| 2 | Max Oliva | 2 | |||
| 3 | Aphelele Chamane | 3 | |||
| 4 | Reese Hill | 4 | |||
| 5 | Oliver Vickery | 5 | |||
| 6 | Kumkani Dwenga | 6 | |||
| 7 | Jed Reilly | 7 | |||
| 8 | Oliver Guy | 8 | |||
| 9 | James Mallett | 9 | |||
| 10 | Jack Carmody | 10 | |||
| 11 | Barend de Bruyn | 11 | |||
| 12 | Alex Jankowitz | 12 | |||
| 13 | Fabiano Fierro | 13 | |||
| 14 | Laird Hamilton-Brown | 14 | |||
| 15 | Reece Cole | 15 | |||
| Coach | MARCO ENGELBRECHT | Coach | CRAIG DWYER |
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