The opening rounds of the KwaZulu-Natal school rugby season promise a number of intriguing contests, but a few early trends already appear likely to emerge. In a nutshell, Durban High School and Kearsney should be expected to record wins against Michaelhouse and St Charles respectively as sides begin to find their rhythm.
Another fixture that will attract plenty of attention is the clash between Glenwood and Northwood. Since the Covid era, Northwood hold a slight edge in the rivalry with four wins to Glenwood’s three and arrive on the back of a three-match winning streak — a sequence that hints at the gradual shift in power to the north of the Umgeni River.
Yet the headline may not ultimately be the result. Much of the spotlight will fall on Glenwood outside back Rosco Williams, a player who has carried the aura of generational talent throughout his school career. Comparisons are difficult, but for long-time followers of KZN school rugby, the excitement surrounding Williams evokes memories of MCOB great Clinton Bruyns.
Maritzburg College, meanwhile, face a unique opponent in Gauteng private school Helpmekaar. The “Bruin Reuse” are no strangers to KZN, usually beginning their season against Michaelhouse once the summer sports programme concludes — a fixture where early-season rust is often evident. This year, however, the visitors arrive with a match already under their belts after comfortably dispatching an underpowered Witteberg side, a performance that showcased both cohesion and attacking fluency.
College, for their part, look strong on paper. Hooker Theo Boshoff, Loose-forward Rory Stanton, scrumhalf Dominic du Toit and centre Olwethu Kosani are among the experienced players returning after proving reliable go-to figures in 2025. Their influence could prove crucial if College are to secure a result in what promises to be a demanding encounter at Goldstones.
The biggest local derby of the round, however, sees Hilton travel to face Westville. KwaZulu-Natal’s unbeaten champions of 2025 begin their new campaign in what could prove to be a classic banana-peel fixture on Gilfillan Field, where the two sides meet for the second year running.
The Griffin from Ville have edged the last two encounters between the schools, both thrilling contests decided by narrow margins. Prior to that, Hilton enjoyed a period of dominance, winning five successive matches — including a commanding 40–0 victory in 2022, the year they finished as provincial champions.
Westville head coach Zander Erasmus carries the rare distinction of being unbeaten as a tier-one schoolboy rugby coach, meaning every match offers an opportunity either to extend that remarkable record or see it finally challenged.
Ville appear well equipped to continue their success. Their pack is anchored by SA Schools star Lwandile Mlaba, while the backline boasts exciting attacking threats in Jade-Will Koopman, Jadrian Afrikaner (SA Schools) and Avu Lisa.
The Black and White, meanwhile, take to the field under the guidance of Brad Macleod-Henderson and a playbook that has become increasingly recognisable every year. Expect the hosts to lean on contestable kicking, territorial pressure, strong breakdown work and a powerful maul, coupled with direct carries through the 12 channel. Defence is also well organised and committed. Lock Andrew Schnell captains the side, while influential No 8 Zander Muller provides go-forward at the back of the scrum.
With several gripping matchups across the province, the opening rounds of the KZN season are set to deliver both excitement and an early glimpse of where the balance of power may lie in 2026. Expect healthy crowds, vibrant school spirit and the kind of electric atmosphere that makes KwaZulu-Natal school rugby one of the most captivating spectacles in the game.
@Couchcoach (Comment #7)
Absolutely. No you have hit the Nail on the head with your mentions.. I do believe Westville pack is bigger than last year’s side… Granted they dont have a Siyaya… However dont take anything away from the 15 this year after all like i said he was invited to Epd where Dhs karolis wasn’t…. Afrikaner is dangerous and can argue if he wasnt at school still he might of found his way in the Sa u20 side… be interesting to see where they play him as he played 13 last year however played wing for the country… Koopman was veey unlucky with his injury timing last year so he will be back for them with Vengeance.. Be that as it may I believe Westville strength this year lies with their pack of forwards.. But Kzn school boy rugby is so competitive every team will be tough and good… For me DHS will be the side to beat that team is loaded with provincial players!! U16 and u17 from last year! If they hit the ground running no one will stop them… Just my opinion.
@Skywalker (Comment #8)
What do you mean ??
@Westville_Boy (Comment #6)
Would be interesting to see a team list for each team, with last year’s team and any representative teams noted per name. Sounds like Westville and DHS have some serious talent!
@Westville_Boy (Comment #6)
WB – Thanks for the insight on Mlaba and correction on Sonkonokono. How are you feeling about the rest of the WBH squad? Any to look out for that I haven’t mentioned?
@Couchcoach (Comment #4)
Just on Mlaba…. Mlaba will play lock and hopefully no injury will play SA u18 this year.. the management team at the top absolutely love him… he calls a line out and is a massive player for Westville I see a huge season for him and he will achieve great things.. So to answer the question he wont move to another position he simply is to good at lock.
So Sonkonokono is from Westville not Nw and remember he was in the u17 Epd camp.
@Couchcoach (Comment #4)
Yes some great squad depth. Really great for KZN rugby, but harder for any 1 team to standout nowadays I think. Composure, clever coaching and then some x-factor will be the difference. Agree some exciting u17’s coming through as well!
KZN has good quality and depth this season, with so many of last season’s top performers still in the system, and the outstanding u16 group from 2025 joining the first team squads. Should make for a competitive Craven Week squad – as long as the selectors can do a better job than they did last year!
Beet’s earlier post highlighted the depth at 8, with Wimble, Muller and Ndlovu all strong contenders. I could see them working as a loose trio with Muller and Ndlovu at blindside and openside respectively, but there will be competition from guys like Stanton and Colenbrander from MC both having plenty of first XV experience. Some of the u17s like Jubber and Moeng look promising. No doubt others that I’m not as familiar with will put their hands up too.
At lock, Mlaba was SA Schools last year, and guys like Ndamase and Schnell are seasoned first XV players. Cebani from DHS looks like a top u17 prospect. I’d be interested to hear if those who follow Westville closely followed think that Mlaba could find himself at blindside long term?
I’m not as familiar with the front row options, but could see Salamousas and Boschoff being front runners at tighthead and hooker.
In the backs I expect guy like Carolus (DHS), Kosani (MC), Aneke (DHS), Mkhize, Mbebe (both Kearsney), Sonkonokono (NW) and Jankowitz (MH) to be experienced options, and a couple of the talented u17 crop like Miskey (Kearsney), Oersen (GW) and Williams (GW) to be in the mix.
I’m probably missing a few names from DHS – mainly because their first XV last year was quite G12-heavy, so I’m not as familiar with the younger guys coming through. They will likely be a dominant force in KZN again, so expect them to have contenders in many positions.
@Westville_Boy (Comment #2)
Agree, that first game was a big statement from WV last year against Hilton. Hilton got stronger though. Their match against NW on our OBD was quite impressive, although maybe it was that NW was a bit ‘pap’ by that part of the season after Wildeklawer and Jeppe.
Last year NW beat MBC at MBC, MBC beat Hilton at Hilton and Hilton beat NW at NW. So you are correct, maybe home ground advantage doesnt count for much and on the day I think any team can take it. Westville vs DHS will be a great game again this year. 2 powerhouse rugby programmes at present.
@Skywalker (Comment #1)
Hilton last year wasn’t close… Siyaya was very average against Hilton.. Both Afrikaner and Koopman still there. It will be a great game Westville pack of forwards bar 2 or 3 of them all have returned as they were in grade 11 last year. Westville have a very talented 15 thats been waiting in the shadows and expect big things from him. Over all great game and I believe that in Kzn whoever rocks up and deals with the big moments will win the fixture.
Some really meaty KZN match ups to start. I think it shows what KZN has transformed into over the last few years – competitive all round.
Some predictions:
DHS:MHouse – DHS by 12
Kearsney: St Charles – Kearsney to get off to winning ways for Bashy and his team. KC by 23.
NW: Glenwood – NW to clintch a close one. Glenwood looking to surprise. Won’t be easy I think. NW by 7. Worried about NW pack.
MBC: Helpmekaar – Dont know much about the teams. Helpies by 5.
Westville: Hilton – Calling a surprise here. Hilton at home by 2. Ville came ever so close to losing to both MBC and NW last season. Were it not for Siyaya, it may have gone the other way. They still have x-factor but Hilton always well drilled and will keep it tight to avoid the danger as best they can. Are Koopman and Afrikaaner still there? u19?