Rugby

While the continued effect of Covid-19 in 2021 meant that a late start to the rugby season was inevitable, both staff and players were quietly confident that the season would take place. It was not ideal starting rugby in the last three days of Term 1, but credit must go to the players and staff for getting the ball rolling. An intensive and well-attended four-day rugby camp held in the last week of the April holidays proved to be invaluable in preparing players for the upcoming fixtures. The revised fixture card, which included nine fixtures and numerous mini festivals during half term, sharpened the focus and preparation continued in earnest.

Unfortunately, the pandemic continued to wreak havoc with our planning and the first weekends fixture vs Saints was reduced to only two matches. This was a sign of things to come, and rugby was once again called off due to a lockdown a week later.

In hindsight we were all grateful that there was any rugby at all, particularly when looking back at the 2020 season where no matches were played. This weighed heavily on the Matric rugby players of 2020, and it was a relief that this year’s age group managed to play three fixtures. We look forward to the possibility of playing a full season in 2022!

Individual age group reports:

U14

The future of St David’s rugby is looking bright! After a year of no rugby, one could feel the enthusiasm and willingness to learn and play the lovely game of rugby amongst the U14 group. At every practice we had majority of the age group in attendance, and you could see a remarkable improvement from one practice to another. For some boys it was the first time they have played rugby and after a few weeks all three teams were ready for the season.

The long-awaited season kicked off with a triangular match between St David’s, St Alban’s and Heronbridge. This was an opportunity for the coaches to streamline selection for the season, but more importantly it was designed for every U14 boy to get a chance to play. Our first scheduled fixture was against Randpark High, and both the A and B sides were victorious. The big giant, Jeppe, was next. Not once during the lead up to the fixture did any coach doubt that the players were ready for this challenge, or that they were going to back down. The U14C unfortunately lost but the B-team managed to pull off a win over their U14C side. The A side had their work cut out against a much bigger and physical side but, boy-o-boy, did they play out of their skins. The had to come from behind and managed to beat Jeppe’s U14A 20-19! I will never forget the words said by one of the players after the game: “We just beat Jeppe!” That disbelief soon turned into cries of joy. What was more impressive was the support the side received from their peers on the

Rugby awards

Director of Rugby: • Mr I Rickelton

MIC:

• Mr G Brown

Captain:

• Daniel Ferriman-Else

Half Colours:

• Keegan Lambe • Cullen Massey

Full Colours:

• Joshua Botha • Manqoba Bungane • Matthew Cawood • Matthew Cooper • Daniel Ferriman • Neal Geldenhuys • Caleb Grimett • Neil Heyneke • Connor Jack • Sihle Jwara • Tatenda Kandengwa • Troy Karam • Sibahle Phangela • Matthew Rundle • Luc Terry • Conor Tonetti • Demetri Yiallouris

sidelines. The victory was celebrated by the whole group of U14 players. Unfortunately, owing to lockdown restrictions the season was ended prematurely.

My thanks go to all the coaches who gave up their time to share their knowledge and experience with these young men. I am sure every one of them appreciates your efforts. I am looking forward to monitoring the progress of these young men as they all strive towards wearing the Black and Gold in 2025.

Mr J Black

U15

The U15 age group of 2021 enjoyed a very short, but successful season. The group was full of enthusiastic, energetic, and very supportive players who seemed to enjoy each other’s company. We had a good number of

players this season and were able to field U15A, B- and C-teams. There were so many positives that came out of the season and the future of St David’s rugby looks very bright. We started the season off well with wins against St Alban’s College for the A and C teams and a win for the A side against Heronbridge College. The A and B sides were impressive in their wins against Rand Park High School before three tough fixtures against Jeppe High School for Boys. I want to commend each one of the U15 players this season as they were all instrumental in their own contributions towards the shortened season. I was truly impressed with the way each team supported the other on match days as this shows a very positive squad trait and a great team and club culture. I would like to thank each of the coaches who all played such an important role in the development of each player and maintained a high work rate throughout the season. They all made the short season a special one and I look forward to working with each one of them again soon.

Mr C Gird

U16

After not playing any rugby in 2020, the boys and coaches were very excited to play this year. The 2021 rugby season was short, but at least we managed to play some games. Hopefully, being deprived of so much rugby for the past two years, will remind us to make the most of every opportunity we have to get out on the field to train and play games.

The U16 age group is a talented and coachable set of players. Most the boys genuinely love the game and made every effort to learn and better their playing ability. Starting the season with enough players to field four teams, meant there was always healthy competition amongst the boys.

Our preseason started in January. We trained three times a week and emphasized catching and passing as well as strength training at these sessions. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we were robbed of our opportunity to put our progress on display and develop as teams.

Team reviews:

The A Team had two tough fixtures, against St Alban’s and Jeppe. Although there were some strong individual performances, we suffered losses in both games. Had one or two things been done differently during those games, we could have come out on the right side of the score board.

The B Team managed to win their game against St Alban’s in a very tightly contested affair. Both teams ran with the ball from all areas of the field which was exciting to see for the limited number of spectators at the game. A try for St David’s in the last few minutes meant that they would come out as 19-17 victors. Unfortunately, the boys could not follow up that strong performance the following week against Jeppe.

The C Team had a very exciting and keenly contested game against Jeppe, narrowly losing 7-10. Had this team had more time to develop, I have no doubt that they would have had a lot of positive results and players moving up into higher teams.

We would like to wish the players all the best as they move up into the open age group. We look forward being able to support them from the side-lines and hope to see many of them representing the 1st XV soon.

My thanks go to my fellow coaches, Mr Mavrodaris, Mr Ngema and Mr Ireland, for all their time and effort this year!

Mr D Rigney

3rd, 4th and 5th XVs

Preparation and training started in earnest for the upcoming rugby season once the go – ahead to do so was given. We were impressed with the number of players that attended our training sessions and were able to field a 3rd, 4th and 5th team. The players were excited to start the season against St Stithians but, unfortunately, this fixture was cancelled due to Covid-19. Sadly, we were only able to play two fixtures before a full lockdown was once again implemented. Our 3rd Team played against St Alban’s College and King Edward VII School and our 4th Team played against St Alban’s and Jeppe High school for Boys. Unfortunately, our 5th Team were unable to play any fixtures.

I would like to acknowledge the coaches, Messrs. Malope, Lourenco and Ngomani for their dedication and commitment in this unprecedented season.

Mr F Gilardi

1st and 2nd XVs

This seemed to be a year full of promise, as there was a sense of hope that we would be getting back to “normal” again, but this quickly proved not to be the case! We only managed to play three fixtures, the first of which was against St Stithians College, who gave the 1st XV a lesson in rugby. The 2nd XV played to a very credible draw and showed glimpses of what was to come. Before we knew it, we met Rand Park High School, where the 1st XV soon showed that they had rectified the mistakes made in the last week, managing to hold off a late assault by Rand Park to claim the victory. The 2nd XV

built on their initial performance and won comfortably, 33-12. In our final fixture, our opposition was the very strong Jeppe High School for Boys. The 1st XV should be proud of themselves, as this was a demanding game – both physically and mentally. While we were up for the challenge, our valiant effort wasn’t sustainable, and Jeppe won in the end. The 2nd XV were disappointed to lose in a close encounter by 10-12.

The losses, while tough to swallow, served as a reminder to both coaches’ and boys as to how much work was still needed. That said, the growth of the group was clear to see, and we wholeheartedly believe that, with a full season, we would have showcased the talent that these teams had. We trust that the players will remember the values and lessons that we have tried to instill in them, and to always put things into perspective.

The teams would have shown great vigour had they been given the opportunity to complete the season.

We offer our sincere gratitude to the Marist community at large for their continued support, and especially to Mr T Ramutshindela and his team for always ensuring that we practiced and played on top quality fields.

Also, a heartfelt thank you to Messrs. Rickelton, Toerien and Hansell for their unbelievable commitment and knowledge – and to their families for sharing them with us.

Mr U Maqina

Finally, every season require an immense amount of planning and organisation and 2021 was no exception. Many staff at St David’s had worked tirelessly to ensure that the school was “rugby ready” and it is important to recognize their contribution.

Our thanks go to the following: • The Headmaster, Mr Mike Thiel • Mr Brad Ireland • Sister Heather Hodgson and Sister Loveness Mdizi • The estate staff under the leadership of Mr Thomas

Ramutsindele • The ground staff under the leadership of Mr Daniel

Shibambu • The catering staff under the leadership of Mr Jon-Jon

Dry • MIC of Rugby, Mr G Brown • Rugby coaches, both Prep and College • Players and supporters of the Rugby Club

Mr I Rickelton Director of Rugby

Rugby 1st Team

Back row: Cullen Massey, Conor Tonetti, Luc Terry, Manqoba Bungane, Matthew Rundle, Connor Jack, Sibahle Phangela 2nd row: Joshua Botha, Troy Karam, Caleb Grimett, Matthew Cawood, Keegan Lambe, Neil Heyneke, Tatenda Kandengwa Front row: Matthew Cooper, Sihle Jwara, Mr C Hansell, Mr JD Toerien, Mr U Maqina, Daniel Ferriman-Else, Demetri Yiallouris

Rugby 2nd Team

Back row: Joshua Knott-Beukes, Kian Kinnear, Ryan Huiskamp, Neal Geldenhuys, Alexander Juds, Kwadjo Addo-Obiri 2nd row: Stephen Christie, Ross Mitchell, Matthew McCullough, Reagan Fisher, Keegan Lambe, James Wilmot, Luke Badenhorst Front row: Brett Simpson, Nicholas Rundle, Mr C Hansell, Mr JD Toerien, Mr U Maqina, Luca Nicholas, Abilio Demetrio

Rugby 3rd Team

Back row: Simon Henson, Joshua West, Ethan Donaldson, Njabulo Twala 2nd row: Jabulani Lebewane, Ethan Leather, Joshua McAdam, Kwadjo Addo-Obiri, Luke Wides, Aidan Hope, Zukhanye Peni Front row: Guy Wides, Douglas Carter, Luke King, Mr K Malope, Adam Nicholas, Nicholas Lutz, Bokang Phalane

Rugby U16A

Back row: Cameron Gebhardt, Christiano Partridge, Isaac Amadasun 2nd row: Mphikeleli Vilakazi, Jayden Jagga, Joshua Aube, Samuel Blumeris, Madalitso Nasoro, Max Nader, Ndamulelo Mufamadi Front row: Lambros Maouris, Cameron Simmonds, Sean Honiball, Mr D Rigney, Tristan Grimett, Alessandro D’Alessio, Brandon Archer

Rugby U16B

Back row: Jordan Gamsy, Luke Oosthuizen, Michael Jervis, Tsibisi Phalafala, Ryan Daye, Matthew Huiskamp, Carl Swanepoel, Nikita Koolen, Joshua Chambers, Siyanda Radebe, Tumi Mafojane 2nd row: Rutendo Makadzange, Luke Bailey, James Plagis, Joshua Hwindingwi, Mateo von Cziffra-Bergs, David Lamb, James Pearson, Weston Davis, Oliver Curlewis Front row: Joshua West, Gomolemo Phiri, Tye Arnold, Mr S Ngema, Paolantonio Mariano, Mr B Ireland, Kayden Cooper, Zanokuhle Nkabinde, Jabulani Mkhombo

Rugby U15A

Back row: Nicholas Delport, Kuzivakwashe Majuru, Tahin Patel, Jensen Welton, Connor Mc Williams 2nd row: Joshua Jacobs, Ethan Tolliss, D’Andre Mushonga, Teegen Rossini, Daniel Fellingham, Connor Barnett, Levi Lowenthal, Marcel Hallowes Front row: Andreas Yiallouris, Avela Sibisi, Keanu De Andrade, Mr L Funde, Mr C Gouws, Mr C Gird, Jack Brady, Michael Henderson, Diego Ferreira

Rugby U15B

Back row: Matthew Hutchison, Luke Veitch, Kuzivakwashe Majuru, Tahin Patel, William Blair, William Allemann, Chris Taylor 2nd row: Morwaswi Mello, Michael Jack, Marcel Hallowes, Elliott Skei, Luke Gander, Siyabonga Nkomo, Tadiwa Mutasa Front row: Seth McLoughlin, Mudiwa Ndimande, Mr L Funde, Mr C Gouws, Mr C Gird, Mark Hudson, Theo Fonternel

Rugby U15C

Back row: Julani Mkhwanazi, William Blair, William Hayton, Tristan Anderson, Liam Billingham. 2nd row: Nikola Truda, Dumisa Ngobese, Tao Volkwyn, Matthew Crawford, Camagu! Makubalo, Azile Pooe, Ethan Ford. Front row: Rylee Mashate, Connor Makenzie, Mr M Mkonza, Declan McNamara, Mr S Laphu, Benjamin Shahim, Lukhanyo Oniwe

Rugby U14A

Back row: Giulio Cianfanelli, Lathi-Tha Mtumtum, Robert Jervis, Vuyolwethu Musa, Daniel Rundle, Brett Bulger, Jayden Knott-Beukes 2nd row: Ben Archer, Liam McFadden, Tristan Lambe, Oliver Maskell, Samuel Hlapa-Brown, Kamogelo Phiri, Lemuel Muzarewetu Front row: Gcobani Ndadana, Benjamin Smith, Mr J Black, James Askew, Mr S Skea, Jean-Enrique Loureiro, Luca Cabion

Rugby U14B

Back row: Liam McFadden, Matthew Mc Lay, Kallen Pick, Mpendulo Mpofana, Giulio Cianfanelli 2nd row: Andrea Angelucci, Dominic Taylor, Panayioti Hajichristoforou, James Behr, Joshua Kleinhans, Julian Steven-Jennings, Marco Bitter Front row: Hayden Thomas, Anthony Bakos, Mr J Black, Raditshego Ditshego, Mr S Skea, Matteo Scarcella, Joseph Le Roy

Rugby U14C

Back row: Christopher Jack, Aman Razzak, Jack Downie, Reece Massey, Samuel Wessels 2nd row: Jayden Maroun, Wellington Nkosinathi Sibande, Aiden Mc Elligott, John-John Bukanga, Bonolo Tshunungwa, Levashan Dorasamy, Tristan Rapmund Front row: Matthew Cole, Michael Henderson, Mr J Black, Stefanos Hajichristoforou, Mr S Skea, Jonathan Wentworth, Luke May