March 2026
For the second year running, Grey High School and Boland Landbou will make the trip to Groot Brakrivier for a pre-season rugby hit-out that is fast becoming a valued tradition for both schools.
The two sides have not crossed paths regularly in recent seasons, with festival fixtures their only real interaction. That has given this coastal gathering a refreshing sense of variety — a welcome opportunity to test combinations and build rhythm against different opposition before the real business of the season begins.
For Grey, the 2026 campaign carries particular significance. By their own lofty standards, the past few seasons have not delivered the consistency expected from a proud rugby institution. The trip to Groot Brak offers an early checkpoint and a chance to lay down sound foundations ahead of what they hope will be a resurgence year.
Boland Landbou, meanwhile, arrive under new leadership once again. Nico Breedt becomes the fourth head coach in as many seasons, ushering in yet another fresh chapter for the Winelands outfit. In that context, a structured but relaxed pre-season fixture provides invaluable space to trial systems, assess combinations and settle into new routines without the weight of competition points.
The format remains simple and effective. A series of chukkas, played at good tempo, allow coaches to experiment and players to find rhythm. But what sets the fixture apart is the spirit in which it unfolds. After the final whistle, boots are swapped for slops as the squads share cool drinks and pizzas, and often a swim in the lagoon.
It is deliberate. Grey hosted Paarl Boys’ High School in similar fashion in December, reinforcing the belief that rugby development extends beyond the scoreboard. The message to the boys is clear: there is more to the game than relentless pressure to “win, win” at all costs.
For Grey, the trip begins the night before with a braai and team-building session — a chance to step away from routine, reflect and reconnect. In a school environment where expectations are high and effort is constant, the balance between intensity and enjoyment is carefully protected.
Yes, the rugby will be competitive. Yes, both teams will measure themselves honestly. But in Groot Brak, the greater value lies in preparation, perspective and the enduring camaraderie that underpins the schoolboy game.