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Hilton College hosts Bishops on Saturday. The Capetonians make the long trip from Cape Town, with 20 rugby teams set to take on their black-and-white clad opponents.

It’s an exciting new addition to the rugby calendar, and Hilton is set to return the favour in 2027 by heading to the Western Cape to tackle the 177-year-old school.

No doubt, the home supporters will expect their 1st XV to deliver a victory. With high-profile wins over Westville Boys’ High in March and over Nudgee College, two days after the Australians had beaten Grey College, Hilton boasts an impressive record. They’re one of the few remaining undefeated sides in a topsy-turvy season in which shock results have been common.

Apart from their aforementioned wins, Hilton has recorded convincing victories over Hoërskool Middelburg (49-10), Heidelberg Volkskool (38-3), and Hoërskool Nelspruit (65-14).

Bishops, meanwhile, opened their season with four successive wins, beating Worcester Gimnasium (31-26), Hoërskool Strand (31-24), St Andrew’s College (28-24), and St John’s College (24-7). They’ve lost their last two, however, going down to Graeme College (26-39) and SACS (17-22).

Coach Brad Macleod-Henderson‘s charges will, thus, be favoured, but they have been out of action since Easter. They will want to avoid joining the list of teams that have suffered shock defeats.

They have the game plan to prevent such upsets. They’re exceptionally well drilled. What they bring is no secret. The question for their opposition is, can they stop it?

In their wins over Westville and Nudgee, Hilton’s forward power stood out in the set pieces and, most compellingly, in the cohesion of their pack when mauling and operating a hard-hitting pick-and-go approach. Behind them, the halfback pairing of Benoit Rey and John Grubb flourished.

Last season, Grubb was mostly used on the wing, with SA Schools’ flyhalf Liyema Nela pulling on the no. 10 jersey. Since taking over from Nela, Grubb has caught the eye, pulling the strings superbly to release a dangerous backline. He’s also shown he is willing to take it to the opposition himself, and he’s got a touch of pace about him.

James Peattie, at fullback, has a good eye for attacking opportunities, and he offers Hilton a further cutting edge.

In the Bishops’ backline, Boytjie Fyfer is a key player. He possesses a diverse all-round skill set, making him capable of unlocking tight defences, while Connor Clark, who represented Western Province u16 at the Grant Khomo Week last year, handles the flyhalf duties. His opposite number, John Grubb, turned out for the Sharks at the u17 AFGRI Week last year.

The touring side boasts plenty of experienced 1st XV players, but so, too, does Hilton. One of those is their captain, lock Andrew Schnell, a Sharks u17 representative last year, who has Zander Muller, a Sharks Craven Week player behind him, at 8th-man.

Bishops’ Alex Vintcent, who also wears no. 5, captains the visitors. While he and Schnell share the same number, they possess different skill sets away from the rugby field, both of which come in useful: Schnell is a standout water polo player, while Vintcent is a top cricketer.

The Capetonians are renowned for their 15-man game and their willingness to let the ball do the work. They also hail from a region where rain and heavy underfoot conditions are common, thus requiring a more conservative, forward-based approach. On Saturday, the conditions on Gilfillan Field should be dry and warm.

The big question Bishops will need to answer, though, is about their forwards. Will they be able to disrupt Hilton’s powerful pack and its ability to exert consistent heavy pressure?

Their coach, Sam Mofokeng, was previously on staff at Michaelhouse. He will know better than most what to expect from Hilton. It won’t be a surprise. Will his charges be able to douse Hilton’s firepower?

Kickoff on Saturday is at 13:00. The answer will soon become evident.

TEAMS

Hilton College vs Bishops at 13:00 on Gilfillan Field

Hilton College: 15 James Peattie, 14 Tomupeishe Gurupira, 13 Guy Fender, 12 Ruan Mulder, 11 Liyema Gasi, 10 John Grubb, 9 Bemoit Rey, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Ross Steyn, 6 Callan Kenmuir, 5 Andrew Schnell (c), 4 Hartman Fourie, 3 Mholi Khuzwayo, 2 Kyle-Reese Clements, 1 Aidan du Plooy

Bishops: 15 Christian Towell, 14 Danny Newton, 13 Eljaron Geduld, 12 Boytjie Fyfer, 11 Lulibo Nyawula, 10 Caleb Clark, 9 Jack Fleck, 8 Jack Venter, 7 James Gordon, 6 Connor Clark, 5 Alex Vintcent (c), 4 Dan Coetzee, 3 Jarred Kowen, 2 Joe Lanning, 1 Jack Hibling

Hilton College and Kearsney College recorded victories in their first outings at the inaugural Michaelhouse Hockey Tournament in Balgowan on Thursday.

Hilton edged out Maritzburg College 3-2, while Kearsney started their campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Paarl Boys’ High.

The new showpiece features 10 of the country’s most exciting hockey-playing schools, with the sides split into two groups, Pool A and Pool B.

The hosts, Michaelhouse, are in Pool A, alongside Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), St Andrew’s College, Northwood, and St Charles College. Pool B features Hilton College, Maritzburg College, Paarl Boys’ High, Kearsney College, and Reddam House Constantia battling it out for top honours.

The competition got underway with a bang on the Punchbowl Astro, where Hilton College and Maritzburg College delivered a hotly contested encounter.

Hilton’s Santi Matroos, Ethan Maltby, and Ross Hill etched their names into the tournament’s annals by being among the first scorers in the history of the tournament. Greg Hosking and Liyemikhaya Sishi netted for Maritzburg College.

The 3-2 win landed Hilton in second place in Pool B, behind Kearsney, whose three answered goals against Paarl Boys’ High lifted them into the top spot. Although they have made a mixed start to the season, the men from Botha’s Hill stitched together a clinical performance, which suggested they could be a dark horse contender.

The hosts, Michaelhouse, took on Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) in their first outing, a 2-2 draw, which provided plenty of entertainment for the crowd.

Preston Greene and Henry Yeadon were on target for Michaelhouse, while Ruben Steenberg and Rudolph Thiart scored for Affies.

In another fantastic tussle, Northwood and St Andrew’s College shared a 3-3 draw, with Matthew Kirkwood, Luke Mason, and Liam Painter on target for the Eastern Cape side.

The tightly contested match was a perfect way to wrap a successful first day of the tournament, and it meant the teams would have to wait until day two for there to be a first winner in Pool B.

The action on Friday begins at 10:00, with Michaelhouse and Northwood going at it on the Punchbowl Astro, and Maritzburg College and Reddam House Constantia meeting on Aitkens Astro.

RESULTS

1st XI 
Hilton 3-2 Maritzburg College
Michaelhouse 2-2 Affies
Kearsney 3-0 Paarl Boys
St Andrew’s College 3-3 Northwood

u16
Northwood 7-0 St Charles
Maritzburg College 7-1 Clifton
Kearsney 1-0 Hilton
Michaelhouse 4-0 Somerset College

FIXTURES

1st XI, Friday, 24 April 

10:00 – Michaelhouse vs Northwood, 10:00 – Affies vs St Charles, 11:30 – Maritzburg College vs Reddam Constantia, 11:30 – Hilton vs Kearsney, 17:30 – Kearsney vs Reddam Constantia, 17:30 – Northwood vs St Charles, 19:00 – Michaelhouse vs St Andrew’s College, 19:00 – Hilton vs Paarl Boys’ High.

The withdrawal of Malmesbury’s Hoërskool Swartland has paved the way for Ligbron Akademie to join the Fairtree Sport Festival, hosted by Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria.

Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Swartland was one of three sides travelling from south of the Vaal River to face a strong Noordvaal contingent. In their stead, Liggies, from Ermelo, has accepted an invitation to the new event.

The late change has also resulted in a shuffling of fixtures.

The match between Heidelberg Volkskool and Hoërskool Swartland, originally scheduled for 15:50 on Saturday, has been replaced by a clash between Hoërskool Marais Viljoen and Hoërskool Merensky Landbou Akademie. They were initially set to meet on Monday, but the Plasies, from Tzaneen, will now face that challenge two days earlier than previously scheduled.

Hoërskool Randburg will present the first hurdle for Ligbron Akademie, before Liggies take on Hoërskool Merensky Landbou Akademie on Monday.

The headliner on the opening day is the clash involving Stephan Janse van Rensburg and company, from Hoërskool Pietersburg, against Hoërskool Fichardtpark. The kick-off time has been slightly adjusted to 19:40 from 19:15.

That will be the first of two stern tests for Hoërskool Fichardtpark. The Bloemfontein school tackles Heidelberg Volkskool on Monday. Volkies will use the clash as valuable preparation before they lock horns with Hoërskool Zwartkop in the final of the NWU Prestige Series the following Friday.

The Buffels of Hoërskool Ben Vorster and Hoërskool Dinamika will still feature in the curtain-raiser to the final match on the opening day, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15.

The hosts, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, get proceedings underway against Hoërskool Tygerberg in a one-off 1st XV fixture at 19:30 on Friday. Parkies welcome back their stalwart centre, Dylan Stumke, who returns from an injury sustained against Paarl Gimnasium during the NMI Toyota Noord/Suid at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria late last month.

He will, however, be without his midfield partner, Danie Botma. The Parkies’ coaching staff has opted to rest Botma with the Virseker Noordvaal Cup fast approaching.

Jody Abrahams, usually a threat on the left wing, will do duty at full-back as Die Hoërskool Menlopark aims not only to make a statement against Hoërskool Tygerberg, but also to assess their depth and combinations.

FIXTURES 

Friday, 24 April 

19:30 – Menlopark vs Tygerberg

Saturday, 25 April 

11:55 – Affies XV vs Dr Malan
13:55 – Menlopark XV vs Overvaal
14:35 – Randburg vs Ligbron
15:55 – Marais Viljoen vs Merensky Landbou Akademie
17:15 – Ben Vorster vs Dinamika
19:40 – Pietersburg vs Fichardtpark

Monday, 27 April 

09:20 – Ligbron vs Merensky Landbou Akademie
10:40 – Pietersburg vs Tygerberg
12:00 – Affies XV vs Overvaal
13:20 – Heidelberg Volkskool vs Fichardpark
14:40 – Ben Vorster vs Randburg
16:00 – Menlopark XV vs Dr Malan
17:20 – Marais Viljoen vs Dinamika

The Fairtree Sport Festival, hosted by Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria, is an exciting new platform for schoolboy rugby, creating opportunities for more players to showcase their talents on a big stage.

Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

In previous years, the focus on the long weekend has mostly been on the  ABSA Wildeklawer Sports Tournament in Kimberley.

Although Wildeklawer remains the premier gathering of South Africa’s top schools, other festivals, including the Standard Bank Grey High Festival, have broadened the reach of an overflowing talent pool. The new Fairtree Sport Festival takes place in the Jacaranda City on Saturday, 25 April, and Monday, 27 April.

As always, the team at SuperSport Schools Plus has taken on the challenging task of identifying five potential standouts.

The Five to Watch are:

Dylan Stumke (Die Hoërskool Menlopark)

In 2023, Dylan Stumke took social media by storm when, as a 16-year-old, he slotted a massive penalty from almost 60 metres. That sparked whispers of him becoming the next Francois Steyn. Since then, Stumke’s name has become widely recognised.

In 2025, he was one of only two players from Die Hoërskool Menlopark to represent the Blue Bulls at the Craven Week in Middelburg, despite being in Grade 11 only. Last year, the Parkies‘ midfielder was also included in the SA Rugby u17 Elite Player Development (EPD) programme.

On Friday evening, when Menlopark takes on Hoërskool Tygerberg, Stumke will return from an injury sustained against Paarl Gimnasium at the NMI Toyota Noord/Suid earlier this month. It’s a timely boost for the Pretoria school.

Stumke is a key figure in a dangerous backline, where he combines powerful carries with sharp vision, particularly alongside Jody Abrahams.

Kabelo Thloaele (Hoërskool Marais Viljoen)

The message to opponents of Kabelo Thloaele is simple: give him space at your peril.

An experienced member of the Marais Viljoen side, Thloaele was a standout performer in 2025, terrorising defences with his finishing ability on the wing. He has since transitioned to full-back, where his ruthless counter-attacking is his greatest weapon.

His combination of finishing instincts and attacking vision will make him a major threat against Hoërskool Merensky on Saturday and Dinamika on Monday.

Stephan Janse van Rensburg (Hoërskool Pietersburg)

Stephan Janse van Rensburg epitomises the modern-day prop. The captain of Hoërskool Pietersburg made a significant impact as a 17-year-old in 2025, asserting his authority in the front row.

His consistent dominance was rewarded with selection for the Limpopo Blue Bulls at the Craven Week in Middelburg, and, subsequently, a place at the SA Rugby EPD camp, where he joined the likes of Menlopark’s Stumke and Abrahams.

While his scrummaging forms the foundation of his game, his ball-carrying ability and uncompromising defence complete a formidable skill set, making him one to watch across both days in Pretoria.

Phillip Rykaart (Hoërskool Randburg)

If one is looking for a player with a relentless work rate and a massive engine, Phillip Rykaart is a name that pops up. A consistent performer since he emerged in 2025, he has since expanded his versatility.

Initially a lock, his ability to influence all areas of play has seen him evolve into a Pieter-Steph du Toit-type forward because he is equally effective on the flank.

He is renowned for his punishing tackles and powerful carries, which often require multiple defenders to bring him down.

If Rykaart asserts himself up front, Ligbron Akademie and Hoërskool Ben Vorster will face a tough challenge.

Hein Oelofse (Heidelberg Volkskool)

In a highly talented Heidelberg Volkskool side, Hein Oelofse stands out.

He’s the quintessential scrum-half – nuggety and alert to any opportunities to catch the opposition off guard. He’s playing for the Volkies‘ 1st XV for a second year and is a key figure in their backline.

His service from the base of the scrum, whether on the front foot or under pressure, remains consistently reliable, and he rarely delivers a poor performance.

Oelofse’s consistent form suggests he will be one of the key contributors to Heidelberg Volkskool‘s challenge when they face Bloemfontein’s Hoërskool Fichardtpark on Monday. He and his teammates will be eager to make a strong statement in Pretoria before they face Hoërskool Zwartkop in the final of the NWU Prestige Series a week later.

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (GHS) will make history when the school hosts its first-ever home mini rugby festival on Saturday, 25 April.

The event marks a significant milestone in the school’s sporting journey and underscores the growing importance of women’s sport in South Africa.

The festival will feature seven fixtures at the GHS Rugby Field, beginning at 08:00 with the GHS u16 team taking on Grosvenor Girls’ High.

Teams from the Kokstad Rugby Club and Estcourt High School will also compete, with matches streamed live by SuperSport Schools to ensure broader visibility for the athletes.

“This is a proud moment for our school and for women’s rugby in KwaZulu-Natal,” Matthew Marwick, the Principal of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, said.

“Hosting our first home rugby festival is not only about celebrating sport but also about empowering young women to take their place on the field with confidence and pride. We are committed to building a legacy where women’s sport is given the recognition it deserves.”

Saturday’s festival is a precursor to a bigger event later in the year.  From 1-4 October, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High will host a festival featuring 14 teams at UKZN.

Last year, at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the South African team captured the imagination of the country, beating Italy and Brazil, on their way to qualifying for the quarterfinals for the first time

That exciting run has been one of the drivers of a surge in interest and investment in women’s sport, and GHS is hosting the festival to ensure that momentum is sustained.

It’s about providing a stage for young athletes to showcase their skills, breaking barriers, and ensuring equal opportunities for women in sport.

FIXTURES

GHS Rugby Field

08:00 – GHS u16 vs Grosvenor Girls’ High u16
09:00 – GHS u18 vs Grosvenor Girls’ High u18
10:00 – Kokstad Rugby Club u18 vs Estcourt High u18
11:00 – GHS u16 vs Estcourt High u16
12:00 – Grosvenor Girls’ High u18 vs Kokstad Rugby Club u18
13:00 – GHS u18 vs Estcourt High u18

All matches are 20 minutes a side, with a five-minute break at halftime.

The annual Standard Bank Hibbert Shield presents players with an opportunity to thrust themselves into the spotlight at a high-profile event that attracts widespread interest from across South Africa.

The 2026 tournament, hosted by Gqeberha’s Grey High School, runs from 24 to 27 April at Grey’s Rectory AstroTurf, with some matches taking place at Collegiate Girls’ High.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

A plethora of talented and skilled players will be in action throughout the weekend, and SuperSport Schools Plus has identified five players worthy of keeping an eye on.

Seth Paterson – Paul Roos Gimnasium

Seth Paterson is among the most exciting schoolboy hockey players in South Africa. The Paul Roos (PRG) captain, playing first-team hockey for a third year running, has grown and matured tremendously since making his debut in 2024.

Leading by example, Paterson is the midfield maestro for his side. He’s a constant source of consternation for opponents, particularly when he makes his trademark striking runs inside the 23-metre line and along the baseline.

His reading of the game has also improved, and he owns an accurate slap, which allows him to link up with his teammates easily. Paterson was on fire for PRG against Grey High on the Rectory AstroTurf last weekend, despite going down 1-2.

If PRG is to win a fourth Hibbert Shield title, their skipper will have a big role to play.

Keegan Le Roux – Grey High School

There will be many forwards who will impress at the tournament, and Keegan Le Roux will certainly be in that group.

The Grey striker has made a brilliant start to the season, scoring some fantastic goals and leading his side from the front.

Alongside James Chree, the experienced Le Roux is coming into his own this season and appears to be handling the pressure well.

He’s a serious threat in the opposition circle, offers Grey an option at PC time, and is cool as ice when penalty strokes need converting. His positional play in the circle often puts Le Roux in good positions to provide finishes.

Grey has won their tournament only once, in 2022, but Le Roux and his teammates, in a very unpredictable season, are aiming to change that narrative.

Avethandwa Manyonga – Selborne College

A simple Google search for Avethandwa Manyonga will lead to some of his prolific bowling displays for Selborne College. He’s not only an outstanding cricketer, though. He’s a solid hockey player.

Manyonga made his first-team debut last season, at the age of 16. He has since made one of the centre-back positions his own.

Lanky, strong, and aggressive, the defender has a presence about him, giving opposition forwards a tough ride. He’s a cool customer in one-on-one situations.

Apart from Manyonga’s work repelling attackers, his distribution from the back is another of his outstanding traits. He possesses a strong and accurate slap, making him a threat to pick out forwards in the other half of the field.

Selborne is a dark horse. To make an impact at the Hibbert Shield, they’ll need Manyonga to bring his A-game to Gqeberha.

Christopher Abrahams – Durban High School (DHS)

DHS has engineered a stellar start to the season, and central to their early-season success has been their skipper, Christopher Abrahams.

The midfield magician has orchestrated some of his team’s most dangerous plays thus far, ripping apart defences, doing so effortlessly at times.

Abrahams is not a flashy player, but he is very effective. He is direct and attacks the opposition with intent, focused on earning a positive outcome for his side.

He represented the KZN Coastal u18A side last year after playing for the SA u17 side at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in 2024.

A skilled indoor player, Abrahams brings those skills to the outdoor game, and it certainly helps to have SA indoor hockey star Keegan Hezlett coaching the Horseflies.

DHS finished in eighth place at last year’s Hibbert Shield. They’ll have higher ambitions this year, and Abrahams will be key in their quest.

Thomas Collins – St Stithians College 

St Stithians College will lean on several of their senior players to steer their Hibbert Shield challenge, and Thomas Collins will be one of them.

Described by his coach, Pat Owgan, as a “ball-playing midfielder”, Collins will be aiming to make his mark on the biggest stage.

He first stepped into the first-team limelight at the age of 16 and has since gone on to be vice-captain of the Saints side. Last year, he was a member of the Southern Gauteng u16A side that won the SASHOC National Week.

He operates all over the pitch, and his work rate on and off the ball makes him difficult to play against. He also possesses the skill set to drive his team forward.

Apart from playing a creative role, Collins also regularly chips in with goals for his side.

Saints will look to him and Jason Joiner to drive their challenge for a maiden Hibbert Shield title.

Click HERE to see the full Hibbert Shield fixtures.
Click HERE to read the full Hibbert Shield preview.

The fixtures are out, and 22 matches to be played over two days, await rugby enthusiasts at the Standard Bank Grey High School Rugby Festival.

There will be plenty of exciting talent on show, and SuperSport Schools’ rugby writer Marlowe Bloem has identified five players who are sure to be at the forefront of their team’s challenges.

Grey High – Ciaran Killian

The home team’s captain and inside centre, Ciaran Killian, has long caught the eye. Back in grade 10, he was selected for the SARU u16 Elite Player Development camp.

He’s a strong running, well-balanced centre, wrapped up in a tall and athletic frame.

Killian possesses a wide variety of skills, enabling him to attack the opposition in different ways. He’ll beat them with his feet or beat them with his distribution, depending on what is required. He runs deceptive and well-judged lines, and he mixes that with a variety of passes, which bring his teammates into play.

The Grey High captain is also a sound defender. He leads from the front, charging the opposing offensive line from the middle of the field. With Killian at the wheel, Grey High will head into their home festival with confidence.

Rondebosch Boys’ High – Caleb Bell

Caleb Bell moves like lightning on the left wing. He has a knack for clever positioning, and his finishing is even more impressive. Just last Saturday, he scored four tries in a narrow loss to Boland Landbou.

He’s also a capable scrumhalf and often scores tries with sneaky snipes from the base of the ruck.

With his lethal speed and fast feet, it’s no surprise that he was selected for last year’s Western Province XV Craven Week side. He was also invited to the SARU u17 Elite Player Development camp.

Bell instinctively knows his way to the try line better than most, and it would be no surprise should he end the festival as one of the top try-scorers.

HTS Drostdy – Jano van Deventer

Jano van Deventer is a burly, ball-carrying inside centre, yet he also boasts the kicking, passing, and playmaking skills of a flyhalf.

In a recent match against Hermanus, he scored 35 of the Donkies‘ 80 points, dotting down three times while also slotting 10 conversions.

When he was in grade 10, he was selected for the Boland Grant Khomo side. Since stepping up to the HTS Drostdy 1st XV, he has continued to excel, whether playing at flyhalf or inside centre.

The Donkies have been one of the most exciting teams early this season, and Van Deventer has been one of the drivers of their creative attacking play.

If it’s entertainment you’re after, you can’t go wrong with Jano van Deventer and his HTS Drostdy teammates.

Michaelhouse – Nicola Salamousas

It’s been quite a year for Michaelhouse so far. Since narrowly losing to Durban High School (DHS) on the Horseflies‘ fortress, Van Heerden’s Field, in their first match of the season, they’ve gone on an exciting run, beating Northwood, Affies, and Jeppe – all strong teams, which means ‘House is a side to be respected.

Their captain and tighthead prop, Nicolas Salamousas, has been at the forefront of the Balgowan outfit’s outstanding run of form. He’s a powerhouse in the set scrums. As a ball carrier, he’s also a heavy-duty load. On defence, he delivers bone-jarring hits.

In rugby, set pieces play a crucial role in a team’s success and with Salamousas anchoring their scrum, Michaelhouse is well-prepared to meet any challenges.

The 2025 rugby season was challenging for the Balgowan boys. In 2026, though, with Nicolas Salamousas leading the way, Michaelhouse is a team that has caught the eye time and time again.

Pretoria Boys’ High – Ayabonga Mabuza

Ayabonga Mabuza has proven himself to be a reliable finisher on the left wing for the Candies. Look no further than the three tries he scored in a 20-20 draw with SACS at the Pretoria Boys High 125th Anniversary Festival for evidence of his excellent finishing.

He’s been a prolific try scorer throughout 2026 – a player who is capable of finishing in tight spaces thanks to his agility and instinct for predicting where spaces will open up.

With only one game to play, Monday’s last match of the festival against Grey High, Mabuza and company will be aiming to make the Candies’ stay in Gqeberha short and sweet.

Jeppe High School for Boys make their Standard Bank Hibbert Shield debut in Gqeberha this weekend, and the side’s coach, Gareth Heyns, says his team is eager to get the ball rolling.

The annual tournament, hosted by Grey High, runs from 24 to 27 April. Grey’s Rectory AstroTurf will host most of the matches, with some being played at Collegiate Girls’ High.

Of the 16 teams in action, Jeppe will be the only side playing at the event for the first time. They take over from Maritzburg College, who will be playing at the newly established Michaelhouse Hockey Tournament.

Long regarded as one of South Africa’s leading hockey nurseries, Jeppe arrives in the Windy City eager to live up to that status against some of the country’s top sides.

After making a slow start to the season, which included a loss at the Nomads Hockey Festival and a defeat against King Edward VII in their derby, the Kensington Kids appear to be on the up.

Last Friday, facing an in-form Westville Boys’ High, who, like Jeppe, had started slowly but played themselves into form, a Blake Sartor strike in the fourth chukka gave Heyns’ charges a hard-fought 1-0 win on the Boden AstroTurf.

“We were very pleased with the outcome of the game against Westville,” coach Heyns told SuperSport Schools Plus. “We managed to take one of our chances in the D, which is always a positive.

“We also rolled the ball well, played a team game, and didn’t get stuck in individual battles for most parts of the game. The guys just did the hard work.

“Against KES, we went quite individually, and I don’t think we put in the effort, but in the Westville game, it was the complete opposite.”

Jeppe will contest Pool D at the Hibbert Shield, where they’ll be up against Pearson High School, Paarl Gimnasium, and Bishops. The top two finishers will progress to the quarterfinals, while the bottom two will move on to the Bowl.

While Heyns was impressed with the progress he saw against Westville, he admitted there was still work to be done in preparation for the tournament in Gqeberha.

“There are a few things we want to work on, but I think all our preparation has been pretty done up until now.

“We will just fine-tune certain elements and make sure the guys are ready for as many scenarios as we might come across.

“At the end of the day, it’s a tournament, and anything can happen in that environment.”

Pressed for his side’s goal for the tournament, Heyns replied: “We want to go there and give a good account of ourselves and see what it’s like to play against some guys we don’t generally play against.

“We are excited. It will be a good weekend to play good hockey against top opposition, and hopefully we can carry on growing as a group.”

Jeppe’s Hibbert Shield campaign kicks off against Paarl Gimnasium on Thursday at 08:45 at Collegiate Girls’ High.

Click HERE to see the full Hibbert Shield fixtures.
Click HERE to read the full Hibbert Shied preview.

The inaugural Michaelhouse Hockey Tournament promises to serve up four days of high-octane, thrilling hockey.

The competition, which runs from 23 to 27 April, features 10 of the country’s top hockey-playing schools. Here’s a look at some of the players to watch out for:

Henry Yeadon (Michaelhouse) – “Henry Yeadon suffered a shoulder injury in January that sidelined him for eight weeks and cast real doubt over his season. He showed tremendous resilience and commitment to fight his way back.

“Through consistent hard work and determination, he has returned at exactly the right time and is now hitting top form,” Nick Bérichon, the Michaelhouse coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

On the field, Yeadon is a dynamic, attack-minded player, always aiming to go forward. He confidently eliminates defenders and creates scoring opportunities. However, it is inside the circle where he is at his most dangerous, thanks to his attacking instincts and ability to finish chances.

Yeadon, a left-hander, has an unorthodox style that makes him difficult to read and defend. His high work rate means that Michaelhouse always has an extra body in defence.

“He contributes significantly on the defensive side of the ball and brings a strong physical presence to the field,” Bérichon said.

Martin de Bruyn (Paarl Boys’ High) – Martin de Bruyn is one of the most explosive forwards in the game at present. He complements a burst of speed with an excellent eye for goal. He owns a strong hockey IQ and gets himself into good positions, whether in possession or not.

The Paarl Boys’ High captain leads by example and is not shy to put in the work on the defensive front. He tracks back consistently.

Last year, De Bruyn represented Boland in provincial competition and levelled up when he was selected for the SA u16 side. He went on to play for the SA u17 squad at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia.

Luke Mason (St Andrew’s College) – Luke Mason is a dynamic and intelligent attacking midfielder who consistently influences the outcome of games. The number 10 combines exceptional game awareness with technical skill and composure under pressure.

His ability to eliminate defenders is a great asset for St Andrew’s College. He creates attacking opportunities and steps up in key moments.

Mason reads the game well, has a high work rate and maintains it with his off-the-ball movement, too. That ensures he is constantly involved in play. His skills haven’t gone unnoticed, earning him Eastern Province colours.

Tadi Hove (Hilton College) – Hove was Hilton’s most lethal striker last year. His goal-scoring acumen earned him a call-up to the KwaZulu-Natal Inland 2025 SASHOC u18 IPT team, and he impressed at the tournament.

This season, after a somewhat slow start, Hove found his groove at the Nomads and St Stithians Hockey Festivals, where he was instrumental in his team’s victories. Hilton’s goal-scoring machine looks menacing again.

Hove has a great presence in the circle and understands how to position himself well in transitions. His speed makes him difficult to contain.

The Hilton striker is also not shy about tracking back and putting in the defensive hard yards. That’s an attribute that fits perfectly with Hilton’s all-hands-on-deck approach in attack and defence.

Wian van Niekerk (Affies) – Affies has made a strong start to the season, with their individually talented players combining well as a team. However, if there is one player whose contributions have been impossible to ignore, it is Wian van Niekerk.

He’s the glue in the Affies’ defence. Van Niekerk’s positional play is one of his strengths, and he seldom concedes possession. His calm and confident approach to the game enables Affies to organise a resilient defence.

Van Niekerk is also a tireless workhorse. As Colin Mendoza, the Affies director of hockey, said: “He never stops running and is essential for our success. If Wium is good, Affies is a tough team to beat.”

Rory Schirge (Maritzburg College) – Maritzburg College boasts some promising and exciting players, including Rory Schirge.

An experienced campaigner, the College defender is solid at the back, and his calm approach to the game helps the KwaZulu-Natal side maintain their defensive shape.

He brings many good qualities to the Red, Black, and White‘s game. His high work rate makes him an asset in attack, he traps at penalty corner time, and is a strong short corner defensive runner.

Greg Rodwell (St Andrew’s College) – With St Andrew’s College hailing from Makhanda, they’re a team seen less often by KZN hockey enthusiasts. Therefore, we also had to include Greg Rodwell among the players to watch at the Michaelhouse Hockey Tournament.

The centre-back has an excellent hockey IQ, reads the game well, and makes it tough on attackers with his good positional play. He has a calm head and performs well under pressure.

Rodwell is effective in tight spaces, possesses strong stick skills, and contributes to his side’s build-up play and attacking penalty corners. His high level of conditioning means his engine never falters as he traverses the Astro.

The Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, sometimes referred to as the “Champions League” of schoolboy hockey, is once again upon us.

The prestigious annual tournament, hosted by Grey High in Gqeberha, runs from 24 to 27 April. Matches will be played at the Rectory AstroTurf and at Collegiate Girls’ High.

It’s a tournament that sees the cream of the crop assembling in the Windy City for competitive action with the famous Shield up for grabs.

All the matches will be LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and on DSTV Channel 216.

With only days remaining before the first push-back, SuperSport Schools Plus writer Avuyile Sawula takes a deep dive into the groups, casting an eye over the teams, the interesting talking points, and what to expect.

Pool A

The hosts, Grey High, Parel Vallei, St Alban’s College, and Durban High School (DHS) will contest Pool A.

At first glance, it appears to be a relatively straightforward group for the top sides. However, a closer look suggests this could be the pool of death.

That’s because three teams – Grey High, Parel Vallei, and DHS – are playing outstanding hockey this season, while St Alban’s has also made significant progress.

DHS will arrive in the Eastern Cape as the only unbeaten team among the 16 sides taking to the field. Coach Keegan Hezlett and his charges have been in excellent form, securing notable victories over Parel Vallei and Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) at the Belgotex Coastal Cup and, more recently, Northwood School.

Grey High will be looking to end their Hibbert Shield hoodoo, having last lifted the title in 2021.

Last year, coach Andrew Beynon‘s side had to settle for ninth place after a difficult tournament. However, they enter this year’s event among the favourites after starting the season strongly.

Last Friday, they defeated PRG 2–1 on the Rectory Astro. Their challenge will be to back up that performance.

Parel Vallei will make their second appearance at the tournament. Last year, they finished just outside the top 10 on debut. Coach Michael van Rensburg will be hoping they can improve significantly on that showing this time around. PV boasts a solid squad, featuring some outstandingly talented players, who will trouble their opponents.

The opening Pool A clash sees St Alban’s take on DHS at 07:30 on day one.

Pool B

After bowing out in the semifinals of last year’s tournament, PRG will aim to go one step further in 2026 to have a crack at winning the event for a fourth time.

Coach Michael Baker and his charges are in Pool B for a second year and will take on Clifton College, St Stithians College, and Selborne College.

PRG defeated both Clifton and Selborne last year but will lock horns with Saints for the first time.

It’s been a relatively slow start to the season for the Stellenbosch side, who have suffered losses to DHS and Grey High so far. Tournament hockey, however, is where PRG tends to come alive, and coach Baker will be urging his troops to bring their A-game.

It won’t be an easy ride with the other three sides also eager to make an impression. Clifton, under coach Calvin Price, finished seventh last year, and they’re playing better hockey this year.

After impressing at the Saints Easter Hockey Festival, they played to a thrilling 3-3 draw with Glenwood High last week – a fixture that provided them with good preparation ahead of the Hibbert Shield, and also a reminder that they will need to be at their best to beat the best.

Selborne has looked promising, but coach KJ Friend‘s side has not yet hit its stride this season, although their best win of the season, 1-0 over Jeppe at the Nomads Festival, was an eye-catching result.

They went down 1-2 to Pearson in their last outing and will aim to use the Hibbert Shield to dial up some confidence. Meanwhile, Saints will be chasing synchronicity after a lengthy break.

Pool C

The defending champions, SACS, are in Pool C, where they will face Westville Boys’ High, Garsfontein, and Grey College.

SACS won their second Hibbert Shield title last year after beating Paarl Gimnasium 6-3 in the final.

As they pursue a third title, coach Sam Holmes will know that progressing from the group won’t be easy.

On paper, the Cape Town outfit should finish in the top two positions, but with the shock results that this season has produced, anything could happen.

Westville will likely be their biggest challenger. After starting the season slowly, the Griffins have found their form and are performing well under coach Harold Siyaya.

They had put together a nice run of victories before succumbing to a narrow 0-1 defeat to Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg on Friday, so they’ll be eager to get back to winning ways immediately.

Westville doesn’t have the best record at the Hibbert Shield, but they appear to be in a position to change that narrative in 2026.

For Garsfontein, consistency and improvement will be the items on their agenda.

The Pretoria school sparkled, reaching back-to-back semifinals in 2024 and 2025, but coach Steven Paulo will ask for more from his players.

Their schedule includes a meeting with Grey College, whom they beat in last year’s quarterfinal. It has been an up-and-down season thus far for the Bloemfontein boys, but their clash with Garsfontein should be an interesting, cagey affair.

Pool D

In an unpredictable Pool D, it could come down to goal difference to determine which sides progress to the quarterfinals.

The group will be contested by Paarl Gimnasium, who made the final last year, Bishops, Pearson High, and the newcomers, Jeppe High School for Boys.

The addition of Jeppe has been greeted with excitement and anticipation from hockey enthusiasts. They further bolster an already loaded 16-team field.

Unbeaten in 2025, Jeppe has made an uneven start to 2026 under coach Gareth Heyns, but last week’s win over an in-form Westville side was a welcome boost before the challenge of the Hibbert Shield.

They’ll have to navigate tricky opponents in Bishops, Pearson, and Paarl Gim.

Bishops might have lost 2-4 against SACS last Friday, but they showed great improvement, played some good hockey in patches, and fought to the last whistle, scoring twice in the fourth chukka.

Pearson, meanwhile, has been on a fantastic run, which included a clean record at the KES Easter Festival. After beating Selborne earlier this month, they were victorious against Outeniqua in George last weekend.

Paarl Gim will also be buzzing heading into Hibbert Shield after recently claiming a hard-fought 3-2 win over Grey College. Pool D, just like all the groups, will be hotly contested.

GROUPS

Pool A: Parel Vallei, St Alban’s College, Durban High School, Grey High School
Pool B: Paul Roos Gimnasium, Clifton College, St Stithians College, Selborne College
Pool C: SACS, Westville Boys’ High, Garsfontein, Grey College
Pool D: Jeppe High School for Boys, Paarl Gimnasium, Bishops, Pearson High

FIXTURES

Friday, 24 April 

@Grey High School 

07:30 – St Alban’s vs DHS
08:45 – Parel Vallei vs Grey High
10:15 – Paul Roos vs Clifton
11:30 – Selborne vs St Stithians College
13:00 – SACS vs Westville
14:15 – St Alban’s vs Parel Vallei
15:45 – Jeppe vs Bishops
17:00 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Pearson High
18:30 – DHS vs Grey High

@Collegiate Girls 

08:45 – Jeppe vs Paarl Gim
10:15 – Bishops vs Pearson
11:30 – Garsfontein vs Grey College
15:45 – Clifton vs Selborne
17:00 – Paul Roos vs St Stithians College
18:30 – SACS vs Grey College

Saturday, 25 April 

@Grey High School 

07:30 – Westville vs Garsfontein
08:45 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Bishops
10:15 – St Alban’s vs Grey High School
11:30 – DHS vs Parel Vallei
13:00 – Jeppe vs Pearson
14:15 – Clifton vs St Stithians College
15:45 – SACS vs Garsfontein
17:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Selborne
18:30 – Westville vs Grey College

Playoff fixtures will be provided at the conclusion of the pool stages.