South African rugby’s proud history has always been built on strong foundations – and according to two experienced school coaches, the next generation of players is already showing the qualities needed to carry the sport forward.
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Khwezi Mqomboti, preparatory director of sport at St John’s College with 18 years of coaching experience, and Luke Pearson, of Saint Stithians College, who has coached for 19 years, both believe the country’s rugby future remains bright.
Mqomboti says young players who dream of representing their school’s first team – or eventually their province or country – must start with the fundamentals. “They need to master the basics of the game: passing, tackling, and game awareness. If those fundamentals are strong, everything else can be built on top of that.”
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He added that many young players already display the attributes required to progress further in the sport. “There are a few boys who will be able to take their rugby to the next level. They are athletic, agile, have good spatial awareness, and a strong understanding of the game.”
However, Mqomboti cautions that development at junior level should remain age-appropriate. “Sometimes we see senior coaches trying to teach professional-level skills at the preparatory school stage, and that simply doesn’t work. Coaches should continue focusing on the basics and on developing skills that suit the players’ age.”
Pearson shares a similar outlook, but emphasises that natural talent alone is not enough to reach the highest levels of the sport. Quoting basketball star Kevin Durant, he explained: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Pearson believes young rugby players need a balanced and disciplined approach to development if they hope to progress. “Student-athletes need long-term structured development, broad physical literacy, deliberate practice, and a growth mindset. They also need to prioritise recovery, sleep, and nutrition, while balancing training and competition.”
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He says several players in his current squad have the potential to reach higher levels if they commit to these principles.
Pearson also highlighted how developing well-rounded young athletes can make a difference, pointing to past students who excelled across multiple areas of school life.
Both coaches agree that while boys who start playing rugby in primary school may initially have an advantage, those who begin later can still catch up.
“Skills can definitely be acquired in high school,” said Mqomboti. “We’ve seen players start later and still go on to play at a national level.”
Pearson encourages newcomers to be patient and committed to learning the game. “Development happens at different times for different players. You can also gain a huge amount of knowledge and match awareness simply by watching rugby, as well as playing it.”
For both coaches, the key to ensuring South African rugby continues to thrive lies in focusing on long-term development, rather than short-term results.
“If coaches invest in developing players properly and creating a love for the game,” Pearson said, “then the future of rugby will take care of itself.”Judging by the passion and talent already emerging in school rugby, the future of the sport in South Africa appears to be in very good hands.
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