Paarl Boys’ High School coach Sean Erasmus believes Stellenberg High School’s remarkable rise to the top of the schoolboy rugby rankings is rooted in years of hard work.
Stellenberg have emerged as the story of the season, winning 11 of their first 12 matches and beating traditional heavyweights such as Paarl Gim, Grey College and Paul Roos.
The Bellville side face another major test on Saturday when they travel to Brug Street to take on Boishaai.
MORE: Stellenberg breakthrough 20 years in the making
Erasmus says the Jade Brigade’s success reflects the increasingly professional nature of schoolboy rugby.
“Schoolboy rugby has become a lot more professional,” Erasmus told Rugby365.
“The amount of time and effort that goes into preparing the boys has changed a great deal.”
He credited Stellenberg’s leadership team, including head of sport Andras Molnar and coach Divan Batt, for building a sustainable rugby programme.
“Stellenberg have done that really well,” said Erasmus.
“Andras, Divan Batt and others in that system have put a great deal of thought into their structures, and how they’ve wanted to put Stellenberg on the map.”
“They’ve been putting in the hard yards over the years.”
SCHOOLS WRAP: No stopping Stellenberg, Monnas
While Boishaai have endured an inconsistent campaign, Erasmus believes his young side is improving at the right time.
“There are similarities between 2024 and 2026,” he said.
“There have been some improvements since the start of the season, and I’ve also been impressed by the character the team has shown.”
Photo: Stellenberg Facebook
The post Boishaai coach lifts lid on Stellenberg’s rise appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
