Blues players to watch: Rising talent set to shine at KES Festival

Ranked 21st out of 226 schools by SA School Sports in 2024, Hoërskool Noordheuwel’s first rugby team known as The Blues can be considered one of the big guns at this year’s King Edward VII School (KES) Easter Rugby Festival.
With all eyes on the festival and what talent might emerge, the Blues’ standout players and coaching staff are worth watching.

WP Laidlaw, deputy principal of sport at Nories, said the coaches are Stefan ‘Botter’ Lourens (director of rugby at Nories and former Lions Craven Week player), former Lions Craven Week coach Ian Joubert (the forward coach) and Lions Academy Week coach Erwin Harris (who was tournament winner two years in a row).

Regarding standout players, WP said Clinton Agu is indeed among the talented players.
“Our hooker Clinton has played in the Golden Lions U18 Academy team that won the tournament in 2024. Clinton is an explosive player who is very involved in the game,” he said.

“Jeandre Uithaler is our flyhalf who was included in the South African Rugby Union (SARU) U17 group. His kicking especially is on the money which makes him a very big asset to the team,” he added.

“Kean Lourens our lock was included in the U16 SARU training group and also played Grand Khomo in 2024. His height and weight make him a strong ball carrier and exceptional defensive organiser.”