At St John’s College, rugby is more than just a game – it is a tradition built on passion, discipline and excellence.

As one of Johannesburg’s leading hosts of Easter rugby festivals, the school continues to blend century-old values with modern coaching techniques, allowing young players to test themselves against top opposition.

First team coach Katleho Lynch, who has 17 years of coaching experience, believes developing the next generation of players starts with fostering a genuine love for the game.
“I believe young players must first and foremost enjoy the game. They should have fun with their teammates, embrace the team environment and develop a genuine love for rugby,” he said.

“However, enjoyment must come with responsibility. Performing at a high level requires commitment, such as attending pre-season training, following your gym programme, working on individual skills and reviewing performances to identify areas for improvement.”

Lynch said developing these habits early prepares players for higher levels of competition, where discipline, self-analysis and consistency are essential.

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He is also confident that the current group of players at St John’s has the potential to progress to professional rugby.

“We have players with the hunger to improve, strong game understanding and real passion for rugby. They watch and study the sport and are willing to put in the extra work. That mindset, combined with discipline and consistency, creates the foundation for moving to the next level,” he said.

Balanced and adaptable playing style

Lynch describes the team’s playing style as balanced and adaptable, an approach he believes is essential in a dynamic sport such as rugby.

“Rugby constantly presents shifting situations, and success depends on how well you respond to those moving parts. While every team may have a preferred identity, playing styles often evolve based on the players available,” he said.

“The most successful teams are those that adapt effectively and maximise the strengths within their playing group, rather than forcing a system that does not suit their personnel.”

He explained that a team’s tactics are often shaped by the players available.

“If we have fast backs, we look at how to create opportunities to get them the ball in space. If we have tall locks who can dominate the line-out, we use them to secure our own ball and disrupt the opposition. And if we have a big, physical pack, we look at how to use that physicality to apply pressure and wear teams down.”

Lessons from the international game
Lynch said that while international rugby trends can offer insight, they cannot always be replicated at the school level.

“The core principles of rugby will never change – going forward, winning the gain line and providing effective support play remain fundamental,” he said.

“Professional players operate with exceptional skill sets, physical profiles and preparation standards that differ significantly from those at the school level.”

Using the scrum as an example, Lynch explained that teams must adapt their approach based on their strengths.
“If you have a dominant pack, you can use that strength to apply pressure and control the opposition. If your pack is smaller, you focus on technique, speed of engagement and efficient ball use to compete.”

Diversity of school rugby styles

According to Lynch, there is no single correct style of rugby at school level.

“It all depends on the skill set you have each year. Ideally, you want to play attractive, ball-in-hand rugby with minimal kicking, although in today’s competitive environment, kicking is still very important,” he said.

“Some teams may rely on a strong attacking game and finishers who can score tries. Others may use tactical kicking to apply pressure.”

For Lynch, success ultimately comes down to maximising the strengths within a team.

“To be fair, we are blessed with the quality of schools that play rugby in South Africa. Watching the talent on display is already a blessing for the rugby community,” he added.

Rivalries and rugby festivals
School rugby rivalries add excitement and motivation for players. For St John’s, matches against other “Saints” schools and known rivals such as Jeppe Boys, Michaelhouse, and King Edward VII School (KES) are particularly significant.

Lynch said rugby festivals, including the Easter events hosted by St John’s, play an important role in developing school rugby.

They provide players with exposure to scouts and allow teams to compete against unfamiliar opponents from different regions. Festivals also allow parents to watch matches online if they cannot attend in person.

One fixture Lynch especially looks forward to is against Diocesan College (Bishops), a respected rugby school with a strong tradition.

As the Easter rugby season approaches, St John’s College is once again preparing to balance its proud traditions with modern coaching approaches while continuing to develop young players who carry the school’s rugby legacy forward.