Old rivalries create lasting bonds (video)
Former St John’s College players say traditional school rugby rivalries created lifelong memories, pride and lasting connections beyond the field.
For many Johannesburg school rugby players, the fiercest matches of their school days remain some of the most vivid memories long after the final whistle has blown.
As school rugby festivals continue to showcase the next generation of talent, alumni say the rivalries that defined their playing days still shape how they remember their time on the field.
For former St John’s College player Joel Leotlela (Class of 2022), the rivalries were never just about sport. They were about identity, pride, and proving a point.
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“There were quite a few. King Edward VII School (KES) was one of the big rugby schools, and, even though they were on a different rugby level to us, we always gave them a good run.”
However, the rivalry that truly stood out for Leotlela was with St Stithians College. “Saints was more personal, because we were in the same bubble and friends with most of them. We’re both ‘Saint’ schools, so we were always trying to prove who was the better one.”
He describes school rivalry in simple terms: “It’s like having a sibling that just gets on your nerves most of the time.”
During rivalry fixtures, Leotlela says the responsibility of representing the school weighed heavily on the players. “We weren’t just playing for ourselves. We were representing the whole school and carrying the pride of our motto, Lux Vita Caritas.”
Another former St John’s player, Dustyn Holmes, echoes those memories, recalling how several schools stood out as major competitors during his time. King Edward VII School, St Stithians College, and Pretoria Boys High School were among the most challenging opponents.
“Pretoria Boys High was definitely the most competitive in my era. The scores were always tight, and we usually just edged them.”
For him, the atmosphere around school rugby was something special. “Saturday fixtures in winter — the whole school comes together to support the first team. Those are unforgettable memories and incredible camaraderie. It’s indescribable. You have to experience it.”
Wearing school colours during those matches was one of the most meaningful experiences of his school career. “It meant more to me than wearing anything else in my schooling career. It was a surreal feeling.”
Both alumni agree that rivalries are about far more than the final score. Healthy competition teaches players how to handle pressure, confrontation, and responsibility, while also building loyalty to teammates and school.
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@caxton.schools CAXTON SCHOOLS | 🏉 St John’s is leading 19-5 against Hoerskool Randburg at halftime in the U/19 match at St John’s Easter Rugby Festival. #CaxtonSchools #EasterFests #EasterSchoolFests #SchoolSportsFest
Leotlela says the rivalry spirit doesn’t disappear after school. “To this day it still matters. I never miss a chance to remind a Saints old boy how we dominated them in my year — but it’s all friendly banter.”
Holmes agrees that these rivalries help keep school communities connected long after players have moved on. “Rivalries are the backbone of alumni culture. They give old boys something to talk about and be proud of.”
As Johannesburg’s school rugby festivals continue to celebrate the sport, these stories serve as a reminder that the rivalries forged on school fields often become lifelong bonds.
