After a superb 2025 season, can Gimmies maintain that incredible standard?

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant, American historian and philosopher.

Last season was excellent for Paarl Gimnasium, even when judging them by their own very high standards.

Other than a 33-35 loss to archrivals Paarl Boys’ High in a mesmerising clash in August, Gimmies won their other 17 matches, many of them by massive margins.

Head Coach and former Springboks‘ wing Pieter Rossouw noted the fierce competition for a place in the 2026 1st XV: “There are a few [Grant Khomo and Craven Week representatives] that played for the 1st team last year, but everybody must start from scratch and earn their place,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

The coaching setup remains familiar, but there is one change, Rossouw said, with Ockie van Zyl taking over from Helmut Lehmann.

When reflecting on his squad, Rossouw also pointed out how Old Boys and their sons continue adding to the school’s rich rugby history: “Johan van Zyl played for Western Province and clubs abroad as a lock. His son, Hendré van Zyl [who plays as a loose forward], is once again available for selection for the first team.”

Rossouw also shared his side’s mission for the season: “We have no specific goals. Rather, we want to set a consistent standard of playing good rugby week-in and week-out.”

With an experienced coaching unit and a wealth of talented players coming through, one question remains, and it is a fair one to ask: Could Paarl Gimnasium go unbeaten in 2026?

Paarl Gimnasium Fixtures 2026

Paarl Gim

• About
• Latest Posts

Marlowe Bloem

Marlowe is a sports & creative writer from Durban, Kwazulu-Natal. Writing mainly for rugby & cricket, Marlowe enjoys watching and taking part in a multitude of sports, from soccer to athletics. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music of all genres, reading literary fiction, and playing sports with friends and family.

Latest posts by Marlowe Bloem (see all)

• After a superb 2025 season, can Gimmies maintain that incredible standard? - 2026-03-05
• Boishaai is the team to beat in 2026 - 2026-03-05
• Stellenberg lifts Sammy Bloch 25-over trophy - 2026-03-05