Jeppe receive Golden Lions referees’ nod of approval

This past Saturday night, amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Bestmed Golden Lions Referees Society‘s annual prize-giving dinner, Jeppe High School for Boys was named the School of the Year.

The accolade recognises the prowess, sportsmanship, and unrivalled spirit shown by Jeppe throughout the 2023 season.

The School of the Year award is selected and voted for by the referees themselves, with the schools needing to tick multiple boxes to be considered for the award. The competition was stiff, but the boys in black and white came out on top.

“That the behaviour and standard of play of our players has been recognised and rewarded in this way makes us very proud,” Jeppe said on the school’s website.

Jeppe’s 1st XV enjoyed a successful 2023 season, producing some outstanding performances to beat, among others, DHS, KES, Monument, and Hilton College, as they notched up 12 wins playing some of the best teams in the country.

KES beat Jeppe 23-20 in April, but Jeppe claimed the win in a high-scoring thriller the second time around at the end of July, winning 43-31. They ended the season with another heart-stopping victory, defeating an excellent Durban High School team 39-36.

Another memorable encounter was their clash with Affies, which the boys from Pretoria won 33-31, with a late converted try.

The 2024 season will see a shake-up of the Jeppe coaching staff with their long-serving 1st XV coach, Carl Spilhaus, taking over as the Director of Rugby after six very successful years during which Jeppe established itself as a powerhouse side.

Former assistant coach, Drickus Venter, take over as Head Coach of the 1st XV next year.

Venter, who been with the school for the past 14 years, will be eager to build upon his forerunner’s success. His deep understanding of the school’s rugby traditions, combined with his unique insights and innovations, will be valuable assets as he takes on the new role.