New season, new coach, renewed optimism for Michaelhouse

In 2025, Michaelhouse had an experienced 1st XV, but, as sometimes happens with teams that are good on paper, they struggled to click.

Three tight losses at the start of the season to three strong opponents set off a domino effect. In their opener, ‘House went down 10-17 to Helpmekaar after leading at halftime. They led Northwood in their second outing into the last minute of the match before losing to a last-second penalty, with the contest ending 13-15.

Then, at home, on Meadows, they led Durban High School (DHS) 11-0, but the Horseflies turned the tide to snatch a 17-14 lead at halftime. It was 22-22 late in the second half before DHS slotted two late kicks to win 28-22.

Draws against Grey High (28-28) and St Andrew’s College (22-22) sandwiched a 17-25 loss to Bishops, and it was only in the seventh game of the season that Michaelhouse won for the first time, swamping St John’s College (Harare) 65-14.

By then, though, the damage had been done. Michaelhouse finished the season with four wins, two draws and 10 losses.

They enter 2026 with less experience, but they have players with 1st XV experience in crucial positions, with four of the front five – prop Nicola Salamousas, hooker Max Oliva, lock Oliver Vickery, and lock/flank Reese Hill – having run out last year. Add Oliver Guy, who will play either flank or 8th-man, and you have the potential for a solid pack.

In the backline, flyhalf Jack Carmody, wing Laird Hamilton-Brown, and fullback/centre Alex Jankowitz all offer 1st XV experience and bite.

Jankowitz’s father, Anton, represented SA Schools in 1989, but not as a Michaelhouse boy. He attended Hilton College!

Laird Hamilton Brown’s father, David, represented South Africa in sprint paddling, while Doug Carmody turned out for the Kearsney 1^st XV for three years. Reece Cole played for the 2^nd XV last year, and his brother, Jared, is the u16A team’s flyhalf. Their dad, Neil, played for The Sharks, Leicester Tigers, and Worcester Warriors.

All of this is to say, there are significant sporting genes in the Michaelhouse ranks.

Three players who helped The Sharks to win the Grant Khomo Week in 2025 in very impressive fashion will also challenge for 1^st XV places: flank/8th-man Jaydon Jubber, scrumhalf Ben Hughes, and centre Fabiano Fierro.

The team will be further boosted by loosehead prop Aphelele Chamane, who joined Michaelhouse from Dundee High last year.

There are also changes to the coaching set-up. Director of Rugby James Fleming will focus his energy on overseeing the Michaelhouse rugby programme, which, apart from the 1st XV, enjoyed a strong year in 2025.

Last year’s disappointing campaign shouldn’t be laid at his feet. It is often said that coaches get too much credit when their teams win and too much blame when their teams lose. The overall success of Michaelhouse’s rugby programme, though, offers a far wider sample size of Fleming’s ability and impact. He’s a top man.

Marco Engelbrecht, formerly with King Edward VII (KES), takes over the 1st XV coaching reins. He’ll be assisted by forwards’ coach Cameron Lindsay, backline coach Josh Alderman, strength and conditioning coach Ross Dubazana, and manager Marcel Cornelius.

As always, pride of place on the fixture list belongs to the home and away fixtures against Hilton College. With the black and white winning both matches last year, Michaelhouse will be champing at the bit to have another crack at their rivals.

James Fleming expressed his excitement with the schedule that awaits ‘House in 2026. He said facing Affies in April would be a huge highlight. Only two days after that, another highlight follows, with a game against Jeppe.

“We very seldom play Jeppe. With Brendan Gittins leaving us to take up their position of Headmaster, it will raise the interest levels,” Fleming explained.

“Grey High and St Andrew’s College, on our Eastern Cape tour, are always a treat.

“Kearsney at the Sharks Schools trials day will bring added fizz!”

The Hilton/Michaelhouse derbies, he termed “massive”.

Perhaps one of the primary challenges that Michaelhouse will face in 2026 is geographical in nature.  They play only four matches at home. They have 10 away, although two of those will be at the Pretoria Boys High 125th Rugby Festival, and two others at the Grey High Rugby Festival.

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Brad Morgan

A product of Clifton (Nottingham Road) and St Andrew's School (Bloemfontein), Brad Morgan played schools' provincial cricket and hockey. He has worked in radio, online and for newspapers. He also previously handled media matters for the Natal Canoe Club, which hosts the Dusi Canoe Marathon, and for the Midmar Mile. Brad has, furthermore, co-authored books on the Dusi Canoe Marathon and the Comrades Marathon. He holds no particular biases towards South African sports teams but, beyond South Africa's borders, is a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and Liverpool FC. Brad enjoys photography and music, and likes working to some good dub techno in the background.

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