It’s not all doom and gloom at Glenwood, despite what many Green Machine supporters might believe.
The storied Durban rugby programme has endured three difficult years below the exacting standards Glenwood faithful have come to expect. But Director of Rugby Justin Hollis has acknowledged the recent struggles whilst outlining an ambitious blueprint to restore the school to their traditional powerhouse status.
A season of struggle – and unexpected bright spots
The Green Machine faced a tough KwaZulu-Natal landscape in 2025, managing just one provincial victory against St Charles College. However, glimpses of promise emerged when Glenwood ventured north to face Monument and HTS Middelburg—two formidable sides. The Grasshoppers defeated Middelburg and drew against Monument, suggesting the foundations for recovery may already be in place.
“It hasn’t been to our standard at Glenwood. We are going through a bit of a rebuilding phase,” Hollis admitted candidly.
The reset: Culture, discipline, and smart training
The theme for this season is clear: reset. It begins with a young, energetic coaching staff hungry to learn and rebuild the winning culture that once defined Glenwood rugby.
“We need to rebuild the culture of never giving up. We are big on creating gentlemen, good behaviour in the classrooms and in the corridors, which translates to on-field success,” Hollis explained.
New protocols aimed at instilling discipline have been introduced, including the “10-minute rule” requiring players to arrive ten minutes early for training. The reset extends to training schedules as well, with early morning gym sessions scrapped in favour of afternoon sessions that afford players crucial extra recovery time.
“We aren’t changing but getting Glenwood back to where we were,” Hollis emphasised. “I know we can do it.”
Proof in the pipeline
Hollis points to the school’s player development systems as evidence that Glenwood’s foundations remain superb. Four recent matriculants now compete at provincial and international level, most notably brothers Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse, both Glenwood alumni who have progressed to professional rugby.
More recent graduates include Phatu Ganyane and Jaco Williams, who both represented the u20 Springboks—testament to the quality still emerging from the programme.
Hollis recognises the challenge ahead: reclaiming Glenwood’s place amongst South Africa’s top twenty schools in a brutally competitive landscape.
Testing times ahead
The Kearsney Easter Festival presents the most immediate tests for the Green Machine. Helpmekaar, Framesby, and EG Jansen all represent tough opposition that Glenwood will need to overcome.
“Sometimes you target a team at a festival, but I think we will have to take one game at a time. Hopefully we stay injury free,” Hollis said pragmatically.
Looking at the local scene, Westville will pose significant threats, while Kearsney might emerge as a potential surprise package in the province.
The Grey PE Festival will later pit Glenwood against Rondebosch and Selborne, providing further benchmarks for the programme’s progress.
Building mental toughness
Hollis encourages multi-sport participation amongst his players, believing that exposure to pressure situations across different codes builds the mental resilience required for top-level rugby.
“Every day we do our absolute best. I know myself and the coaches honour the past and give everything we can to get us to where we need to be,” Hollis pledged.
For Glenwood supporters, the message is clear: the rebuilding process is underway, the systems are sound, and the commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The Green Machine may be resetting—but they’re determined to roar again.
