163 years of tradition shape the culture of Maritzburg College 1st XV’s culture. According to 1st XV assistant coach, Kelvin Elder, although it is a guide each team is different and the culture needs refinement.
With centuries of tradition, College are arming themselves to tackle the 2026 rugby season, testing themselves locally and against strong teams from other provinces.
“We have a holistic approach at College, it is more important to know we are sending boys into the world that have become the best versions of themselves. Because of this we have limited contact time with them for rugby. We give them all the time needed for the summer sports. It is a challenge but we have been able to figure it out every year. Luckily we have a very committed group of boys who ask to do extra, and are willing to train early in the morning,” says Elder.
In 2026, the team will be looking to improve on their 50% win record in all matches from 2025. Locally they had a better time, beating Glenwood twice, Kearnsey, Hilton, Michaelhouse and St. Charles. They only lost to a powerhouse Westville side, Northwood (both of which were small margin matches) and perennial powerhouse Durban High School (DHS).
“Westville and DHS are always tough games, Westville beat us last year but we usually get the better of them. DHS is usually the top ranked team in the province,” he noted.
According to Elder, the rankings is not something that they will be chasing as the season unfolds.
“It is not a basis of success for us. We measure a successful season internally. The rankings is more an estimation as not everybody plays against everybody,” Elder said.
The men from Maritzburg will have their work cut out for them locally but also when they meet schools from different provinces at the various festivals. They travel to Pretoria Boys High’s 125 festival where they take on Jeppe and SACS while the Wildeklawer tournament sees them square up against Stellenberg and Outeniqua. Each of these teams is strong within their respective provinces. Stellenberg which will have a strong team, this year probably providing the biggest test for Elder’s troops.
The exchange that happens between Maritzburg College and Affies since 1996 is another great test for College. A team they have been able to beat only four times. Elder is particularly proud of the 2023 team that was able to put 50 points past the Pretoria giants for the first time in College’s history.
“We have been competing well against Affies especially in the last four years. It always is a tough match to play, but a wonderful experience to host their boys or when they host our boys in Pretoria in each other’s homes,” Elder said.
According to him the big derby match for the Red, Black, and White is DHS. The teams have been playing each other since 1910. But the last time Maritzburg was able to get one over DHS was in 2021.
“We share a great history with them, there is a cup on the line for that match. I think Boys’ Schools derbies just hit differently, so much history and tradition that goes along with it,” he said.
Maritzburg College will, as they always do put it all on the line to get a winning 2026 season. It is going to be entertaining to see them play this year.
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