St Beneficts College Rugby History

Feb 11 • General News, School • 3688 Views • Comments Off on St Beneficts College Rugby History

St. Benedict’s College Bio

Founded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1958, St Benedict’s in Bedfordview is South Africa’s largest Catholic School for boys. It includes a Junior Preparatory School, Preparatory School and College, which allow for the holistic nurturing and development of our boys throughout the journey of becoming upstanding young Christian men. Mind, Soul, Body and Heart are the four cornerstones that are the foundation of everything we do, and everything we believe in, at St Benedict’s.

St. Benedict’s Rugby 1998-2014
Rugby was introduced to St Benedict’s College by the Headmaster Mr Tony Dobson at a Parents meeting in 1998. This came as a huge surprise to everyone present as the College only played soccer at that stage. This was a very BOLD decision. In many ways it was more comfortable to be a large fish in a small soccer pond, rather than a small fish in a big rugby pond. But as enrolment grew, and after the success of the 1995 Rugby World Cup it became increasingly clear that to maintain proper sporting relationships with comparable Boys’ High schools, St Benedict’s had to switch to rugby.
The decision was welcomed by the boys and the introduction of Rugby at the College in 1998 was painless and brought about an instantaneous transformation within the school. The season was a true eye opener for all concerned as the open side played 8 games, won 1 against St John’s 3rd side and only managed to score 3 points the whole season with 350 points scored against them.

Success came rapidly! By the year 2000, St Benedict’s were regularly beating some of the more experienced rugby schools. Our rugby took huge strides forward because of the expert training and guidance the boys received. By 2005, St Benedict’s were playing against some of the top schools in the country.

St Benedict’s have now become a regular feature at the Easter Invitational festivals, and will this year be in action at the St Stithians Festival. Currently St Benedict’s has 18 rugby teams, a far cry from the 5 of 1998.
St Benedict’s have produced a few Craven week players, Jarrod Taylor in 2003, Srdjan Dabovic in 2008 and Nyasha Tarusenga 2013. In 2008-2010 we also had 4 boys representing the school in the Lions Academy sides Tebogo Modisane, Mervin Malebe 2009 and Luther Obi 2010. Luther went on to represented the SA u 20(Baby Boks) at the 2013 World Cup. Ricardo Robuschi an old boy has represented Italy at 7’s. James Gardiner and Dane Mouyis two old boys were selected for the Lions Academy at club Level. St Benedict’s have also produced numerous provincial players in the younger age groups. 2012 saw St Benedict’s produce 7 Provincial players, 6 at the u16 age group and 1in the u 18 age Group. U/18 Daniel De Gouveia – Lions Welpies U/16 Katleho Totetsi and Nyasha Tarusenga -Grant Khomo A, Tatenda Zhoya, Mosolwa Mafuma and Koketso Maklinga – Grant Khomo XV, Tatenda Gotchera –Academy XV. Byrone Kennedy was selected for the Lions 7-a-side team. In 2013 Katleho Tsotetsi and Tatenda Zhoya were included in the Lions Academy side. Byrone Kennedy and Tapiwa Mangwana was selected for the PUK Lions side.
Spectators watching St Benedict’s College School are treated to exciting “running rugby”. We encourage team spirit, fitness and above all commitment. St Benedict’s Rugby has come a long way in the 17 years since its inception. The challenge to become the best may not be easy, but it is possible!

Photo: Tanja Voght