With rugby celebrations across the country, this milestone celebration brings together schoolboy rugby, tradition, and a deep sense of brotherhood that has defined Pretoria Boys High for generations.

Pretoria, South Africa (07 April 2026) – Pretoria Boys High School, one of the oldest schools in Pretoria, is celebrating 125 years of excellence this year. What better way to mark the milestone than with a rugby festival on the hallowed Brooks Field?

Across the country, rugby festivals have become a staple of the school calendar, bringing together some of the best young talent and fiercest rivalries. From one province to the next, they’re about tradition, connection, and a shared love for the game. And in Pretoria, Boys High’s contribution to that landscape carries a legacy of its own.

As the school celebrates 125 years of excellence, its rugby festival becomes more than just a weekend of fixtures. It’s a gathering of history, pride, and a brotherhood that stretches across generations.

For director of rugby Paul Anthony, the real significance lies beyond the touchline.

“I think it’s like a family. The school’s based on the old boys, it’s like a brotherhood. The guys just stick together and go on forever. It’s a massive bond.”

That sense of belonging is something he knows well. Anthony himself walked these fields as a learner in the mid-1970s before returning years later as a coach.

It’s a cycle that extends beyond him. Having coached some of the very figures who now lead the school, and with his own sons having come through the system, his connection to Pretoria Boys High runs deep.

“My sons were right here,” he says. “They’re now overseas, but they’ll be watching, and by four o’clock they’ll be telling me what we did right and wrong. That’s how invested they are.”

While the festival showcases high-level competition, Anthony is quick to emphasise that schoolboy rugby should be about more than just winning.

“People come for the rugby and the competition, but also to catch up with their mates. There’ll be a tent full tonight, just reminiscing. That’s what it’s about.”

As the school celebrates 125 years, Anthony is clear about the kind of legacy it hopes to leave behind.

“The legacy should be to send well-educated, well-mannered young men into the world,” he says. “Men who love this country and want to make a difference.”

Sources: GTG Interview 

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History has been made for Peet Crowther and Chris Oldnall, who recently became the first and second solo swimmers to swim from Robben Island all the way to Dassen Island (over 50kms in fierce conditions). But, this wasn’t just a swim for the sake of it…

Western Cape, South Africa (10 April 2025) — When Peet Crowther and Chris Oldnall told their friends that they were planning on swimming the Robben Island to Dassen Island crossing solo, we’re sure they were met with many sceptical eyebrows.

But the challenge was clear in their minds—do the impossible to make opportunities possible for others.

See, Peet and Chris were not just swimming for the sake of it. As the Deputy Headmaster of Pretoria Boys High School, Mr Oldnall knew that using an extreme sport to garner support could make a world of difference for underprivileged learners. With Chris coming on board, the men channeled all their efforts toward the Trilogy Ocean Challenge and raising funds to make bursaries possible for boys in need through the South African hall of Fame Legacy Project (which has already supported 35 scholars).

The first leg of the challenge tasked them to swim the False Bay Crossing (33kms), which was completed last year. The second took them to Robben Island to fight for a place in history; no one has completed this channel to Dassen Island as a solo open water swim before.

That was until the news came in today that Peet made history, followed by Chris shortly thereafter!

Peet reached the end with a time of 18:23:20.37, while Chris followed with 20:26:21.37 on the clock. Putting this into perspective, they battled blisteringly cold waters for hours on end for around 53kms not to mention the sharks and jellyfish they had to keep watch for. 

The risks were high—exhaustion to extreme degrees, dehydration, and, of course, hyperthermia.

As such, the men’s mission has rightfully earned cheers from all over the country and soon, the world.

But this isn’t their last challenge. Leg 3 is pencilled for November, where they’ll attempt another ‘never been done solo before’ through the False Bay Double Crossing.

You can best congratulate them by contributing to the cause, driving it all forward, here. 

Sources: South African Hall of Fame; Pretoria Old Boy’s Association 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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