St Stithians is a proud Rugby school steeped in tradition and Rugby is an integral part of our culture at the College. 

The programme is about finding potential in every learner that participates in the game. The Rugby programme is designed to provide the learners with an opportunity to experience the unique culture of the sport whist also learn about participating in a demanding team sport. 

The programme is also designed in a way that it promotes and fosters excellence and team spirit in students. The enjoyment of the sport is at the core of it all. Yes, being competitive and having a winning spirit and outlook is important to the College, having said that it’s even more important to the College that students are enjoying the sport of rugby, whilst being developed by a competent team of coaches. 

Our mission is to develop and coach the sport of Rugby, by developing players and/or athletes to their highest potential in a positive environment while encouraging discipline, commitment, integrity and honour both on and off the field. 

Our core values are passion, solidarity, discipline, respect, sportsmanship and teamwork. We look forward to developing your sons to their fullest potential. 

“It is not the will to win that matters, everyone has that. It is the will to prepare to win that matters” Paul Bear Bryant

THORISO SHIHAU

MIC: RUGBY AND 1ST TEAM COACH

Mr Laurence Christie

Campus Director of Rugby

A career that has been defined by a deep-seated passion for developing young athletes and, more importantly, coaches to positively influence athletes through the intersection of sports science and elite coaching methodologies. 

Originally from Paarl and an alumnus of the South African College School (SACS), I began my academic journey at the University of Cape Town (UCT) with a BSc in Chemical, Molecular, and Cellular Science. While playing rugby at UCT, I discovered my calling for performance coaching, leading me to complete a degree in Human Movement Science and an Honours in Sport Science at Nelson Mandela University.

Past professional milestones include:

• Independent Athletic Performance Consultant for S A Rugby (2023–2024): 

• Current World Rugby Educator: serving as a certified educator for both Coaching and Strength & Conditioning (S&C), helping to accredit and upskill the next generation of coaches.

• 12 years of provincial coaching experience in various roles ranging from strength and conditioning, forwards coach, head coach and head of sport science across Currie Cup, Grant Khomo, Academy Week and Craven Week levels and varsity cup and shield consultant coach.