Rugby has always been more than just a sport at Union High School — it is part of our identity and tradition. For over a century the school has made a significant contribution to rugby in the Eastern Cape, especially in the values that matter most: sportsmanship, pride, discipline and respect. We are enormously proud of the young men who have represented Union over the years and set the standard for generations to follow.
Rugby Today
Despite being a smaller Karoo school, Union competes successfully against many of the strongest traditional rugby schools in South Africa. Our annual fixture list remains one of the toughest in the region and includes schools such as:
• St Andrew’s High School
• Graeme College
• Woodridge College
• Westering High School
• Gill College
• York High School
• Muir College
• Hoër Volkskool
Every season our teams stand toe-to-toe with big rugby schools, often exceeding expectations and proving that hard work and pride are as powerful as numbers.
Representative Players and Pathway
Union continues to produce provincial and academy-level players annually. Many of our boys go on to:
• Eastern Province Craven Week & Academy Week trials
• Provincial U16 & U18 rugby pathways
• Club and university rugby scholarships
• Professional rugby academy systems
These achievements are supported by a well-structured pathway from junior rugby to the 1st XV.
Coaching & High-Performance Environment
Union is fortunate to have dedicated coaching staff and a strong high-performance culture. Our rugby programme is built on:
• Professional coaching staff
• Strength and conditioning support
• Skills development from Foundation Phase
• Strong school and community support
We believe that rugby is a tool for building character. Young men learn discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience — values that stay with them long after school.
Facilities
Union’s rugby facilities continue to be among the best in the Karoo:
• Two immaculate rugby fields
• Dedicated training and conditioning space
• Gymnasium facility
Rugby at Union: More Than a Game
Union High School rugby continues to produce not only excellent players but good young men. Our boys play with courage, commitment and the true spirit of the game. The badge on their chest is a reminder of responsibility, honour and history.
At Union, rugby remains a tradition we guard with pride, and a future we continue to invest in for every boy who dreams of running onto the field.
Rugby
