Old Graemian Union

10/06/2026

LEGACY DERBY 2026 🔵🟡

The wait is over.

This year, the Old Graemian Union is excited to welcome Dale College, their Old Boys, families and supporters to Makhanda for Legacy Derby 2026.

While the sporting rivalry remains at the heart of the weekend, Legacy Derby has become much more than a fixture. It is a celebration of tradition, culture, friendship and the enduring connections between two historic schools and their communities.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing everything you need to know as we build towards the event, from sporting fixtures and supporter activities to social gatherings, cultural moments and opportunities to reconnect with old friends.

Whether you're returning to Makhanda, travelling from afar or following along from elsewhere in the world, we invite you to be part of the journey.

We look forward to welcoming Dale to Makhanda and celebrating another chapter in the story of Legacy Derby.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

09/06/2026

💙💛 Congratulations, Bathobele Hlekani (OG 2023)

The Old Graemian Union would like to extend its congratulations to Batho Hlekani (OG 2023) on his selection to the Springbok alignment camp ahead of the 2026 international season.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 51-man squad for the team's first training camp of the year, with Batho included among an exciting group of players being considered for upcoming fixtures against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe.

To be recognised at this level is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment Batho has shown throughout his rugby journey and we are incredibly proud to see another Graemian making his mark on the national stage.

We wish Batho every success as he takes this next step and look forward to following his progress in the green and gold environment.

Congratulations, Batho. The Graemian community is behind you.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

15/05/2026

💙💛 “Am I Part of the Old Graemian Union?”

It’s something a few people have asked recently.

If Graeme formed part of your school journey, especially the years that shaped the person you became, then yes — you’re already part of the Old Graemian Union.

The OGU exists to help keep Graemians connected through reunions, events, supporters’ culture, communication and the shared bond that comes with having walked the same passages and fields.

The committee is simply the group entrusted to help organise events and initiatives on behalf of the wider Graemian community — but the Union itself belongs to all Graemians.

Some stay closely involved. Some reconnect years later. Some simply follow from afar. But the tie remains the same.

And if you’d like to become more involved, contribute ideas or help with events and initiatives, you’re always welcome to reach out.

Wherever life has taken you, there will always be a place for you within the Graemian community.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

06/05/2026

💙💛 Our First Proper Home Fixture of the Season

After weeks on the road and festival rugby, Graeme finally returns home this weekend.

Cambridge comes to Makhanda for a full day of fixtures as the blue & gold run out in front of the home crowd once again.

There’s nothing quite like a home fixture at Graeme — the atmosphere around the fields, familiar faces on the sidelines and a community coming together behind the school.

Graemians, make your way down.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

💙💛 Graeme College Fixtures 2026 | The Rest of the Winter Season

Here’s what lies ahead.

While these dates anchor the rugby calendar, many of these weekends will feature a broader programme of sport across the school — making each one a proper Graemian occasion.

Fixtures:

Sat 25 Apr – Kearsney (Grey Rugby Festival)
Mon 27 Apr – St Charles (Grey Rugby Festival)
Sat 02 May – St Andrew’s (Away)
Sat 09 May – Cambridge (Home)
Sat 16 May – Hudson Park (Home)
Sat 30 May – Nico Malan (Away)
Sat 06 Jun – Stirling (Home)
Sat 20 Jun – Union (Home)
Sat 25 Jul – Pearson (Home)
Sat 01 Aug – Dale (Home)
Sat 08 Aug – Queen’s (Away)
Sat 15 Aug – Muir (Home)

From away trips to big home fixtures, it’s a season built on showing up, supporting the blue & gold and being part of it.

Save the dates. Plan ahead. Make your way down.

Fixture details are subject to change.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

02/05/2026

30/04/2026

💙💛 Supporters Gear Restock

You asked. We’ve restocked.

Our Graemian supporters range is back, just in time for the big one this weekend:

🐆 Old School Supporters Jersey
👕 Lions Roam x Graemian Leopard Collab Tee
🧢 Washed Graemian Leopard Caps
☀️ Visor Peaks

📍 Available at reception

For Supporters Gear (Old School jerseys or OGU caps), please contact:

Liyema Mafane
📧 [email protected]
📱 +27 78 919 8984

Show your spots.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

29/04/2026

A Rivalry Written in History

Graeme vs St Andrew’s | Since 1878

There are rugby matches… and then there are fixtures that carry the weight of history. Tomorrow, Graeme College and St Andrew’s College meet once again in a derby that’s been played for nearly 150 years — and it's one of the oldest schoolboy rugby rivalries in the country.

First played in 1878, this isn’t just a game. It’s tradition passed down through generations. It’s school pride, community spirit, and a bit of something you can’t quite describe unless you’ve stood on the sidelines and felt it.

A Historic Weekend for SA Rugby

This weekend is a rare one. The three oldest schoolboy rugby derbies in South Africa are all being played:

SACS vs Bishops – first played in 1873

Graeme vs St Andrew’s – since 1878

Dale vs Queen’s – since 1891

That’s not just special — it’s a celebration of where it all began.

Two Schools. One Legacy.

St Andrew’s College (founded in 1855) is the 6th oldest school in South Africa. Graeme College (founded in 1873) is the 22nd. But when it comes to tradition on the rugby field, both schools punch well above those numbers.

Graeme claimed victory in that very first clash in 1878, and over the years, the fixture has only grown in significance. In 2006, it was named an FNB Classic Clash, drawing national attention and adding another layer of legacy.

This derby is about far more than the First XV. It's a full-day festival of rugby, from U14s to the final whistle, with pupils, families, Old Boys, and the Makhanda community all showing up for the occasion.

A Proud Rugby Heritage

Both schools have produced standout players who’ve made their mark far beyond school fields.

Graeme Old Boys include:

Hennie le Roux – 1995 World Cup winner

Kotaro Matsushima – Japanese international, 2019 World Cup standout

Batho Hlekani – Current SA U20 player

Dirk de Vos, Tony Markow, and the Watson brothers among others

St Andrew’s legends include:

Nick Mallett, Ryan Kankowski, Russell Bennett, Danie Craven, and Sintu Manjezi

And let’s not forget the milestones:

Last year, St Andrew’s celebrated 125 years of rugby on Lower Field

The year before, Graeme marked its 150th anniversary

See You on the Sidelines

This derby isn’t just about who lifts the trophy. It’s about tradition. It’s about legacy. It’s about remembering where we come from and celebrating the spirit of schoolboy rugby in South Africa.

Whichever side you’re on — we’ll see you on the touchline.
Let’s make more history.

28/04/2026

🍸 The Gathering Before the Games

We’ve been invited.

Ahead of the SAC vs Graeme College fixtures, the Makhanda alumni community comes together for an evening of connection, shared tradition and proper catch-ups.

Old Andreans, DSG Old Girls, Graeme College Old Boys, Victoria Girls alumni and partners — all are welcome.

📅 Friday, 1 May 2026
🕡 From 18:30 onwards
📍 The Lowlander, at The Highlander

Arrive in time to experience the war cries on Lower Field.

Cash bar available.

👉 RSVP here:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/368625-makhanda-gathering-before-the-games/ #/

Graemians, if you’re in town, this is well worth making your way to.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

22/04/2026

💙💛 Graeme at the Grey Rugby Festival | Gqeberha

Two big fixtures coming up at the Grey Rugby Festival.

🏉 25 April | 10:15
Graeme College vs Kearsney College
📍 Kolisi Field

🏉 27 April | 11:45
Graeme College vs St Charles
📍 Po***ck Oval

If you’re in Gqeberha or nearby, make your way down and be part of it. Festival rugby, proper contests and a great atmosphere all round.

Graemians, this is yours.

🐆 Virtute et Opera

22/04/2026

🍸 Makhanda Gathering | The Night Before the Games

We’ve been invited — and it’s shaping up to be a great evening ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

Join fellow Old Boys, alumni and friends from across Makhanda for a relaxed catch-up, good conversation and a proper start to the weekend.

📅 Friday, 1 May 2026
🕡 From 18:30 onwards
📍 The Lowlander, at The Highlander

No cover charge. Light snacks will be available, along with a cash bar.

👉 RSVP https://www.quicket.co.za/events/368625-makhanda-gathering-before-the-games/

Graemians, if you’re around, this is well worth making your way to.

🐆 Virtute et Opera