Both Provincial U16 and U18 Captains from Graeme College this year!!!

Graeme College is a small, proud school in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. We are a school of 153 years, rich in history and steeped in proud tradition. Yet our greatest strength lies not only in our past, but in the young men we continue to develop.

At Graeme College, we develop great leaders; whether in the academic, debating, cultural or sporting spheres. Nothing illustrates this more clearly than the fact that both the Eastern Province Under-16A and Under-18 Craven Week captains come from Graeme College this year. It must surely be a first, but it says so much about where Graeme College is right now. We are developing leaders who inspire others across South Africa. Leaders who understand where South Africa is today, who recognise our strengths, and who know how to bring people together. Graemians unite teams.

James Muir is a hard-working, hard as nails, farmer boy who has enjoyed an absolutely exceptional rugby season. Earlier this year, he was named Player of the Tournament at the Under-16 Jeppe Festival. He leads by absolute example on the field. What you see is what you get. Follow him into battle, and you know you will have a leader who gives everything for his team. He is honest, courageous and utterly committed.

Erin Nelson needs little introduction. After being selected for the South African Under-18 team last year, he has cemented his reputation as arguably one of the most exciting young rugby players in the country. He is a player who has been turning heads since Under-14 level. He leads through example, with flair and extraordinary skill, capable of turning a game on its head in a single moment. He is a genuine game-breaker and is respected by everyone who watches him play. Yet perhaps his greatest leadership moment came after the final whistle in the thrilling match against Queen’s. After the Queen’s kicker narrowly missed the conversion that would have won the game, Erin’s first instinct was not to celebrate. Instead, he ran straight to his opponent to console him, despite Graeme having just secured an unforgettable two-point victory. That moment says everything about his character and his leadership.

These achievements also say so much about the coaching at Graeme College and the education our boys receive. Every coach, every teacher and every mentor plays a part in shaping these young men. Leadership is not developed overnight. It is built over years through encouragement, discipline, opportunity and example.

Our school is bursting with pride. Our town could not be more proud. Watching James and Erin lead Eastern Province at the highest schoolboy level is not only a celebration of two remarkable young men, it is a celebration of everything Graeme College stands for. And everything we strive to instil in every Graemian who walks through our gates.