The Mauritius Branch Secretary Thomas van Poucke (1999O) sent in the following report. 

"I thought I would provide a quick update on OD happenings on the island of Mauritius in the first half of 2025.

On the 7th of March 2025, as the school celebrated Founders Day with a myriad of contests between the experienced ODs and the exuberant schoolboys, we thought it best to have our own gathering to celebrate Diocesan College.

Five of us and our partners gathered together and were hosted by the ever-gracious Pierre Joubert (F1983) and his wife Sasha on their magnificent boat. Mauritius OD stalwarts, Dave Axten (S1984) and Dan Romburgh (1999B) were sadly missing but Meyrick Griffiths (G1993), Paul Tsalacopolous (G2003) and Dominic Ferszt (W1984) joined Pierre and myself to regale and reflect on days gone by.

A toast was raised to Mr. John Gardener, a man who positively influenced a number of chaps at the gathering and a few tales were shared about the great man.

Please see attached a picture of these fine gentlemen.

From left to right as you look at the picture, Dominic Ferszt (W1984), Paul Tsalacopolous (G2003), Thomas Van Poucke (O1999), Pierre Joubert (F1983) and Meyrick Griffiths (G1993).

In mid-June, Mauritius hosted the Africa 7s rugby tournament which was streamed live on SuperSport and subsequently won by the Blitzboks. Former Blitzboks Captain James Murphy (2013F) was brought to the shores of Mauritius in an “ambassadorial” role as he recovers from a brutal knee injury. His non-playing role this year allowed him to spend more time with fellow ODs and it was great to catch-up and hear firsthand about his experiences in the Blitzbok set-up and particularly his rise from relative obscurity to Blitzbok stalwart. A true gentleman.

In terms of the future, we have uncovered a number of new ODs in Mauritius which is great, strength in numbers and all that. During the remainder of the year, we plan on having our annual Bish vs Bosch Golf Day and hopefully also a full alma mater golf day (The previous iteration of this tournament hosted and organized by the ODs, had 10 teams from 9 different schools), we will also try and get together for the 6 September OD braai day and no doubt have a silly season catch-up before we go our separate ways for the festive season. Updates will be sent in due course."

We thank Thomas as always for seinding in information of ODs in Mauritius, and send them all our best regards, and hopefully we will see them on 06 September at the Braai Day.