Bishops Rugby: Honouring Heritage, Inspiring the Future

A new adventure begins for Bishops Rugby as the programme charts a bold way forward under the guidance of one of our own, Robbie Fleck. His recent address resonated deeply with the Old Diocesan community, reminding us that Bishops rugby must always be rooted in tradition while courageously embracing innovation and growth.

Bishops has long enjoyed a rich rugby history. Generations of Old Diocesans have worn the school jersey with pride, establishing a legacy of running rugby, a style built on speed, skill, and freedom of expression. This heritage remains central to the programme today, with fitness and preparation forming the foundation of the Bishops way of playing the game.

Bishops rugby is about far more than results. It is about building a rugby family that spans generations. Every boy who pulls on the jersey matters equally. A player in a C team is just as important to the culture and future of the programme as a First XV player. Development, belonging, and pride in contribution remain core principles.

Winning, while always welcomed, is not the be all and end all. What truly defines Bishops rugby is the commitment to enjoying the game while striving to improve. Effort, character, and teamwork are the real measures of success.

With thorough preparations already in motion, the coming season promises to be an inspiring showcase of resilience, growth, and skill as Bishops rugby looks to climb to new heights after some lean years.

One of the realities discussed is what makes Bishops unique among its traditional rivals. Many competing schools are structured primarily around rugby, with bursary boys who live and breathe the sport. At Bishops, however, many bursary players are also accomplished summer sport athletes. Rugby is therefore not always their sole focus, which creates both opportunity and challenge.

Bishops has begun offering more rugby focused bursaries, but remains behind several other schools in this regard. This places even greater emphasis on building depth across all teams. When injuries occur and players from C teams are required to step into B or even A sides, the impact can be felt on the scoreboard. Strengthening depth throughout the programme is therefore a key strategic objective.

The school's intake structure also plays a key role in shaping the future. Approximately 60% of Grade 8 boys come from Bishops Prep, around 30% from WPPS, and the remainder from other junior schools.

Alignment between Bishops Prep and the High School is essential. From a young age, players must be taught the skills and values that define Bishops rugby. WPPS remains its own entity, and while the College cannot dictate its direction, it can encourage and support shared development principles.

Guiding the programme forward is the Bishops Rugby Vision:

“To inspire and unify Bishops through continually striving to improve and challenge rugby with innovation while holding onto our heritage of a fast paced, highly skilled, support based attacking game and unbending defence.”

This vision reflects what generations of Old Diocesans have always believed Bishops rugby should stand for.

To support this vision, the Bishops Rugby Development Fund (BRDF) has been established through the collective efforts of Old Boys, parents, and members of the broader school community working alongside the HPRC, ODU, and BRSC. The fund channels resources directly into rugby development at the school and operates within the school's banking system, issuing Section 18A tax certificates to donors. It stands as a tangible demonstration of belief from the Old Diocesan community in the future of Bishops rugby. Importantly, the Bishops School Executive has expressed its support for this direction, reflecting strong alignment between leadership and those working on the ground.

A major highlight on the horizon is the new Hilton Derby in KwaZulu Natal. For the first time, not only the A sides, but every registered rugby boy and staff member will travel together, from 14C to First XV, as one united group. One plane, one squad, one tradition in the making. This initiative represents a powerful statement of unity and inclusivity and is expected to become a defining fixture against Hilton College.

The Bishops community also wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the involvement of 10X in Bishops Sport. Their continued support has strengthened development pathways and reflects a shared commitment to growing the game and investing in the boys who represent the College.

The Old Diocesan community thanks Robbie Fleck for his insight, leadership, and dedication to Bishops rugby. His contribution has provided clarity and inspiration at an important time for the programme.

Excitement lies ahead, built on tradition, unity, and Bishops' unmistakable style of running rugby.

From heritage to innovation, from Prep to First XV, Bishops rugby is entering a new chapter.

The Old Diocesan Union stands proudly behind the boys in blue as they embrace the challenges ahead with confidence, discipline, and pride.