Read the special edition newspaper for Classic Clash between Grey College vs Paul Roos here. Filled with team photo’s, interviews and all the action.

We caught up with Christo Swanepoel, the first-team rugby captain from Paul Roos to hear his thoughts on pre-season preparation, team goals, and what it means to lead with passion and purpose.

What aspects of fitness and strategy has the team focused on during pre-season training? Pre-season was tough — long hours on the turf and weekends sacrificed for training. But looking back at the results and the season we’ve had, it was absolutely worth it. That hard work laid the foundation for everything we’ve achieved this year.

What are your team’s biggest strengths, and how do you plan to capitalise on them this season? We were a very young team this year, but we never let that be an excuse. What truly sets us apart is our work ethic — I believe we’re one of the hardest-working teams in the country. That commitment and hunger to improve made the biggest difference on the field.

What does it mean to you to lead your school’s hockey first team? It’s an incredible honour. Every time I put on the jersey or step onto the field, there’s a deep sense of pride — knowing I represent not just this team, but the legacy of all the players who came before us, and the example we set for those who will follow.

How would you describe your school’s hockey culture, and what makes it unique? Our hockey culture is built around a strong development programme led by Mr. Baker. The way he structures things allows us to build not only a high-performance team environment but also strong relationships across age groups. That culture of unity, growth and mutual respect is what makes Paul Roos hockey so special.

What are your main goals as a team for this season? One of our biggest goals was consistency — to show up every week, regardless of the ups and downs. We committed to giving our best, even on the tough days. And I believe we achieved that. The dedication never faded — we kept pushing, kept arriving, and never backed down.

Which upcoming fixture excites you most, and why is it significant? The interschools match against Grey College is the one we’re most excited for. There’s tradition, rivalry, and a packed crowd — everything that makes schoolboy sport unforgettable. Playing them in Bloem is always a big challenge, but after the season we’ve had, we’re ready to finish strong.

Christo Swanepoel

We had a chat with the first team coach Michael Baker..

What can the school and parents expect from your team during the Interschools? I’d hope for a performance that truly represents them. We play with heart, intensity, and respect. A PRG hockey side brings an exciting brand of play—and so does Grey. Both teams are strong, so spectators can expect a thrilling game that could go right down to the wire.

How do you prepare your team in the week leading up to Interschools—physically and mentally?
This is the biggest game of the year for us, so we’ll have a dedicated training camp. We face Northwood on the Saturday and Parel Vallei on the Tuesday leading into the match. The beauty of Interschools is that motivation takes care of itself—so we’ll focus on the finer details and tailor our prep specifically for Grey.

Where do your strengths lie this year? Our biggest strength is the balance within the team. Every player knows their role and puts the team first. It’s also our attention to detail and the amount of hard work we’ve put in throughout the year—those are the things that will shine through during Interschools.

Who has had the biggest influence on your coaching career? Is there someone you look up to? Honestly, almost everyone. I believe you can learn something from anyone. But if I had to name a few—someone like José Mourinho made coaching look cool. He showed how much influence a coach can have on both games and players. Rassie Erasmus is doing the same now—both have inspired me to coach with purpose and creativity.

What message do you give to your team just before they run onto the field? Simply: Have fun. Walk onto the field, look around, and take it all in. You’ll probably never play in front of a crowd this big again in hockey—so embrace it. Make your family and your school proud. Let tonight’s performance reflect all the sacrifices you’ve made for your team and your school.