The player who could be pivotal to Grey’s resurgence in 2026
INTERVIEW: Grey College has been one of South Africa’s standout schoolboy rugby teams for decades.
The Bloemfontein side has dominated not only Free State rivals but also national heavyweights, and they are always in contention for the No.1 ranking.
The past couple of seasons, however, have been beset by challenges, and they have had to play second fiddle to the likes of Paarl Boys, Paarl Gym and Paul Roos.
They have a point to prove in 2026, and a player who will be key in their pursuit of glory is Lamla Mgedezi.
The SA Schools’ fullback was one of the most exciting players last year and is relishing the opportunity to wear the Grey jersey in 2026.
“I’m very excited for this year, and what’s ahead,” he told Rugby365.
“I think we have a proper side, and we can go toe-to-toe against some top teams like Paarl Gym, Paarl Boys, and Paul Roos.
“Ideally, we want to build on last year and take it to the next level.”
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2025 reflections
By their standards, Grey College didn’t have the best of seasons last year.
They played 16 matches, won 14, but suffered a damning loss to Paarl Gym at home for the first time in eight years before going down to Paarl Boys’ 10-25 later in the season.
Despite these defeats, it was a top-class debut season for Mgedezi, who shone for his school, provincial team, and country.
“It was a tough year, but I was able to achieve the goals I set for myself,” he shared.
“I wasn’t supposed to be the starting fullback, and I had some doubts because there was someone in my position. When he got injured, the door opened for me.
“I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It was a blessing, and I just went out there and played my game with no pressure.”
The youngster’s performances at school level earned him selection for the Free State Craven Week side, where he blazed the field and was eventually named in the SA Schools team.
“I enjoyed my time at the Craven Week. I think we played well as a team.
“I was confident heading into it because I had been performing well for the school, so that translated into that week, and that helped get into the SA Schools team.”
Mgedezi then impressed during the U18 International Series against France, Ireland and England.
“That was an eye-opening experience,” he added.
“Playing with the best players in the country was special. It was a hard week of grafting and learning, but the senior guys in the team were great. I learnt a lot from Zekhethelo Siyaya in particular.”
Expectations at Grey College
Jannie Geldenhuys’s troops will once again be expected to compete at a high level this season.
They’ll be tested from the outset against Oakdale in their first proper outing on March 14. The North-South tournament, set to be hosted by Affies late in March, will also show where they stand as a team.
Pressure will be on the side, but Mgedezi says that’s something not foreign to them.
“We are expected to win every game at Grey, that’s just how it is.
“From U14’s, that’s been the mark, and you get used to the pressure. I could almost say we live it, and it sort of becomes first nature.
“Our goal as a team this season is to go out there, have fun, and get the job done. We want to make the school proud.”
Ambitions for the new season
Mgedezi will miss Grey’s opening matches after fracturing his spine during a tour to Spain in December.
He’s been undergoing rehab for the past month and looks set to return to action in about three weeks. He could be in action at the highly anticipated North-South tournament in March.
Despite being injured, he’s working on his overall game and adding extra aspects to help him become a jack of all trades.
“I believe my attack play is a big part of my playing style, and it works for me quite well.
“However, there’s an area I haven’t mastered, and that’s my kicking game. My coaches and I have been working on that.
“I’m not always going to have to run the ball back; sometimes I will have to kick 50-22s to get the team into better space, and that’s my thought process, hence I’m trying to add an extra dimension to my game.”
Mgedezi will be watching with anticipation when Grey kicks off their season this coming Saturday against Trio at the President Steyn Sports Day.
