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SA School Rowing Championships. Buffalo Shakes Up the Field Ahead of the RMB South African Schools Rowing Championships.
The RMB Buffalo Regatta, held from 5–7 February, once again delivered elite racing and reinforced its standing as one of South Africa’s most prestigious rowing events. With the 2026 season now turning toward the RMB SA Schools Rowing Championships at Roodeplaat Dam (6–8 March), Buffalo’s results have set the stage for a thrilling national showdown.
Senior Competition: Old Eds and Tuks Share Top Honours
Old Edwardian Boat Club and the University of Pretoria (Tuks) emerged as the leading senior clubs.
- Chris Baxter successfully defended his Silver Sculls title in the men’s single sculls. He overcame rival Murray Bales-Smith in a closely fought final. Baxter also contributed to Old Eds’ victory in the Grand Challenge alongside Sebastian Prince, Myles Laburn, and Damien Bonhage-Koen.
- On the women’s side, Courtney Westley claimed the senior single scull title. Furthermore, the Tuks women’s four retained their crown with a commanding performance.
Boys’ First Eight: Title Race Wide Open
Buffalo produced a pivotal result in the Boys’ First Eight. St John’s College defeated St Benedict’s College for the first time this season, reshaping expectations ahead of SA Champs. Rondebosch Boys’ High School and King Edward VII School also demonstrated strong form, ensuring that the national title is more competitive than it has been in years.
Girls’ Quad: St Andrew’s Maintain Momentum
St Andrew’s School for Girls continued their dominant season in the Girls’ Quad Sculls, defeating St Mary’s and St Stithians College. Their consistency makes them favourites, but with margins tightening across the season, challengers will look to capitalise on the pressure of the national stage.
Anticipation Builds for SA Champs
The RMB South African Schools Rowing Championships will bring together approximately 30 schools and clubs, with more than 1,000 junior athletes competing across all boat classes. Crews from Zimbabwe will once again join the competition, adding international depth and raising the standard of racing.
As the pinnacle of the junior rowing calendar, SA Champs represents both a showcase of talent and a crucial step in South Africa’s high-performance pathway.
RMB’s Enduring Commitment
RMB’s continued support of the Buffalo Regatta and SA Schools Championships underscores its commitment to nurturing South Africa’s rowing tradition.
“Junior rowing sits at the heart of the sport’s future,” said Michael Edwards, RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead. “The RMB SA Schools Rowing Championships is where ambition meets opportunity. We are proud to support an event that unites young athletes, fosters excellence, and strengthens the national pathway for rowing in South Africa.”
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