South African school rowing - St Benedict's outstanding

South African school rowing. Bennies Unstoppable: Every Age Group Trophy Secured in Historic 32nd Win.

St Benedict’s College has once again cemented its unrivalled legacy in South African school rowing. They are claiming the national championship title for an extraordinary 32nd consecutive year.

From 6 to 8 March 2026, Roodeplaat Dam hosted 1 203 athletes representing 35 schools and clubs. It also includes four from Zimbabwe for the prestigious three-day regatta. Against formidable competition from 14 boys’ schools, the “Bennies” rowers showcased unmatched dominance, reaffirming their pedigree on the national stage.

Clean Sweep Across All Age Groups

The hallmark of the 2026 championships was a complete sweep of the age-group trophies, with St Benedict’s victorious in the U14, U15, U16, and U19 categories. The school also earned the coveted title of Best Sculling School.

The junior crews set the tone early. The U14 Octuple not only clinched gold but smashed the previous course record by seven seconds. This is a remarkable feat that electrified the weekend. Momentum carried through to the senior events, where Bennies triumphed in both the 1st Eight and 2nd Eight races.

When the final scores were tallied, St Benedict’s stood tall as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school with 402 points. King Edward VII School (KES) and St John’s College secured second and third place, respectively. Among the girls’ schools, St Andrew’s School for Girls claimed top honours, followed by St Mary’s School, Waverley, and Bennies’ sister school, Holy Rosary.

Leading from the Front

The prestigious 1st Eight race was a showcase of leadership and unity. Captain Michael Teixeira and Vice-Captain James McDonald steered their crew to a decisive victory, with Teixeira’s guidance ensuring flawless synchronisation under immense pressure.

The winning crew featured: Callum Brudvig, Michael Teixeira, Connor Schoeman, Diego Ramos, Wakhile Zwane, James McDonald, Graham Whetton, Cristiano Nortje, and Michele Rohrbeck.

A Community Legacy

Reflecting on the achievement, St Benedict’s old boy and head of the rowing club, Darryn Roff, said: “After a very challenging season, we are so proud of how well our boys performed this past weekend. The long hours from boys, parents, and coaches paid off. We wish to congratulate our sister schools, Holy Rosary and Assumption Convent, on a showcase of grit and determination throughout this regatta.”

Roff, who also serves as President of the South African Schools Rowing Union (SASRU), emphasised the event’s regional significance: “The weekend brought together the rowing community from across Southern Africa, and we are thankful to all who make the weekend such a success. We look forward to finding ways to continue to build community through junior rowing in Southern Africa.”

College Head Dave Jeffrey added, “The 32-year streak is built on unwavering dedication and a winning culture that attracts participation across all boat classes. Watching our boys row is truly a sight to behold—a symphony of synchronised blades that propelled them to the podium. This achievement stands as a milestone for St Benedict’s and will be celebrated for years to come.”