Dear Parents, Staff, Players, and Supporters.

It is with great pride and a deep sense of tradition that we welcome our friends from St John’s College to Bloemfontein and to St Andrew’s School for one of the oldest and most treasured schoolboy derby fixtures in the country.

This Derby Weekend is a celebration of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and spirited competition between two like-minded schools, bound by mutual respect and a rich shared history. We are especially excited for the full program ahead: Golf and Squash on Thursday, Hockey, Tennis and Debating on Friday, and Rugby and Chess on Saturday.

This weekend offers an opportunity for coaches and staff to rekindle friendships, and for players to forge memories that will last a lifetime. The relationships built both on and off the field are what make this occasion so meaningful.

To all parents and visitors who have travelled from afar, we extend a very warm welcome to St Andrew’s and to the City of Bloemfontein. We trust your stay will be enjoyable and memorable. A heartfelt thank you goes to our Local Organising Committee, the Saints community, and our dedicated support staff for their tireless efforts in preparing for this special weekend.

We encourage all players and supporters to embrace the spirit of fair play, mutual respect, and good sportsmanship. The warmth and generosity of Saints hospitality will, as always, be on full display.

We also extend an invitation to all coaches and staff to join us in the hospitality tents — at the Hockey on Friday evening and the Rugby on Saturday — where refreshments and snacks will be served. Additionally, we look forward to gathering with coaches and staffat the official Opening Function on Friday evening at 20h00 at the Saints Club.

We would like to remind players to thank coaches, parents and officials for making this experience possible – many having given up much time behind the scenes, as well as sacrificing time away from their families to prepare you for this weekend. May this weekend be filled with great competition, fellowship, and shared memories.

Warm regards,

Roland Rudd

Headmaster