All Blacks train at St Stithians, days after double tragedy [photos]

The All Blacks have been spotted training at St Stithians College – the same Johannesburg private school that is mourning the deaths of learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and alumnus, Ethan Coetzee.

The New Zealand national team is preparing for their clash against the Springboks on Saturday, 22 August.

The game marks their first test match in the Greatest Rivalry series.

ALL BLACKS TRAINING AT ST STITHIANS

The official X account of the SA Rugby Magazine has shared pictures of the All Blacks training at St Stithians College in Johannesburg.

In the pics, the New Zealand national team had placed large black sheeting against a makeshift wall that surrounded one of its sports grounds.

The account tweeted: “The paranoia is real! 👀 Black tarpaulin sheets are all around All Blacks training at St Stithians College”

The Kiwis are likely keeping their strategy a top secret ahead of their upcoming clash against the Springboks this weekend.

The rugby rivals will play at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August.

While the All Blacks are making use of the world-class facilities at the school located just outside Sandton, the Springboks are training just a short distance away at the Johannesburg Stadium, adjacent to Ellis Park.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SCHOOL?

St Stithians has made headlines in recent days following the news of an alleged murder-suicide involving two learners: Grade 11 student Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and 2025 matriculant Ethan Coetzee.

Cameron, 17, and Ethan, 19, were found dead at a lodge in the Sabie area of Mpumalanga on Monday, 3 August. Police initially investigated the deaths as an inquest and suspected that no foul play was involved.

However, preliminary findings as well as the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist have stated that Cameron Waldeck-Cooks died from strangulation/suffocation. 

Ethan’s death is believed to be a suicide.  A new report suggests that Ethan was a “jealous” and “controlling” partner to Cameron.

Police have subsequently opened a murder case in connection with Cameron’s death.

Cameron was praised as a member of the rowing team, whilst Ethan was hailed for his performance on the school’s first team rugby squad.

ST STITHIANS RUGBY ALUMNI

Like many all-boys schools, St Stithians has produced world-class rugby players, including some who have worn green and gold for the Springboks.

They include: Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Brent Russell and Lance Sherrell.