ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA Schools Rugby
2024
POSITION:
Scrumhalf
CLUB TEAM:
Sharks
HOMETOWN:
Bloemfontein
DOB:
May 2, 2006
CATEGORY:
Young Guns
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Born on 2 May 2006 in South Africa, Philip McLaren is a scrum-half (No. 9) standing at 173 cm and weighing 74 kg. He honed his skills at the prestigious Grey College in Bloemfontein, Free State, one of South Africa's top rugby nurseries. Previously with the Cherries school team, McLaren quickly rose through Grey's ranks, earning acclaim as potentially the best U16A scrum-half in South Africa by 2022.
At Grey, he became a standout performer in the 1st XV, known for his tireless work rate, defensive grit, and playmaking. In a thrilling 40-28 victory over Paarl Boys' High in May 2024—a Premier Interschools clash—McLaren was named Man of the Match. His massive hits at the breakdown and all-around energy helped Grey repel relentless attacks, securing the win with key second-half tries.
Post-school, McLaren joined the Hollywoodbets Sharks Academy in Durban, featuring in their U19 and U21 squads. In September 2025, he made waves in the SA Rugby U21 Cup, scoring a late try in a dramatic 35-38 semi-final loss to the Fidelity ADT Lions—despite the defeat, it highlighted his finishing prowess.
At 19 years old (as of October 2025), McLaren is a highly promising junior prospect, blending snappy service, bravery in contact, and scoring threat. With his Grey pedigree and Sharks backing, he's on track for senior Currie Cup or United Rugby Championship action soon, potentially eyeing Junior Springboks caps.
At Grey, he became a standout performer in the 1st XV, known for his tireless work rate, defensive grit, and playmaking. In a thrilling 40-28 victory over Paarl Boys' High in May 2024—a Premier Interschools clash—McLaren was named Man of the Match. His massive hits at the breakdown and all-around energy helped Grey repel relentless attacks, securing the win with key second-half tries.
Post-school, McLaren joined the Hollywoodbets Sharks Academy in Durban, featuring in their U19 and U21 squads. In September 2025, he made waves in the SA Rugby U21 Cup, scoring a late try in a dramatic 35-38 semi-final loss to the Fidelity ADT Lions—despite the defeat, it highlighted his finishing prowess.
At 19 years old (as of October 2025), McLaren is a highly promising junior prospect, blending snappy service, bravery in contact, and scoring threat. With his Grey pedigree and Sharks backing, he's on track for senior Currie Cup or United Rugby Championship action soon, potentially eyeing Junior Springboks caps.
