Skonk Nicholson

Skonk Nicholson is a well-known, retired rugby coach and school master of Maritzburg College. He is often credited with having trained large numbers of provincial and Springbok players, and is an iconic figure of schoolboy rugby in Pietermaritzburg, and indeed, South Africa.

History

James Mervyn Nicholson (the Skonk came later) was born in Underberg, Natal, on 6 February 1917, and grew up on the family farm in that district. In due course, he was sent to the Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS) in Durban, from whence he proceeded to the Durban High School (DHS). His father was a great friend of the legendary DHS Head Master, Mr AS "Madevu" Langley, and so young Mervyn (as he was then called) was sent to DHS, rather than to Maritzburg College, which was also a family school, but the fierce-yet-friendly rival institution of the Durban school. He enjoyed a remarkably successful stint at DHS, and matriculated in 1935 as Head Prefect, captain of both the First XV and the First XI, captain of the Natal Schools' XV, and Senior Cadet Officer. It was as a young standard six (grade 8) boarder at DHS that he earned his famous nickname of "Skonk": the then Head Prefect, M Bennett, recognised young Nicholson's spirited nature, referring to him as a "skonkwaan", which is the isiZulu word for a tent-peg. This was in due course shortenend to "Skonk", and so it has remained ever since.

Having completed his studies at the ertswhile Natal University College (NUC) in Pietermaritzburg (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal), Skonk started out his academic teaching career at his alma mater, DHS, immediately before the Second World War broke out. During the war, he served as an instructor (sergeant-major), before being demobilised out of the SA Army in 1944 due to injury. Much to the disappointment of the redoubtable Head Master of DHS, Col AC "Betsy" Martin M.C., Skonk was sent by the Natal Education authorities to Maritzburg College (which is known simply as "College"), where he taught Geography and coached the 1st XV rugby team from 1948 to 1982. Indeed, in 1944 the youthful Skonk found himself the subject of a heated dispute between Col Martin and the equally pugnacious Headmaster of College, Mr JW "John-Willie" Hudson, who also wanted to enjoy the services of the talented young master. Mr Hudson ultimately prevailed, as was his wont.

Skonk still serves Maritzburg College to this day, and can each day be seen making his way slowly to the school in one of his two 1960s Ford Valiants, invariably with his daughter, Diana, alongside him in the front seat.

Under his leadership, Maritzburg College came to be one of the sporting powerhouses of South Africa, producing 14 unbeaten First XVs and countless Natal and SA Schools' players during his 35 seasons at the helm.

Coaching

Skonk has coached many players, many of whom have played or are playing in international or national rugby sides. Names of these players include Keith Oxlee, Brian Irvine (captain of the Junior Springboks), Ormie Taylor, Andy van der Watt, Joel Stransky (of World Cup 1995 fame), Jeremy Thomson, Pieter Dixon and Butch James.This exposure to internationally-acclaimed rugby stars has made Skonk one of the most recognised faces in South African rugby.

Nearby to the Kent Pavilion at Maritzburg College, overlooking the school's main rugby field, Goldstone's, stands the "Nicholson Arch", which was erected in 1982, the year of Skonk's retirement. It is a cherished tradition for each First XV player, as he steams onto the famous pitch, to reach up and touch the apex of the arch, in mute tribute to Maritzburg College's own "Mr Rugby".

Skonk has co-written a book together with Tony Wiblin, detailing the complex and often turbulent history of Maritzburg College and its rugby, entitled "Jimeloyo-Ji" (which is the College war-cry).

In the company of many of his friends, Skonk celebrated his 90th birthday on 6 February 2007, down on Goldstone's. Skonk's guests of honour were his dear friend, Mr Ian McIntosh (the former coach of the Sharks), who spoke of his long debt to Skonk, and Mrs Josie Nel, the 99-year old widow of Philip Nel, the captain of the 1937 Springboks.

References

* [http://www.rugbyrugby.com/COUNTRY_BY_COUNTRY/South_Africa/Country_News/story_36293.shtml RugbyRugby]
* [http://tisc.planet-rugby.com/Teams/South_Africa/story_36293.shtml Maritzburg College School Profile]
* interview of Mr JM "Skonk" Nicholson by Mr MM Marwick, 12 June 2007