Boland Rugby has deep-seated respect and awareness for the spiritual and cultural fabric of the Boland community. It is this reverence that has led the recently promoted Carling Currie Cup Premier Division union to host a special prayer service at the Boland Rugby Stadium ahead of every Sanlam Boland Cavaliers home fixture during the 2025 Carling Currie Cup season.
With all home games scheduled for Sunday afternoons, these pre-match prayer services are an invitation for supporters to celebrate both their faith and their love for the game, all under one roof. The services will be open to all and take place before kick-off at the stadium.
“It’s about honouring our people,” says Bennie van Rooi, President of the Boland Rugby Union. “We know Sunday is a sacred day for many of our communities. By creating this space for worship at the stadium, we’re saying: you don’t have to choose between your faith and your love for rugby. Come and enjoy both on one day while also nominating your club to receive 25% of the adult ticket price back.”
Quintin van Rooyen, CEO of Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, added: “We’re not just offering a match-day experience — we’re creating a community space that respects the rhythm of life in the Boland. Rugby brings people together, and so does faith. It’s only fitting that we make space for both.”
Leading the service will be Reverend Lyndon Mactavie, who expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“I think this initiative to host a special service is truly a remarkable and unique opportunity. It brings together two central elements of many South Africans’ lives, faith and sport. Rugby unites our people, and faith gives us direction and hope.”
He continued: “Bringing these two together is a powerful way to build one community and to acknowledge God’s presence even in our sporting culture. I believe the broader community will receive this initiative very positively, because it is something fresh, inclusive, and meaningful. I see it as a moment of unity. May this opportunity that the [Sanlam] Boland Cavaliers are creating for us be the one moment where unity lives and triumphs.”
Details on the start time and format of the prayer service will be shared ahead of the first home fixture. All supporters are welcome to attend.
For more info on the opening match against the Toyota Cheetahs, please visit www.bolandrugby.co.za.
ENDS