Velddrif-born try-scoring ace Donovan Don is loving life being back in fifteens rugby after getting his chance to show his skills in the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division with Sanlam Boland Kavaliers.
And after three rounds of Currie Cup action, the Kavas winger finds himself as the top-scorer in this year’s competition with six tries.
And the first of his six touchdowns is one he will cherish forever as it was not only on debut for the Kavas, but also the winning score in Boland’s opening game against the Toyota Cheetahs at Boland Stadium in Wellington.
Then came a hat-trick of tries in a thrill-a-minute clash with the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley, which the Kavas narrowly lost.
Don, who last played fifteen-man rugby for the Griffons four years ago in the Currie Cup First Division, was not done yet, scoring a brace in the Kavas’ convincing third-round win over the Lions at home.
“Sjoe, I didn’t know I would have such a great start to life in this year’s Currie Cup,” says Don, who is on loan from the Springbok Sevens for this season’s competition, alongside teammate David Brits.
“But I can’t take that credit alone, as the team had a great hand in putting me in those positions to go and score those tries. It is because of them that I am currently the top try scorer, and I can only be thankful to God for giving me the talent, because not many guys get this opportunity.”
WELLINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 10: Donavan Don of the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sanlam Boland Cavaliers and Fidelity ADT Lions at Sanlam Boland Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
After joining the Blitzboks four years ago and helping coach Philip Snyman’s team win the 2024/25 World Rugby HSBC SVNS Series title, Don adds that the plan was always to try and come back to playing a bit of fifteens.
He explains how the opportunity came about: “I always told myself after sevens I want to go and play fifteens again, I just didn’t know where that would be and when. Then I told coach Philip [Snyman] there is an opportunity for me to go and play some Currie Cup rugby and to go and experience a different environment, and not just get used to playing sevens.
“He said it was totally fine, and then I started discussions with [Kavas] coach Hawies [Fourie], and he said he really wants me to be part of this campaign.
“I would, in any case, have been away from playing sevens rugby for two months, with my mates at the sevens only recently returning to training. I am enjoying it thus far, and I missed it, actually, because it has been four years since I last played fifteens.
“I am loving the environment, and I am getting along well with the players here. From the first day that I arrived here, I felt welcomed.”
Although Don has been Boland’s go-to-guy to finish off attacks, he confesses he still gets nervous running out for the Kavas, especially with the playing on a Sunday and the whole country watching.
“Playing on a Sunday is nice but also not so nice, because you go out there knowing all eyes are on you as one of the last teams of the round to play. We have been handling that well, especially with such a passionate crowd behind us,” he says.
“Just to hear the cheering and backing makes us realise that we are not just rugby players but a bunch of guys that are trying to make a difference in this region. As you know, our slogan is to inspire hope and be role models for those kids that are also dreaming of wearing this jersey one day.”
With another Sunday Showdown coming up, this time against the Vodacom Bulls, Don says the Kavas are ready to go out once again and prove that they are not playing in this season’s Currie Cup to make up the numbers.
“We don’t want to get to the end of the season and tell ourselves we could have done better or look how close we came.
“So we are totally focused on that goal of getting to the semi-finals and even the final. Sometimes the ball does not bounce your way, but the other way as well. The reality is that we want to play semis and finals, and the win against the Lions did a lot to encourage that thought process.
“We are not Boland, a First Division team that qualified to play here – we are here to compete.
And we know the Bulls are going to come for us [after the loss to the Airlink Pumas], but we won’t stand back, and we want to lift our level of play even higher after last week.
Sanlam Boland Kavaliers are nine points away from reaching their preliminary objective in this year’s Carling Currie Cup Premier Division, but the ride ahead is going to get tougher, says head coach Hawies Fourie.
The Kavas are on a high after beating the Fidelity ADT Lions 29-10 in Sunday’s third-round game in Wellington.
The bonus-point win sees Boland gallop up the log – from sixth to third place – and strengthen their chances of trying to reach their main goal, which is to reach the semi-finals of the Carling Currie Cup.
And with 11 points in the bag after two bonus-point wins at Boland stadium and bagging one four-try bonus after an away loss to Suzuki Griquas, Fourie is upbeat about his team’s chances of getting to 20 points, with four league games left.
“We are on track with where we wanted to be, the Kavas mentor said after Sunday’s win. “We have set high goals and standards for ourselves.
“At the beginning of the competition, we said that we aim to get [at most] 20 log points, and we are currently on 11 at the moment with four games to go.”
However, warning that the road ahead will only become tougher, Fourie added: “It will be tough ask as we only have one home game left next week against the Vodacom Bulls.
“And then the last three games will all be away from home. But the team has improved with how we played during the SA Cup; we embraced the challenge, and we embraced the tour of going to see new places.
“We played well in the SA Cup against the Pumas in Nelspruit, where we lost by two points in the semi-final. That gave us a lot of confidence, and I am pretty sure we played to our potential. We can definitely get those remaining log points that we are looking for.”
Meanwhile, on the injury front, Fourie said he is not too concerned after watching team captain, Marlon Williams, exit the game during the first half after a head knock and the Kavas’ top try-scoring ace with seven five-pointers in three games, Donovan Don, also go down clutching his knee attempting to catch a high-ball during the second half.
Fourie continued: “We will have more clarity tomorrow with everyone getting scans and stuff. Marlon, sitting next to me, got a hit in the face, and there’s a bit of a bruise on the cheekbone, so we hope that there is no fracture.
“Donovan Don injured his knee, but the Doc also said to me it is not as serious as it looked on the field. So hopefully they will both be ready and able to be selected for the Bulls games.
“Other than that, there were a few guys that got cramps; it’s not easy to play here in the mud and heavy field, but there are no other serious injuries.”
SANLAM Boland Cavaliers stunned the Fidelity ADT Lions 29-10 to breathe new life into their chances of reaching the playoffs of this year’s Currie Cup Premier Division.
The bonus-point win sees the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers leap into the third position in the Carling Currie Cup standings after securing a second home win.
The Cavas were put under early pressure by the Lions’ attack and suffered the setback of going a man down when Lunathi Nxele got a yellow card after four minutes. But the loss of Nxele for 10 minutes did not phase the home side, who turned a great defensive set into an attack with Donovan Don scoring for a 5-0 lead.
A defensive mistake after Nxele’s return, however, opened the door for the Lions to draw level as Kade Wolhuter found space to dive over for the visitors’ opening score.
However, it was the Cavas who would dominate most of the first half proceedings, putting the Lions under immense pressure in the scrums and winning penalties from the set-piece. With fullback James Tedder slotting a successful penalty to put Boland 8-5 up.
More enterprising attack from the Wellington outfit saw Don score his second try of the day as the Lions went down to 14 men for cynical play by scrumhalf Nico Steyn.
Boland kept the pressure on the Lions, but some unforced errors in close to the end of the first half kept them from extending their lead.
After the break, the scores would stay at 15-5 for the first 20 minutes, until the Lions threatened to launch a comeback with Gianni Lombard scoring to cut Boland’s lead to five points.
But slowly but surely the Cavas started regaining their momentum with Tedder spotting space at the back before launching a chip kick and regathering for Xavier Mitchell to go and score under the poles.
With a lead of 12 points, Boland went in hunt of the bonus point with Juan Mostert scoring in added time to lift the Cavas to fourth spot on the log.
SCORERS:
Boland 29 (15) – Tries: Donovan Don (2), Xavier Mitchell, Juan Mostert. Conversions: James Tedder (3). Penalty: Tedder
Lions 10 (5) – Tries: Kade Wolhuter and Gianni Lombard
SANLAM BOLAND CAVALIERS: 15 James Tedder, 14 Donavan Don, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Xavier Mitchell, 10 Ashlon Davids (vice-captain), 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Thurlow Marsh, 7 Ludio Williams, 6 Sauliegh Arendse, 5 Marlyn Williams (captain), 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper
Replacements: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Mthokozisi Gumede, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Khwezi Mafu, 21 Chriswill September, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Erik Lambrecht
For Sanlam Boland Cavaliers loosehead prop Wayrin Losper, Sunday’s Carling Currie Cup Premier Division match against the Fidelity ADT Lions at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington will be extra special as this will be the 50th time he plays for the Cavaliers.
The 31-year-old has become a respected figure in the Boland front row since making his debut in 2019. Known for his uncompromising, no-nonsense approach, Losper, who hails from Eersterivier, a suburb on the eastern side of Cape Town, has carved out a remarkable journey in rugby that combines perseverance, discipline and purpose.
His rugby career began in the FNB Varsity Shield with UWC in 2016 after matriculating from President High School in Goodwood. He then moved on to the UCT Ikey Tigers in the FNB Varsity Cup (2017–2018) before capping off his Varsity journey by winning the Varsity Cup with Maties in 2019, under the leadership of his current head coach at Boland, Hawies Fourie.
In 2023, Losper spent a season abroad with Mogliano Rugby in Italy’s top-tier domestic competition, further honing his skills and gaining valuable international experience.
But his achievements extend far beyond the rugby field. He is undoubtedly one of South African rugby’s most educated front rowers, holding a BA degree in Psychology from UWC and a second degree in Sports and Project Management from UCT. He was in the process of completing his postgraduate degree in Education at Stellenbosch University when the chance came to join the Cavaliers in 2019 as a professional.
KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 03:Sanlam Boland Cavaliers warming up during the Carling Currie Cup match between Suzuki Griquas and Sanlam Boland Cavaliers at Suzuki Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Danie Van Der Lith/Gallo Images)
“It’s obviously a great honour for me to play my 50th game for the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers,” says Losper. “I’ve been part of the Cavaliers setup since 2019 and it’s always been my dream to play professional rugby. Reaching this milestone feels like I’ve truly lived out that dream. To be honest, it doesn’t get much better than this.”
His teammates affectionately know Losper as “Maori”, a nickname that reflects his rugged playing style and references his apparent semblance to the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Off the field, he is a devoted family man who is married to Kelly, with whom he shares a baby boy, Logan.
He continues to draw inspiration from world-class loosehead props Ox Nchéand the now-retired Steven Kitshoff, both of whom he admires for their work ethic and technical excellence.
To young players, Losper offers this piece of wisdom: “It doesn’t matter if you make Craven Week or not. I didn’t play provincial rugby at school. My break only came later through [the] Varsity Cup. Sometimes the road won’t be straightforward. But if you believe in yourself, work hard and chase your dream relentlessly, anything is possible.”
With 50 appearances and a compelling life story behind him, Wayrin Losper represents the best of what modern rugby can offer – an educated athlete, a family man and a warrior in the trenches.
Sanlam Boland Cavaliers’ head coach, Hawies Fourie, named a new-look side ahead of this Sunday, 10 August, Carling Currie Cup Premier Division clash against the ADT Fidelity Lions at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington.
This match will also be a special occasion for loosehead prop Wayrin Losper, who will run out for the 50th time for the Cavaliers. The uncompromising Losper, who made his debut in 2019 after joining from the Maties, also enjoyed a stint in 2023 for Italian club, Mogliano.
Louis Schreuder will make his debut after the Springbok scrumhalf had to withdraw from the side that was selected to face the Toyota Cheetahs in Round One of the tournament. The veteran suffered an ankle injury mere days before the Cheetahs clash but has now been cleared to play.
Incidentally, the last time the 35-year-old Schreuder played in the Currie Cup was the 2018 final at Newlands between Western Province and the Sharks, whom Schreuder led to glory against his former team.
Louis Schreuder, the last time he was in action in the Carling Currie Cup. He won the trophy with the Sharks in 2018. Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
He replaces Chriswill September, who will be on the bench, with Godlen Masimla falling out of the match day 23. The only other change to the run-on backline sees Xavier Mitchell replace Marcqiewn Titus on the wing.
Marlyn Williams will captain the side and will pair up with Michael Benadie in the second row. The midfield remains unchanged with the in-form duo of David Brits and Lunathi Nxele named at outside and inside centre, respectively.
WELLINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 03: Wayrin Losper of Sanlam Boland Cavaliers during the SA Cup match between Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Airlink Pumas at Boland Stadium on May 03, 2025 in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
Up front, Fourie was dealt heavy blows with the injuries to lose forwards Sibusiso Sangweni and Gift Dlamini. The latter suffered a horrific leg break during Sunday’s 48-39 defeat to the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The experienced Thurlow Marsh will take Sangweni’s place at number eight, whilst the hardworking Sauliegh Arendse will replace Dlamini at openside flanker.
Prop Mthokozisi Gumede has been named among the replacements and is likely to make his debut after joining the Cavas from the Novafit Griffons last week. He takes the place of the injured Lamla Nunu. Hardman Ludio Williams will provide loose forward cover on the bench, and Erik Lambrecht has also been rewarded with a spot on the bench.
Marius van der Westhuizen will be the referee for this match, which will kick off at 15:00.
SANLAM BOLAND CAVALIERS: 15 James Tedder, 14 Donavan Don, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Xavier Mitchell, 10 Ashlon Davids (vice-captain), 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Thurlow Marsh, 7 Ludio Williams, 6 Sauliegh Arendse, 5 Marlyn Williams (captain), 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper
Replacements: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Mthokozisi Gumede, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Khwezi Mafu, 21 Chriswill September, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Erik Lambrecht
Currie Cup First Division Player of the year nominee for 2024, Jayden Bantom, formerly of the Eastern Province Elephants, says he is excited about showing his class as one of the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers’ latest recruits.
The Jansenville-born fullback joined the Cavas after playing his final game for the Elephants in the semi-finals of this year’s Carling Currie Cup First Division. Bantom lit up the 2024 version of the First Division but missed out on the individual accolade as the top gong went to his new teammate, Ashlon Davids.
Photo: Jayden Bantom during the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers profile shoot at Sanlam Boland Stadium on July 31, 2025, in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
However, Bantom, who got his shot at provincial rugby with the Eastern Province after some stellar performances for local club side Jansenville Kudus, is not fazed by missing out on personal accolades.
For this versatile backline player, who can also be used out wide on the wing and in a playmaker role, the dream has always been to make a step up to a higher level of the game.
With the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers, Bantom now has that opportunity.
“To be selected for the big opportunity created by the Boland Rugby Union to prove my talent at the highest level is a major step for me.
“For three years, I played against them as an opponent — they always played good rugby and were always a challenge for me. But now, I’m part of a strong team, with good spirit, a loving atmosphere, and hard-working players.
Photo: Sanlam Boland Cavaliers recruit Jayden Bantom during training with Aphelele Madaka at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington. Photo by Boland Rugby Media / Ernest Kilowan.
“I’m looking forward to being part of this group. So far, I’m enjoying myself and learning new things. There’s a great vibe among the players. The level of competition is incredible, I’m loving it. Because I truly believe that through competition, a player can only improve. I’m excited to play this beautiful sport alongside them.”
Growing up in the small Eastern Cape town of Jansenville, Bantom excelled at the school level for Jansenville Primary and High School, representing Eastern Province’s Karoo District U13 team and was selected to the Eastern Province U18 team that participated in the Craven Week competition at Paarl Gymnasium in 2019.
His big break at provincial rugby would, however, come at the age of 22 when former Elephants coach Dumisani Mani selected him for the 2022 Currie Cup First Division season. He went on to represent his home union with distinction and won the Eastern Province Player of the Year award on back-to-back occasions.
Photo: Sanlam Boland Cavaliers recruit Jayden Bantom during training at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington. Photo by Boland Rugby Media / Ernest Kilowan.
Bantom also helped the Elephants reach the 2024 First Division final, where they lost out by the narrowest of margins against his new team, Boland. This was after a winner could not be decided after normal time and extra time, as the scores ended level at 27-27, as Boland were crowned champions based on scoring more tries (5 to 4) during the match.
In his final season with Eastern Province this year, Bantom also had the privilege of being coached by former Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee.
And of what he learned from Coetzee, who won the 2007 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks as an assistant coach, Bantom says: “This year, I was coached by a great Springbok fullback, Alister Coetzee, who sees the game very differently. Coach AC’s expectations of me as a fullback were high, but over time, I learned to read the game much better and tick all the boxes he expected of me. I played some really good rugby under Coach AC’s guidance.”
Bantom believes that the opportunity to make his debut for the Cavas will happen soon.
“I have a quote that always says: ‘You can’t hold down or suppress someone who knows what it takes to rise from nothing and become successful.’”
