The Boland Rugby Union is delighted to announce Mama’s Pies as a new sponsor partner for the 2025 Sanlam Boland Top 12 competition and broader rugby structures across the region.
Mama’s Pies, a proudly South African favourite and part of RFG Foods (Pty) Ltd, joins Boland Rugby as a Level 4 sponsor, further strengthening the Union’s growing family of commercial partners. With its headquarters based in the Boland, between Paarl and Franschhoek, Mama’s Pies is perfectly positioned to contribute to the growth of community rugby across the province.
“We are very excited to be part of this incredible community,” said Jana Lategan, Brand Manager at Mama’s Pies. “By supporting not only the players but also the ‘Mama’ behind each player, as well as the spectators and everyone involved, to make the tournament possible. Mama’s Pies is a South African favourite, and we look forward to being part of the heartbeat of Boland rugby.”
Mama’s Pies has emphasised that their sponsorship recognises the crucial role of women in rugby, from mothers who patch up their sons after a tough match, to the partners who support their loved one’s training late into the evenings, to the passionate fans cheering on from the sidelines. The company believes that without the support of women, there is no sport.
This partnership extends beyond the flagship Sanlam Boland Top 12 into the broader rugby ecosystem, including the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and club rugby competitions throughout the region. Following the Kavas’ recent successes in the Carling Currie Cup, sponsor interest in Boland Rugby has grown rapidly, and Mama’s Pies is among the leading brands investing in the future of the Union.
Mr Bennie van Rooi, President of the Boland Rugby Union, welcomed the partnership: “We are proud to welcome Mama’s Pies into the Boland Rugby family. Their brand values of care, nourishment, and community align perfectly with the spirit of our Union.
“This sponsorship is about more than visibility; it is about strengthening the role of family, supporters, and especially women in our game. We thank Mama’s Pies for believing in the power of rugby to unite communities.”
About the Sanlam Boland Top 12
The Sanlam Boland Top 12, also known as the Grootuitdaag, is the premier community rugby competition of the Boland Rugby Union. Bringing together the region’s best clubs, the tournament represents the pinnacle of passion, rivalry, and sporting excellence in the Boland region. Alongside the Top 12, the Union also hosts the Super 10 (Streekuitdaag), Super 16 (Gemeenskapskild), and Super 8 (Vroueliga), ensuring a full pathway for men’s, women’s, and community rugby.
Never in her wildest dreams did Michell Bosch, a former healthcare worker based in Hermanus, think that a makeshift role as marketer and photographer would see her become a fully-fledged manager of the Sanlam Boland Dames women’s rugby team.
Bosch has been active in a managerial role for the past five years, but admits she never thought it would become a career-changing move when her now-fiancé and current Boland Dames head coach, Thomas Chowles, was asked to coach the provincial women’s outfit, in 2017.
“Thomas was contacted by the former president [the late Ivan Pekeur] to coach the women,” Bosch recalls, adding that at that time, she did not show any interest of getting involved with women playing a male dominated sport.
“For me, it was just a case of having the mentality, sjoe women’s rugby? Maybe netball or some other sport… I accompanied him to practice sessions and games.
“But then I started getting to know the players and realised there is not a lot of marketing being done to promote the game amongst women. And that’s when I decided to become the team’s unofficial photographer, essentially.
Photo: Michelle Bosch embraces Sanlam Boland Dames scrumhalf, Felicia Jacobs, during the 2025 SA Women’s Premier Division competition. Photo by Ernest Kilowan.
“I started taking pictures at practices and games and slowly got involved in helping with some of the other off-field needs.”
Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, bringing a halt to rugby before the Boland Dames returned the following year to start preparing for the upcoming campaign in the Women’s Premier Division.
However, Bosch, still employed as a health care worker at that stage, was asked to step in as a “Covid manager” as the former manager did not comply with the regulations in place and had already reached the age of retirement (60).
And that is where her involvement and relationship with the Sanlam Boland Dames players began to take off, as the mother of four children of her own describes how she now sees herself as the ‘Mamma’ for an entire rugby team.
“I have always had a love for rugby but my passion is 100% these girls, Bosch says. “They are amazing people, and I don’t think a lot of people know what they go through. To be a woman, playing rugby, is not just a cut-and-dry thing. You still have a family that does not agree with what you are doing because you are a woman.
“The women’s game is difficult to do. The challenges with travelling and the circumstances surrounding their everyday work as amateur or semi-pro players. Are there opportunities within the game where they can grow and develop? Look, everyone wants to grow within the field they choose. And the women’s game has never quite reached that point.
“We have fought a lot for these women to study, and now it has become a reality, and these players are not just players, they have become our daughters. I can guarantee you.
“Before we had the house here, there was a time when 11 players stayed with me, and I sometimes laugh when I realised that when you are a women’s player, you can’t cook, and I always had to make food for the entire group.
These are phenomenal girls, and I look at a player like Buhle Solomzi and the dedication she has for the game. She does everything asked of her to the best of her ability. She powers on.
If you look at the Springboks within the team, they juggle a national career with playing for Boland while holding down a day job. How adaptable they must be…
“These girls are amazing but I must admit there are some that still give me some grey hairs,” Bosch quips.
Her children, however, have become used to sharing mom with the players, as Bosch describes her role as one that entails more than just being a manager.
“When Thomas and I got involved with the women’s team, my question to him was: ‘What do you want to achieve with these girls?’, and we unanimously decided that if we can touch one person’s life, by what we do, we have done our job. It’s a fantastic platform where we work with these players both on and off the field.
“From my side, I try to give guidance, counselling, and direction. Not many people utilise it in the way we are doing here. We view these players from a parental perspective, and as parents, you want to see your children grow.
“If you ask any of these players why they want to play for Boland, they will tell you that we are a family.
“So, I have a huge extended family. My children have had to learn to share mom and dad. But for them, it is easy because they also understand what we are trying to accomplish with these players.”
Still, Bosch admits the job can be a difficult ball to juggle at times, after deciding almost two years ago to leave the healthcare sector and take on a job with a British-based company, while also managing Sanlam Boland Dames.
“I decided to make a change, and I am now working for a UK-based company called Urang. It is remote work where I am the contracts coordinator for the whole business,” she explains.
“I must, however, add that my managerial role at Boland is in no way a glory-seeking one. This is a hard-working role, as I have to be there to ensure I help bring out the best in every individual player and also fulfil a supporting role to assist the coaches. For everyone out there who thinks it’s a glamorous thing, because you’re going to be on TV, that’s absolute hogwash.
“I am there, and I don’t mind it at all, to get my hands dirty, not that it is dirty work, because for me it is an absolute act of love. And I can tell you this relationship I have with them is one of trust, where the players have entrusted me with some of their deepest and darkest fears.”
Besides playing Mamma Manager for an entire team, Bosch’s love for women’s rugby has grown as she also helps develop the game, having founded her club team, Walker Bay, and the annual Hermanus Sevens tournament. The only known all-women’s sevens club tournament currently held in South Africa.
Die Sanlam Boland Kavaliere het geskiedenis gemaak deur vir die 2025 Curriebeker Premier-afdeling te kwalifiseer – die hoogste vlak van provinsiale rugby in Suid-Afrika – en dit vir die eerste keer sedert 2016. Hierdie mylpaal, behaal ná ’n uitstekende SA Beker-veldtog, word verwelkom as ’n bron van trots en inspirasie vir die hele Boland Rugby-gemeenskap.
Bennie van Rooi, president van die Boland Rugby Unie, het die span geloof en hul sukses aan ’n kollektiewe poging toegeskryf: “Hierdie is meer as net ’n rugby-oorwinning — dis ’n oorwinning vir elke hoek van die Boland. Van die afrigters, spelers en ondersteuningspersoneel tot ons lojale ondersteuners, uitvoerende bestuur, en ons 221 klubs regoor die Boland — hierdie oomblik behoort aan ons almal,” sê Mnr van Rooi.
“Die Sanlam Boland Kavaliere het met hart, nederigheid en durf gespeel. Hulle het die meer as 18 000 spelers geïnspireer wat Boland se kleure op klub-, skool- en jeugvlak dra. Hierdie promosie is ’n beloning vir dekades se toewyding deur klubadministrateurs, vrywilligers, skeidsregters, en ons permanente personeel wat week na week Boland Rugby aan die gang hou.”
Die Kavaliere se heropbou het oor jare gestrek, met toegewyde afrigters, mediese personeel, en operasionele spanne wat die fondament gelê het vir hierdie prestasie. Die pad na die Premier-afdeling weerspieël Boland se kernwaardes — veerkragtigheid, uitnemendheid, en eenheid.
“Hierdie promosie gaan nie net oor ’n nuwe liga nie,” het Mnr van Rooi gesê. “Dit bring hoop en geleenthede vir ons jeug. Dit sê vir elke kind wat kaalvoet op ’n stowwerige veld in Worcester, Robertson of Vredenburg rugby speel, dat hul drome geldig is — en deur Boland Rugby bereik kan word.”
Die uitvoerende bestuur van die Boland Rugby Unie, saam met Sanlam as hoofborg, Sanlam, Vumatel, en Rainbow Chickens as borge was deurslaggewend in hul ondersteuning van hierdie pad terug na nasionale erkenning.
“Ons bedank elke borg vir hul geloof in die Boland visie en elke borg se belegging in die langtermyn toekoms van die Kavaliere en ons streek se spelers. Dit is ’n trotse dag vir ons almal.”
Boland Rugby Union champions youth development through Get Into Rugby festival
Boland Rugby Union will again aim to impact youth sports development when it hosts its annual Get Into Rugby (GIR) Festival at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
120 learners from 10 schools will attend the event while a second festival, planned for later in the year, will include all 25 schools participating in the GIR programme in Boland.
Get Into Rugby is a programme created by World Rugby and implemented by SA Rugby as part of its development pathway in conjunction with its member union, Boland Rugby.
This programme aims to grow the game globally by introducing children to rugby in a safe and inclusive environment. Boland Rugby Union has been a proud implementer of this initiative for the past two years, with a proven track record of excellence and community engagement.
GIR Programme 2024
“This festival is about more than rugby – it’s about giving children from all backgrounds, especially those in under-resourced communities, a chance to belong, to grow, and to dream,” said Mr David Coert, Manager, Get Into Rugby, Boland Rugby. “We invite the media and the wider community to join us on the day to witness how rugby is being used as a tool to change lives.”
The day’s programme will begin at 08:30 with school registrations and a warm welcome over tea and coffee. A highlight will be the interactive session between learners and Boland Cavaliers players, offering the children an up-close experience with their sporting heroes. From 10:00 to 13:10, the action shifts to the field as teams compete in a sevens format, with two simultaneous matches taking place on divided sections of the A-field.
Mr Bennie van Rooi, President of Boland Rugby Union, emphasised the initiative’s long-term vision: “We believe in building the future of rugby by investing in our youth today. The Get Into Rugby programme is creating pathways for talent while also instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, and respect.”
Since its implementation, the GIR programme in Boland has reached over 9,000 learners, with 4,394 participating in 2024 alone. The Union also prioritises capacity building, with over 25 active coaches in the system. This ensures not only access but also the sustainability of youth development in rugby.
Ms Celly Peters, who heads Rugby Development at Boland Rugby Union, noted, “It’s very rewarding to see how the programme empowers learners and coaches. We aim to create an ecosystem where everyone involved in the game can grow.”
The GIR Festival is open to media, sponsors, community leaders, and rugby fans who wish to support and celebrate the game’s future.
For media accreditation or more information, please contact press@marchmoonmedia.com
The Sanlam Boland Dames are one win away from qualifying for the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) Grand Final after beating Sharks Women 59-10 at Boland Stadium in Wellington this past Saturday.
But despite the big bonus point win Sanlam Boland Dames’ head coach, Thomas Chowles, wants his team to lift their standards as his players at the time did not have it all their way in what he described as his side’s worst performance of the WPD campaign thus far.
The Hermanus-based side is in second position on the log with 26 points, having won five of their six games. They face third-placed Western Province (25 points), who have also won five games. Both teams’ only defeat came against the unbeaten Bulls Daisies.
A win will be enough when they tackle their Western Cape neighbours on 22 March at City Park Stadium in Athlone, but then, Chowles says, his team need to stick to their game plan.
Sanlam Boland Dames captain and number eight, Aseza Hele on the charge in the Round Six encounter against the Sharks Women in the Women’s Premier Division on 8 March 2025 in Wellington. Photo by David Rossouw / Boland Rugby Media
In summing up his side’s fifth bonus-point win of the campaign, Chowles says: “As a coach I have to probably be happy with what the scoreboard said, but we need to stick to our basics [and] our game plan and structures.
“We were very loose and [I have to give] credit to the Sharks Ladies for disrupting us and getting under skins and not allowing us to play our real game plan.”
“We were not as clinical as we were in our previous two games and we need to play [every game] to the right style and the right pattern.
“It was a good win – the scoreboard says so – but [sometimes] it can be good to have a good win like this while playing a bad game. We have had our bad game for the year now so we have to be ready for the next one.”
According to Chowles, his side’s biggest work will be to ensure they get their mindset right before they face WP in a fortnight.
“We have one more game left against Western Province and that will be the [Grand Final spot] decider. So, we have to make sure that we are switched on because we were very complacent today.
“There is not that much we need to go and change in terms of how we want to play the game. We need to stick to our game plan and put in the hard work over the next two weeks,” Chiles says.
Meanwhile, Sanlam Boland Dames captain and hattrick try-scoring hero Azeza Hele, agrees it was not a great performance but praised her team-mates for managing to fight past a disruptive Sharks Ladies and bag another important bonus point.
Hele says: “I am so happy with the performance today. The girls really pulled through in this [sweltering] heat and we are looking forward to the next game. I hope that we have taken the mistakes we made today on board and rectify them in the next game.”
SCORERS (half-time scores between brackets):
Sanlam Boland Dames 59 (24) – Tries: Nomawethu Mabenge, Buhle Sonamzi (2), Aseza Hele (3), Lulu Tyibilika and Yola Lumko (2). Conversions; Lara Schats (6) and Theresa Ruiters.
Sharks Women 10 (5) – Tries: Mbali Bukhosini and Silindile Dladla.
The prestigious Currie Cup Premier Division qualification is within reach for the Wellington side.
Bellville, South Africa – Wednesday, 5 March – The Sanlam Boland Cavaliers are geared and ready for what could prove to be a defining season as they officially announce their 2025 squad, reveal their new kit supplier partnership with Puma, and prepare for their most critical campaign to date.
The opportunity to qualify for the prestigious Currie Cup Premier Division has inspired the Wellington-based side to finish in the top four position on the log, following the conclusion of the round-robin stages on 10 May.
Coinciding with the kit reveal of the men’s team, the Sanlam Boland Dames, who have consolidated their second position on the SA Women’s Premier Division log in the hopes of qualifying for the final, have also unveiled their new playing strip.
Photo: Sanlam Boland Cavaliers players showcasing the new playing, clothing, warm-up, and training kit at the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers 2025 Season Launch, held in Bellville. Photo credit: David Rossouw
The squad announcement and kit unveiling took place at the head office of the title sponsor, Sanlam, in the presence of the Boland Rugby executives, board members, sponsors, stakeholders, journalists, the coaching staff of both the Sanlam Boland Dames and Sanlam Boland Cavaliers.
Both sides will be in action on Saturday, 8 March, at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington. The opening round fixture of the SA Cup for the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers is against the Toyota Cheetahs at 15:00 while the Sanlam Boland Dames will look to continue their winning ways when they host the Sharks Women, in the earlier fixture kicking off at 11:30.
Head coach for the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers, Hawies Fourie, has had a robust pre-season programme by giving every player in the broader squad an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of selection. Sanlam Boland Dames head coach, Thomas Chowles, will be hoping to secure a victory in their final home game in the SA Women’s Premier Division competition. Their final match of the tournament will be against Western Province on 22 March in Cape Town.
“Our season is in our hands, we need to win every game to make the playoffs,” said Chowles as they prepared for their last home game of the competition. “The loss against the Bulls Daisies was a minor setback, however, we cannot afford to slip up again. There are only two matches left, so there is no room for error.”
Photo: Sanlam Boland Dames players showcasing the new playing, clothing, warm-up, and training kit at the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers 2025 Season Launch, held in Bellville. Photo credit: David Rossouw
After securing back-to-back Currie Cup First Division titles in 2023 and 2024, the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers have their sights firmly set on reaching South Africa’s premier domestic rugby competition. The squad, featuring a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, was unveiled at the event, highlighting Boland Rugby’s commitment to excellence and continued success.
“We have been hard at work during the last few months, every warm-up game was used to refine the structure and get players acquainted with our game plan,” said Fourie ahead of their season opener. “There has been a lot of shuffling within our squad, we allowed every player to prove themselves and work for their position. We are happy with the final squad because every player deserves their spot.”
Bennie van Rooi, President of the Boland Rugby Union, expressed his excitement about the team’s ambitions and the role of club rugby in shaping Boland’s professional outfit.
“This is an exciting time for Boland Rugby as we take another step towards competing at the highest level. Our club structures remain the foundation of our success, and this squad reflects the hard work and dedication of our local players as well as the players who have joined the squad in the last two years. We are proud of head coach Hawies and his management, they are working hard at making Boland Rugby best-in-class. The Sanlam Boland Cavaliers have earned their place in this qualification journey, and we are ready to take on the challenge.”
The partnership with Puma was also unveiled at the launch, with the new playing kit for the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers and Sanlam Boland Dames displayed to the media and fans. Heinrich Punt, General Manager: Intermediaries at Sanlam, emphasised the value of corporate backing in supporting rugby’s growth in the region.
“Sponsorship is more than just financial support; it’s about investing in a team’s journey and the communities they represent. Sanlam is proud to stand behind Boland Rugby as they chase their dream of competing in the Currie Cup Premier Division. The passion and dedication of this team speaks to the values and confidence Sanlam holds dear when seeking to produce excellent results.”
Quintin van Rooyen, CEO of Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, outlined the importance of a structured, strategic approach in achieving their long-term objectives.
“A strong vision, a well-prepared squad, and the right partnerships are essential for success at this level. The Cavaliers have been building towards this moment for the past two seasons, and now, with the support of our partners and the commitment of our players, we believe we can take the next step. Our goal is clear: to establish Boland as a force in South African rugby.”
With a powerful squad, a striking new kit, and an unwavering focus on qualification, the 2025 season promises to be a defining one for Boland Rugby. Fans can look forward to an intense campaign as the Cavaliers fight for a place among South Africa’s elite.
The 38-man Sanlam Boland Cavaliers 2025 SA Cup squad in alphabetical order using their surnames:
Garth April
Sauliegh Arendse
Andrew Beerwinkel
Michael Benadie
Emile Booysen
Doctor Booysen
Taine-Randall Booysen
Ashlon Davids
Gift Dlamini
Cornell Engelbrecht
Bentley Geldenhuys
Ameer Hendricks
Cornal Hendricks
Duren Hoffman
Darian Hock
Dian Heunis
Erik Lambrecht
Riaan Louw
Wayrin Losper
Jurick Lewis
Thurlow Marsh
Xavier Mitchell
Khwezi Mafu
Aphelele Madaka
Lamla Nunu
Lunathi Nxele
Schalk Oelofse
Keenan Opperman
Neil Rautenbach
Chriswill September
Domenic Smit
Peter-John Smit
James Tedder
Sidney Tobias
HP van Schoor
Dayan van der Westhuizen
Ludio Williams
Marlyn Williams
Management Sanlam Boland Kavaliers
Head Coach: Hawies Fourie
Assistant Coach: Mornay Kurtz
Assistant Coach: Alshaun Bock
Assistant Coach: Jacquin Jansen
Physiotherapist: Greshne van Wyk
Team Doctor: Dr Byron Haupt
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Iver Aanhuizen
Logistics Manager: Moses Fortuin
Team Manager: Grant Jantjies
Tickets for the SA Cup fixtures can be bought on the official Boland Rugby website, www.bolandrugby.co.za, and at the stadium on matchdays.
