The Boland Rugby Union is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Sanlam Boland Top 12 competition – the pinnacle of club rugby in the region – along with three additional premier regional tournaments: the Super 10 (Streekuitdaag), the Super 16 (Gemeenskapskild), and the Super 8 (Vroueliga).
The defending champions, Robertson Town RFC, will host three matches, as will five other teams who finished top in their respective Boland club rugby regions’ Grootuitdaag competitions. Teams that finished in the second place will play three away and two matches in front of their home crowds.
Every match across the four knockout tournaments kicks off on 11 October, with the semi-finals on 15 November and finals on 22 November being played at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington.
Photo: The Sanlam Boland Top 12 captains ahead of the 2025 competition set to kick off on 11 October. Photo by Boland Rugby Media/Ernest Kilowan
In the first round, which kicks off on 11 October, there is a repeat of the 2023 Sanlam Boland Top 12 final, with Robertson Town hosting Safcol United, while Roses United welcomes Vredenburg. Worcester Villagers travel to face the in-form side from the Overberg, Botrivier. In Round Two, Roses United travel to Boland Park to face the 2024 runners-up, Worcester Villagers, in what will prove to be an entertaining encounter. The 2023 champions, Safcol United, host the Noordweste champion, Delicious NW, while Vanrhynsdorp Eagles welcome Botrivier to the Matzikama Municipality.
“The Sanlam Boland Top 12 brings about hope, and it creates a healthy platform for Boland’s young talent to be showcased,” said Mr Bennie van Rooi, president of the Boland Rugby Union. “We celebrate the energy and passion of every supporter, management team member, player, and coach.
“All of which would not be possible without any of our sponsors, thanks to Sanlam, Santam, Vuma, Tekkie Town, Heineken Beverages, Rainbow Chickens, and our newest partner, Mama’s Pies. Through these partnerships, we can elevate the platform. This season promises unforgettable rugby for our communities.”
This year’s Sanlam Boland Top 12, widely regarded as the Grootuitdaag, will feature the following confirmed clubs:
Robertson Town RFC (Defending champions)
VillagersWorcester RFC (2024 runners-up)
Safcol United RFC (2023 champions)
Botrivier RFC (newcomers)
Saldanha Bay RFC (2019 & 2022 back-to-back winners)
Roses United RFC (the only unbeaten team of the 2025 season)
Delicious NW RFC (back in Sanlam Boland Top 12 after 2023)
Hillcrest United RFC (Semi-finalist in previous Top8 format, in 2017)
Vredenburg RFC (returning Weskus side)
WesbankRFC (returns to the Sanlam Boland Top 12 since 2023)
AbbottsdaleRFC (returning Swartland side)
The teams are divided into two groups, with no teams from the same Grootuitdaag region placed in the same group. Teams that won their respective leagues will have three home games and two away matches, while the second-placed sides will be on the road for three games, with two of their five matches played at their home ground.
Mr Quintin van Rooyen, CEO of Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, said: “The Boland Rugby competitions embody both heritage and innovation. By launching the Top 12 alongside the Super 10, Super 16, and Super 8, we are building a sustainable competitive pathway for men’s, women’s, and community rugby. Our focus is on strengthening the Boland brand while growing the game across every corner of our union.”
“At Sanlam, we are proud to continue our association with the Boland Rugby Union through the Sanlam Boland Top 12,” Heinrich Punt, General Manager of intermediaries at Sanlam. “This competition reflects the values of perseverance, teamwork, and community that we as an organisation deeply believe in. Supporting the Top 12 is about more than rugby — it is about enabling opportunities, building stronger communities, and ensuring that the future of our game remains bright across the Boland.”
Mr Viwo Jack, Chairperson of Robertson Town RFC, 2024 Champions, said: “As last year’s winners, Robertson Town RFC is honoured to defend the title in what promises to be the toughest season yet. Every club has earned their spot, and the intensity will be immense. For us, the Top 12 is about honouring our supporters and giving back to our community through the game we love.”
About the Sanlam Boland Top 12
The Sanlam Boland Top 12 is an end-of-season knockout competition in which the top 12 teams from the 60 Grootuitdaag regions’ clubs compete. It 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 the platform of hope in Boland. Alongside the Sanlam Boland Top 12, the Boland Rugby Union hosts the Super 10 (Streekuitdaag), the Super 16 (Gemeenskapskild), and the Super 8 (Vroueliga), ensuring a comprehensive pathway for community rugby.
The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers head coach, Hawies Fourie, has named his team to face DHL Western Province in the Carling Currie Cup on Saturday, 6 September, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
With five teams still battling for semi-final places, the Kavaliers know a victory is crucial to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Thurlow Marsh will lead the side while donning the number eight jersey. Marsh, along with Sibusiso Sangweni and Sauliegh Arendse, completes the loose trio.
The visitors head into the clash following a narrow last-minute defeat against the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Pietermaritzburg last Friday. Fourie’s chargers will be determined to take control of their own destiny rather than rely on other results to go in their favour.
There are a handful of changes to the match-day squad. Among the forwards, experienced lock Marlyn Williams, who captained the team earlier in the campaign before being sidelined by injury, returns to the starting XV in place of Jurie van Vuuren, who moves to the bench.
In the backline, scrumhalf Chriswill September returns to partner Juan Mostert, who remains at flyhalf with Ashlon Davids still sidelined. David Brits reclaims the No. 13 jersey, with the versatile Erik Lambrecht shifting to the bench.
At fullback, regular goalkicker James Tedder has been ruled out after picking up an injury at training this week. Domenic Smit replaces him in the starting lineup, while Jayden Bantom, who joined the Kavaliers from the Eastern Province Elephants after the SA Cup, earns a spot on the bench and could make his Kavaliers debut.
Among the replacements, Llewellyn Classen takes over as hooker cover from HP van Schoor, while Lamla Nunu comes in at loosehead prop. Mthokozisi Gumede swaps the number 17 jersey for the number 18 to provide tighthead cover. With Khwezi Mafu unavailable due to a minor injury, the experienced Van Vuuren provides loose forward cover.
Veteran scrumhalf Louis Schreuder is also on the bench as Fourie continues his halfback rotation, with Godlen Masimla sitting out this week.
Saturday’s clash, dubbed the N1 Derby by the media, kicks off at 14:45 with referee Morné Ferreira taking charge of the fixture.
Sanlam Boland Kavaliers:15 Domenic Smit, 14 Donavan Don, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Xavier Mitchell, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Thurlow Marsh (captain), 7 Sibusiso Sangweni, 6 Sauliegh Arendse, 5 Marlyn Williams, 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper
Replacements: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Lamla Nunu, 18 Mthokozisi Gumede, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Jurie van Vuuren, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Erik Lambrecht, 23 Jayden Bantom
James Tedder, fullback of the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, returns to action this weekend after missing the round four Carling Currie Cup fixture against the Vodacom Bulls in Wellington.
The 28-year-old Kearsney College old boy sat out last week with a back niggle but has been cleared to play and will line up in Mbombela against Jimmy Stonehouse’s Airlink Pumas.
With an away victory in Mbombela all but securing a semi-final spot for Hawies Fourie’s side, Tedder’s return brings both stability and attacking threat. Known for his calm presence and reliable kicking game, the 1.91m, 95kg fullback also relishes the physical battle when taking on opposition defensive systems.
“I’m really looking forward to being back this weekend for a big game in Nelspruit against the Pumas. It was tough missing out last week, but I’m ready to give my best again,” he said.
He added that conditions could play a role: “I think it’s a bit different this weekend with the (expected) weather being hotter in Mbombela, but as always we’re going to throw the ball around, play an exciting brand of rugby and see if we can score plenty of tries.”
James Tedder of the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers during the SA Cup in May 2025. Photo by Dirk Kotze. Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The Kavas’ exciting backline has been one of the team’s most potent weapons this season, and Tedder is quick to praise those around him. “Having [Donovan] Don, Xava [Xavier Mitchell] and Marcqwien [Titus] around me makes it easy to play at 15. They’re outstanding in attack – I can just give them the ball and let them express themselves. Defensively, our communication is strong, and that helps a lot too.”
Tedder, who made his name in the Varsity Cup with the UCT Ikeys before joining the Lions in 2022, also seems to have struck up a good understanding with experienced flyhalf, Ashlon Davids. The latter took charge of the kicking duties against the Bulls and did a sterling job – both out of hand and at posts – as his 100% record suggests.
“Ash and I also have a great relationship on and off the field, which makes decision-making simple. Sometimes, if he feels the pressure, I’ll take on the kicking, and if I feel it, he steps up. We complement each other well, and it makes our jobs so much easier.”
Since joining Boland from the French Nationale 1 club, Albi, Tedder says he has been impressed by the environment. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Boland so far. It’s been incredible to be part of this journey with such a committed coach and a special team environment. After a tough spell in France, it’s refreshing to be back in such a positive space. I’m excited to see how far we can take this Boland team.”
Hawies Fourie believes the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers’ gritty 37-35 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division win against the Toyota Cheetahs was the perfect advertisement for inspiring hope in the Boland region.
After the Cavas had to claw their way back from a 35-27 deficit in the final 10 minutes at Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington, with winger Donovan Don scoring in the 88th minute to secure the bonus-point win.
WELLINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 27: Donavan Don of Sanlam Boland Kavaliers scores the winning try during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Toyota Cheetahs at Sanlam Boland Stadium on July 27, 2025, in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
This was Boland’s first game back in the Currie Cup top flight since 2016, and coach Fourie’s team were adamant to get their campaign off to the perfect start.
It all seemed to go their way after the first half, leading 27-14. But poor discipline, especially at scrum time, where they conceded eight penalties, allowed the visitors back into the game.
The visitors scored three tries to take a 35-27 lead. But that is when the Cavas showed character, with captain Marlyn Williams reminding his teammates why and who they are playing for in their first season back in the Currie Cup in nearly a decade.
“I said to the guys, ‘You must go out and ask yourself, did you give 100 per cent?’ And I think the question was answered by what the scoreboard said at the end of the game,” Williams said. “We are a really passionate team and union, and we are really happy with this result.”
To which Fourie added, after watching his team pull a rabbit out of the hat to win the game: “I am not sure what the captain thought, but my call was to go for the corner. I sent a message down to the medical team on the field. I think they had the same thing in mind. I just felt that we were outplayed for about 30 minutes, and then we got back into the game, and we had to go big by kicking to the corner and try to win the game, rather than kicking to poles for a draw.
“The purpose of this team is to inspire our community. It is really important to us to show the people in the Boland that we can compete at a high level and inspire the young kids to play rugby and make a living from it.
“We need to give back to the community, and the way that we played and the character that we showed in the last six to seven minutes of the game will inspire a lot of people.
“We would just like to thank everyone who took the time on a Sunday afternoon to come and support us here in Wellington, we appreciate it.”
WELLINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 27: Spectators looking on during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Toyota Cheetahs at Sanlam Boland Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
However, Fourie asked his team to hold off on the edge-of-the-seat wins for now and learn to put opposition teams away when they have their foot on the neck.
“It was a game of two halves, where we started well and put a lot of pressure on the Cheetahs,” he explained.
“After halftime, we took the foot off the pedal, and we conceded quite a number of penalties just before the end. The penalty count just before the end was eight penalties to one against us. That broke our momentum, and we could not get anything going on the attack.
“Then luckily in the last three to five minutes we got a bit of possession and the guys showed a lot of character keeping the ball through many phases playing from our own tryline and scoring from about 100 metres and a bit with plenty of phases in between. It was hard work; we made it difficult for ourselves, so we are going to go and have a look at what we can rectify.”
Of experiencing a bit of Déjà vu as he watched his men throw away a lead, Fourie added: “In the SA Cup, it also happened to us. We get a lead and then let teams off the hoo,k and that is something we have got to improve on.”
During the game, new signing Laurence Victor’s debut was cut short by an injury after limping off the field in the deciding moments.
“I don’t think it was that serious, and I suspect he will be okay, and we have Doc Booysen as well; that can come in and play. We will assess those injuries tomorrow [Monday, 28 July]. After a game like the one we just had and in a shortened Currie Cup, the guys that are in the saddle would like to play, and I would expect that he will be okay to play in the next game.”
This weekend, the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers will prepare to hit the road when they face off against the Suzuki Griquas in another Sunday showdown at Kimberley’s Suzuki stadium.
The Sanlam Boland Cavaliers broke the hearts of the Toyota Cheetahs on Sunday as Donovan Don scored in the 8th minute of injury time to secure a spectacular 37-35 win. This is the Cavas’ first time back in the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division since 2016.
Boland made a fast start, pinning the Cheetahs in their half and taking the early reward after six minutes as James Tedder slotted a penalty goal.
A second Tedder shot at goals put the Cavas up 6-0 after 11 minutes as the home side kept the pressure on the Free State visitors.
Capitalising on Cheetahs ill-discipline and with some smart pick and goes, Boland then scored the games opening try as Ashlon Davids fell over after in the left after an attacking lineout.
A lineout mistake on their throw, however, spoiled Boland’s great start, as a loose throw saw Marko Janse van Rensburg fall over to give the Cheetahs their first points of the half.
The visitors then hit the lead as Boland’s discipline also started to let them down as Rewan Kruger sniped and scored with Cohen Jasper adding the extras for a 14-13 lead.
WELLINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 27: Ashlon Davids (vice-captain) of Sanlam Boland Kavaliers scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Toyota Cheetahs at Sanlam Boland Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
However, Boland regained their early momentum in the final quarter of the first half as David Brits finished off the home team’s second try.
And after the Cheetahs’ bad discipline finally gave the referee no option but to brandish a yellow card, Boland took advantage straight from the kick-off as Sibusiso Sangweni busted the defensive line and offloaded to Gift Dlamini to run up field, before some swift passing saw Davids dive over for his second five-pointer.
Another attack saw Boland threaten to score again, but a handling error made coach Hawies Fourie’s Cavas settle for a 27-14 halftime lead.
The Cavalier then lost their way again as the Cheetahs took full advantage after deploying a few impactful bench replacements.
And after converted tries by Carel-Jan Coetzee and Gideon van der Merwe, the Cheetahs took a one-point lead, setting up a dramatic final 10 minutes in Wellington. But it was the visitors who looked as if they would break Boland’s hearts after Vernon Paulo scored the visitors’ fifth try for a 35-27 lead.
WELLINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 27: Marlyn Williams (captain) of Sanlam Boland Kavaliers during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Toyota Cheetahs at Sanlam Boland Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Wellington, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
The Cavas however never gave up hope and believed a win was still possible with five minutes left as a try by Marcqiewn Titus in the 79th minute ignited the home side to launch an attack from the kick-off and after forcing to make the Cheetahs make tackles they found themselves five metres from the line.
A cross kick by Juan Mostert found Xavier Mitchell out wide, who offloaded to Don, who dived over to score in the corner.
SCORERS:
SANLAM BOLAND CAVALIERS 37 (27) – Tries: Ashlon Davids (2), David Brits, Marcqiewn Titus and Donovan Don. Conversions: James Tedder (3). Penalties: Tedder (2)
TOYOTA CHEETAHS 35 (14) – Tries: Marko Janse van Rensburg, Rewan Kruger, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Gideon van der Merwe and Vernon Paulo. Conversions: Cohen Jasper (2) and Ntokozo Makhaza (3).
SANLAM BOLAND CAVALIERS: 15 James Tedder, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Donavan Don, 10 Ashlon Davids, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Sibusiso Sangweni, 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Marlyn Williams (c), 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper
Replacements: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Lamla Nunu, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Thurlow Marsh, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Xavier Mitchell
TOYOTA CHEETAHS: 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Frankie dos Reis, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Hencus van Wyk.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
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.
