Wellington, South Africa – In a landmark initiative to uplift and back grassroots rugby, Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation have partnered with the Boland Rugby Union to distribute a remarkable array of equipment to its 221 official affiliated clubs. This significant event took place at the Boland Rugby Stadium on 22 February 2025 ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The Boland Rugby Union is the biggest union – in terms of size and geographic distance – in South Africa and has played an integral part in ensuring that its members get the very best through these and other Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects.
“We are grateful to our long-term partners – Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation – for going above and beyond by empowering the Boland Rugby Union to make a noticeable impact at the clubs,” said Bennie van Rooi, president of Boland Rugby Union. “This initiative is its second year, and we can see the impact that it has made following last year’s handover. Rugby clubs in the Boland have a strong loyal following so being able to help them with equipment will help improve things at club level.”
Photo: Bennie van Rooi (President, Boland Rugby Union (BRU)), far left, Quintin van Rooyen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, and Carl Roothman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sanlam Investment Group. Photo credit: Maurisha Poceiro Santos
The comprehensive donation to approximately 490 teams from 221 registered rugby clubs included over 2,300 rugby balls, approximately 70 carrying boards and neck braces, and nearly 300 pole protectors. This initiative underlines the Boland Rugby Union’s unwavering commitment to helping grow talent and promoting the sport across the region.
“We are proud to support Boland Rugby because of the powerful role sport plays in empowering communities. Our partnership with Boland Rugby aligns with our core belief in the transformative power of sport to uplift and inspire young people, especially in our underserved communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only providing sports gear, but also aiming to foster confidence, resilience, and opportunities for individuals who can then give back to their communities,” said Carl Roothman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sanlam Investment Group.
This event testifies to the magnitude and power of sport within the Boland region which stretches across 13 municipalities and is played across four leagues including three senior men’s divisions and one women’s competition. Many of the clubs received the same level of support as the top clubs in Boland, with the Sanlam Boland Top 12 – the union’s flagship competition – showcasing the best talent in the top leagues, it is initiatives like this that set the Boland Rugby Union apart from its fellow South African rugby unions.
“When we partner with the Boland Rugby Union, we understand and know that it will be utilised to the maximum benefit of each club,” said Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chairperson of the Motsepe Foundation. “We hope that this investment will help clubs to continue to provide a safe space and ideal platform to showcase the talented and gifted rugby players that can be found in Boland, men and women.”
The Sanlam Boland Dames head into their 2025 Women’s Premier Division campaign with a much-anticipated home fixture against the Golden Lions Women at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, 25 January.
The team have been preparing well from their base in Hermanus and has set their sights on making history by winning the Women’s Premier Division tournament. With only a single round and a final, he stressed the importance of a strong start against the Golden Lions Women.
“The goal is to win the competition, and by doing so, it will be the first time we do so,” Thomas Chowles, head coach of the Sanlam Boland Dames, said.
Despite a condensed preparation period following the holiday break, Chowles is confident in his team’s readiness. The team worked hard during the pre-season refining their conditioning, handling skills, and the ability to read space.
“Our prep has been good. The players worked hard during the pre-season, but we only had 2 and half weeks to prepare after the holidays,” Chowles added.
“We play to our strengths and force teams to play our style. Our whole team has great players from 1 to 23.”
The team also benefits from the leadership of seasoned senior players who have stepped up to boost morale. Additionally, the arrival of new talent brings depth. He did not want to single out any specific players a testament to some of the amazing talent and confidence he has in his squad.
Looking at the bigger picture, Chowles acknowledged the challenges faced by women’s rugby in South Africa, particularly in the region.
“At present, only the Bulls Daisies are fully professional. We are working towards that, but many factors have to be taken into consideration. Funding is always a problem for women’s rugby, but we are in the fortunate position to have the backing of some amazing sponsors like Sanlam, Vumatel, Santam, and Rainbow Chicken.”
Photo: Sanlam Boland Dames head coach, Thomas Chowles (left) and Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Quintin van Rooyen.
Logistical challenges such as transportation for players spread across the region, add to the management side’s weekly battle.
Chowles continued: “Many of our players have jobs, which means some of them get home late and to add to this, many of them don’t have cars. But, despite these obstacles, the team remains committed to our plan and the structure when we take to the field.”
He encourages everyone to come and support the team as they set their sights on title glory. “Come support the Dames. They are your team, and they play for you.”
The opening match promises to be an entertaining one. Kick-off is at 12:00 (noon), entry is free, and the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools, DStv Channel 216 and the SuperSport Schools App.
Safcol United and Robertson Town battle things out for an epic encounter at the Boland Rugby Stadium
Wellington comes to a standstill this weekend as the entire Boland rugby community descends from far and wide onto Boland Stadium for the highly anticipated Sanlam Boland Top12 final. The clash between Safcol United from Grabouw and Robertson Town promises to be a showdown of epic proportions, with both teams boasting an undefeated record in this year’s competition.
The day not only features the two top Boland Rugby Union club teams – Robertson Town and Safcol United – spectators will get to witness the sensational talent in the Gemeenskapskild, Streekuitdaag, and Women’s finals.
Supporters and fans stand a chance to win amazing spot prizes from the tournament sponsors and partners including Sanlam, Santam, Tekkie Town, Vumatel, and Umbro with Twizza drinks being sold to keep everyone hydrated while cheering for their favourite player.
Elim and Green Leaves will get things going at 10h00 for the Gemeenskapskild trophy with Rawsonville and Touwpark going head-to-head at midday for the Streekuitdaag title. The Women’s final will be played between Wolves and Walker Bay Ladies at 14h00 laying the platform for arguably the biggest and most highly anticipated encounter of the 2023 Boland rugby season.
Robertson has featured in a Top12 final before, in 2017, when they lost to Roses United 48-24 while Safcol United are playing not only in their first Sanlam Boland Top12 final but it the team from Grabouw’s first time featuring in the prestigious Grootuitdaag championship tournament.
Last weekend’s semi-final drew a crowd of approximately 8,000 spectators, setting the stage for what is expected to be a riveting conclusion to the biggest club rugby event in the Boland region. The fervour and anticipation among fans are palpable, creating an electric atmosphere at Boland Stadium.
Safcol and Robertson Town, having navigated the Sanlam Boland Top12 round-robin obligations flawlessly, find themselves in the grand finale, and on paper, there is very little to distinguish between these two rugby powerhouses. As a result, spectators can prepare for a nail-biting encounter where skill, strategy, and determination will be on full display, and no quarter will be given.
For those attending the finals day, the excitement on the day not only features the Sanlam Boland Top12 final but three finals. The schedule unfolds as follows:
10:00 – Gemeenskapskild Final: Elim vs Green Leaves
12:00 – Streekuitdaag Final: Rawsonville vs Touwpark
14:00 – Women’s Final: Central Wolves vs Walker Bay
16:00 – Sanlam Boland Top12 Final: Safcol United vs Robertson
Whether you are a fervent supporter, a casual observer, or just someone looking to experience the thrill of top-tier rugby, Boland Rugby Stadium is the place to be this weekend on 2 December.
Do not miss out on the action-packed day of rugby festivities, showcasing the best of Boland’s rugby talent in a culmination of skill, dedication, and passion for the game. Tickets are only R40 for adults, R20 for children, and R20 for parking.
Wie’s daai kranige stut van Robertson Town wat soos ’n senter die lyn sny en dan ala Sonny-Bill Willams nog die bal kan off-load?
Daai’s Jasherie Karriem, hoe kan jy dan nie daai man ken nie?
So het ’n onlangse gesprek oor Town se kranige voorryman begin nadat ’n video van hom wat teenstanders in die Sanlam Boland Top-12 uit die pad hardloop en dan sommer ’n paar weghardloop, voor hy die bal met een hand off-load, gedreig het om die internet te breek.
“Toe ek self Saterdag van die veld af kom en my foon optel was daar seker al klaar 250 Whatsapp-boodskappe daarop,” vertel die 44-jarige Karriem. Ja, hy is al 44 jaar oud, maar die wat hom nie ken nie sal sweer hy is nog in sy middel 20s vir die manier waarop hy nog teenstanders kan laat bontstaan op ’n rugbyveld.
Boonop sou die video van hom breekslag beslis Town se groot teenstander in hierdie naweek se eindstryd van die Boland Groot Uitdaag se Top-12, Safcol United, se aandag getrek het, as ’n potensiële gevaar vir die Grabouwers se aanslag op dié kroon.
Karriem, is egter gou om te sê dat sulke kraglopies nie iets is wat hy in wedstryde opsoek nie.
“Ek ken my core roles. Dit is om seker te maak ek skrum goed, kry my springers by die bal uit in die lynstane en om seker te maak ek maak ordentlik skoon by die rucks,” verduidelik hy. “Daai ander goed, soos die bal opdra, is goed wat maar natuurlik kom en ek moet seker maar die Man van Bo bedank dat ek op so manier raak gesien was en nou erkenning ontvang.”
Stut speel was egter nie waar Karriem se loopbaan begin het nie. Vanaf skooldae was hy ’n agtsteman waar hy die Boland Rugbyunie in die Cravenweek verteenwoordig het. Sy eerste tree in klubrugby het as speler vir Collegians (Westelike Provinsie) in die vroeë 2000’s begin, voor hy in 2003 die skuif na Worcester Villagers sou maak.
Karriem het ook in 2011 vir een seisoen onder coach Deon Davids (tans Springbok-hulpafrigter) vir die Universiteit Wes-Kaapland (UWK) in die Varsity Shield gespeel. Ná twee seisoene by NTK (Parow) in die Westelike Provinsie het Karriem toe sy terugkeer tot Villagers in Worcester gemaak, voor hy die jaar ’n skuif na Robertson Town sou maak.
Oor wat sy geheim is vir so lank op die top-vlak klubrugby speel sê Karriem: “Wat ek kan sê is, as jy bereid is om daai ekstra effort in te sit, en nie net wag om op die aande wat daar geoefen word die werk in te sit nie, dan kan jy so lang loopbaan in dié sport het.
“Omdat ek in die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisidiens (SAPS) as ’n sersant werksaam is, beteken dit ek werk skofte. So daar is tyd om daai ekstra in te sit. Ek gaan draf elke oggend en gaan gym toe. Dit is maar my daaglikse roetine, tensy ek nie dagskof werk nie.
“Dan kan ek ook sê my spanmaats by Town spoor mens aan, daar is baie commitment van hulle kant af. So ek is nie in die oggende alleen op die veld of in die gym nie. Hulle is deel van saam gaan oefen.”
En die spoed waarmee hy opposisie so onkant vang? “Daai geheim kan ek nou nie deel nie, want dit is deel van die sursprise package,” grap hy. Vir Saterdag se eindstryd in die Boland-stadion in Wellington, sê Karriem is hy en sy spanmaats meer as gelukkig om dit as die underdogs te betree.
“Al wat ek kan sê is dat ons as Robertson Town hierdie finaal met nederigheid betree. Dit beteken nie ons is nie postief oor ons kanse nie, maar soos jy weet praat almal mos maar van Safcol United as die gunsteling. Hul naam is op almal se lippe, so wat ons kan sê is ons sal maar sien wat Saterdag tussen die vier lyne gebeur.
“Ons praat glad nie vooruit nie, ons gaan tussen die vier lyne die wa deur die drif probeer trek. Safcol is vir ons ‘n onbekende span, en as jy gaan kyk na die spelers wat hulle daar het, is dit nie manne wat ons al gereeld teen gespeel het nie. Hulle speel baie goeie rugby. Ek volg hulle al die hele jaar en ek moet sê daar is iets goeds aan die gebeur daar.
“Dit verg baie om ‘n Saldanha-toernooi te wen en dan ook in die liga so goed te doen. Wat spelers betref is hulle ’n onbekende faktor, so dit is moeilik om hulle te ontleed. Ek dink Saterdag se stryd gaan lekker hard wees. Dit is twee fisieke spanne wat teen mekaar te staan gaan kom,” sluit hy af.
Ofskoon Karriem in die fleur van sy jare nou wel nie meer kan droom van provinsiaal speel nie, is hy trots om te sien hoe klubrugby in die Boland nou ‘n vlak bereik het waar daar vir die jonger spelers ’n geleentheid geskep word om raakgesien te word.
“Dit is die eerste keer wat dit op so hoë vlak aangebied word. Laas jaar was ook groot, maar mens kan sien dit is hierdie jaar na daai volgende vlak geneem en mense is opgewonde daaroor. Behalwe vir die bywoon van wedstryde is daar meer mense wat op TV en selfs via streaming daarna kyk.
“Die manne voel nou hulle word raakgesien.”
Die eerste wedstryd begin om 10h00 af met die Sanlam Boland Top12 finaal wat 16h00 afskop. Kaartjies beloop slegs R40 vir volwassenes, R20 vir kinders, en R20 vir parkering (beperkte parkering, so kom vroeg om teleurstelling te vermy).
Vergeet van nét Connor Mahoney. Robertson Town sal ook hul huiswerk moet doen oor hoe om ‘n teenvoeter vir die Safcol United-generaal Lehnrho Julies te vind in Saterdag se Sanlam Boland Top12-eindstryd in Wellington.
Kaartjies vir Saterdag se wedstryde beloop R40 vir volwassenes, R20 vir kinders, en R20 vir parkering. Een kaartjie se aankoop ontsluit vier top Boland finale. Kom vroeg en kry ‘n goeie uitsig van die wedstryd!
Foto: Tersia van der Westhuizen
Julies het uit sy vel gespeel in Safcol United se oorwinning van 68-38 in hul halfeindstryd teen Darling en groot lof van sy afrigter, Brendon Cloete, ontvang.
“Hy was eintlik geoogmerk as ons binnesenter, maar omstandighede met ‘n besering het ons laat besluit om hom op losskakel te kies. Hy was Saterdag so ‘n absoluut afgeronde losskakel as wat jy ooit sal sien,” vertel Cloete.
“Toe hy spel begin dikteer, die bal agter Darling sit en ons op die voorvoet hou, was daar nie omdraaikans nie. Hy het geplace, ge-drop en ge-score … alles!”
Om soveel punte (33) in ‘n uitspeelwedstryd aan te teken wil gedoen wees en Saffies sal waarskynlik as die gunsteling gereken word vir die eindstryd.
Lehnrho Julies met sy dans-roetine voor elke doelskoppoging
Cloete is heel verstaanbaar in sy noppies met sy span se opwindende spel.
“As jy kyk na die ouens se ondersteunende spel en lyne wat hulle gehardloop het, sal jy in al die drieë sien dat daar altyd ’n man op die baldraer se skouer was om die bal te ontvang,” sê Cloete.
“Ons is ‘n baie aanvallende span. Die ouens val ruimte goed aan en vind maniere om dit vir die buiteagterspelers te skep. Ons het ook baie beweeglike voorspelers met goeie hande. Ons swaar manne bring hul kant!”
Cloete meen dis belangrik vir sy spelers om hulself te kan uitleef eerder as om hulle in ’n oorgestruktureerde dwangbuis te plaas.
“Ons het strukture in plek van wat ons graag wil doen - hoe ons van ons vaste fasette af wil aanval en hoe ons graag wil verdedig. Ons het sekere dinge in plek, maar as dit kom by spel met bal in die hand en ons oor voorspelers met vaardighede beskik, hoekom dit nie gebruik nie?
“Hoekom sal jy hulle deur fases wil laat hardloop waneer jy hulle in ruimte kan kry en hul hande die werk kan laat doen?”
Cloete gee die spelers ook krediet vir hul gees van samewerking. Oor Robertson Town sê Cloete dat hulle oor baie groot voorspelers beskik en “direk” speel.
“Dis nooit maanskyn en rose nie,” sê hy. “Elke een het maar sy dingetjies wat pla, maar as hulle op die veld kom, is dit magic. Hulle het ‘n aanvoeling vir mekaar, ‘n voorgevoel vir wat die volgende ou gaan doen.”
“Ons sal ’n plan in plek moet sit om dit hok te slaan,” sê hy.
Safcol kan nie wag om op te draf nie.
“Albei spanne was onoorwonne in die groepfase en almal wou ‘n eindstryd tussen Safcol en Robertson Town sien. Wel, hy is Saterdag op ons! Onoorwonne rekords en wat vroeër in die seisoen gebeur het, tel nou vir niks. Al wat nou tel is wat in daardie 80 minute gebeur.”
“Saterdag se wedstryd is vir ons die belangrikste. Die toppunt van ons doelwit vir die hele jaar is voor ons.”
Confidence Rule #15: If you’re going to owe anyone anything, make sure it’s a favour.
In the heart of Boland Rugby, where passion and commitment intertwine with the spirit of the game, Robertson RFC stands tall, driven by the experienced and dedicated head coach, Jeromy Joseph. As they gear up for the Sanlam Boland Top12 final against Safcol United on 2 December, Coach Joseph reflects on the journey of his team and the dynamics of this year’s competition.
“At the beginning of the year, we had a mix of experienced and inexperienced players,” Jeromy Joseph reveals. “Our pre-season was intense, focusing on the basics and evaluating players based on their understanding and execution during training. Through friendly matches, every player had their chance to shine, leading to the selection of a 40-man squad. Rotation became a key strategy during league matches, ensuring players stayed fresh and avoided excessive fatigue.”
Despite early challenges, including defeats against Young Hamiltons and Montagu Villagers, Robertson RFC embarked on a remarkable 17-game winning streak. “The belief and confidence among the players are robust,” notes Jeromy. “This confidence, I attribute to a growing sense of family within the team, cultivated through shared personal information sessions and constant communication between players and coaching staff.
“At the beginning of the year [2023], I introduced many young players, some as young as 18 years old. As the season progressed, the players grew closer, playing for each other, and building a strong sense of confidence. Throughout the season, our unity prevailed, allowing us to compete against the best teams in the Top12 competition.”
Reflecting on the Sanlam Boland Top12, Jeromy emphasises the significant strides Boland has made, especially in terms of sponsorships. “Boland has made a significant impact with their sponsors, setting a high standard for others. Their engagement with communities, especially schools, is well-received,” he comments. This year’s Top12 has been notably more professionally handled, with increased exposure for players and substantial support from sponsors.
Jeromy Joseph’s coaching tenure at Robertson RFC spans from 1999 to 2023, witnessing the team’s rise. His coaching legacy includes championship victories, promotions for various clubs, and a steadfast commitment to developing rugby talent.
As the spotlight intensifies for the upcoming final, Jeromy Joseph stands at the helm, leading his team with a blend of experience, confidence, and a profound sense of unity—a testament to the rugby culture thriving at Robertson RFC.
