In Abbotsdale, rugby isn’t just a sport — it’s part of the town’s DNA, and few families embody that spirit quite like the Josias family.
In recent years, names like Balle, Mettie, and Rhodri Josias have become well known in local rugby circles. Rhodri — better known as Roco Coco for his blistering pace on the wing during Abbotsdale’s Premier League campaign — thrilled crowds with his powerful runs and fearless play.
The younger generation has carried that torch with pride. Eschelle (“Balle”) and Matcalf have become key figures in Abbotsdale’s forward pack. Balle, a powerhouse front-row player, has been instrumental in the club’s recent success, while Matcalf played a vital role in Abbotsdale’s league-winning second team of 2025.
But the Josias rugby legacy begins with their father, Archie Josias, who recently led the Abbotsdale team onto the field as flagbearer during the Sanlam Boland Top 12 competition.
Archie’s rugby journey started back in 1973, in an era when many fields were still dusty and bare. With a smile, he recalls those early days:
“Ons het gespeel laat die stof staan in daardie dae.”
He began his career as a scrumhalf, later making a name for himself at fullback before moving to the forwards in the latter part of his career.
“At hooker I had to learn my trade — scrumming in the front row, throwing in at lineouts — but I got the hang of it. Luckily, my backline skills helped me in open play and made me more elusive on attack.”
Rugby in the rural towns was fiercely competitive even then, producing some remarkable players.
When asked about his most memorable moment, Archie doesn’t hesitate: “Scoring the winning try against Mamre. Dis altyd lekker om rugby te speel en as jy ’n drie druk is dit nog lekkerder, maar om die wen drie te druk teen ’n span soos Mamre was spesiaal vir my.”
Reflecting on his playing days, Archie’s greatest pride now comes from watching his sons continue the family legacy.
“My seuns speel voortreflike rugby en as pa is ek baie trots. Mettie was die jaar skitterend in die tweede span, en dis wonderlik om vir Eschelle te sien kragte meet met harde baard stutte van regoor die Boland in die Sanlam Boland Top 12.”
He also shared a heartfelt message for the current generation of Abbotsdale players: “Maak die beste van die geleentheid om rugby te speel. Kyk net hoeveel mense oor naweke na julle wedstryde kyk — julle is selfs op televisie deesdae! Maak julle mense trots, net soos ek met trots staan wanneer ek julle as span ondersteun.”
Story written by Heinrich Robertson