Town and Saffies battle, Botla face Villa in Round One

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.

The full fixture schedule can be viewed here.

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.

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:

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.