Club rugby’s unsung heroes are about to get the spotlight they deserve. NovaNews’ The Rugby Factory vodcast is back, swapping school pitches for club grounds as it embarks on a ten-episode journey through the Pick n Pay Gold Cup, South Africa’s ultimate club rugby championship.
Also read: Villager’s treble dream begins as Gold Cup explodes into life
And this time, they want your war cries, your changeroom chaos, and every ounce of gees that makes community rugby the soul of South African sport.
The vodcast series launches on Friday, 25 September, just one day before thirty-two clubs from 14 provincial unions converge for the tournament’s Round of 32, the opening salvo in what promises to be a brutal, beautiful celebration of grassroots rugby.
Capturing the gees
The Rugby Factory’s school rugby coverage struck a chord with fans over the past year, but club rugby presents a different beast entirely. This is rugby stripped to its essence, changeroom celebrations fuelled by years of tradition, unsung characters keeping clubs alive on shoestring budgets, and rivalries that span generations.
The production team is calling on participating clubs to submit war cry videos and behind-the-scenes footage to capture the off-field magic that television broadcasts miss. It’s an opportunity to showcase the soul of South African rugby, the stuff that happens when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Submissions can be sent via social media or emailed directly to andy.daniel@novusmedia.co.za.
Naka Bulls hunting history
The field includes two clubs from each union, plus defending champions Naka Bulls and wildcard entrants Schotsche Kloof Walmers, and it’s that opening-round clash between the two that’s already generating serious buzz.
The Sanlam Naka Bulls are hunting their fourth consecutive Gold Cup title, having established themselves as an absolute dynasty since the tournament’s return following a three-year COVID suspension. Their 40-25 demolition of Villager in last year’s final secured a historic three-peat, the first in Gold Cup history.
But Walmers, based in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap, arrive unbeaten in twelve matches since April and with a point to prove. They pushed Naka Bulls to 28-24 at the Saldanha Super 8 Easter tournament, and that narrow defeat will be fresh in their minds.
The contenders
While Naka Bulls enter as firm favourites, last year’s finalists Villagers are celebrating their 150th anniversary and are considered the strongest challengers. The Cape Town outfit have pedigree, experience, and motivation in abundance.
Durbanville-Bellville, who lifted the trophy in 2015, remain dangerous, whilst College Rovers, Pirates and the Northam Platinum Rhinos are all expected to feature prominently.
A tournament steeped in history
The Gold Cup replaced the old SARU National Club Championships in 2013, when Despatch became the inaugural champion. Rustenburg Impala from the Leopards union established themselves as early powerhouses, claiming three titles in 2014, 2016 and 2019. False Bay were crowned in 2017 during a period of Western Province dominance.
After the COVID hiatus, Naka Bulls have rewritten the script , and they’re not done yet.
The full lineup
The provincial breakdown delivers a geographically diverse field that truly represents South African club rugby.
From the Blue Bulls: Naka Bulls, Grizzlies and Centurion. Golden Lions: Randfontein and Pirates. Valke: Vereeniging and Brakpan. Limpopo: Northam Platinum Rhinos and Louis Trichardt. Leopards: Northam Platinum Wolves and Sibanye Stillwater Warriors. Pumas: White River and Nelspruit.
Cheetahs: Red Oak Bloemfontein Police and Corp Group Bloemfontein Collegians. Griffons: Welkom and Bethlehem Oud-Skoliere. Griquas: Sishen and Kimberley. KwaZulu-Natal: College Rovers and Northwood Crusaders. Border: East London Police and Young Leopards. Eastern Province: Gardens and PE Harlequins.
Boland: Saldanha and Roses United. SWD: Groot-Brakrivier and Pacaltsdorp Evergreens. Western Province: Villager and Durbanville-Bellville. And the wildcard: Schotsche Kloof Walmers.
The Rugby Factory isn’t just covering a tournament. They’re documenting the heartbeat of South African rugby, one war cry at a time.
