KARIEGA – Excelsior Rugby Football Club, one of the oldest clubs in the Uitenhage and District Rugby Football Union, is marking its 100th anniversary this year with a series of centenary events celebrating a legacy shaped by resilience, community upliftment and a distinctive brand of rugby that has drawn support from across the Eastern Cape for generations.
Established in 1926 and affectionately known as “Blou Straal” (Blue Streak), the club has built a reputation over decades for its exciting running rugby, with supporters travelling across the province to witness its style of play.
Speaking to UD Express, Excelsior spokesperson Eric Van Willing said the club has planned a year-long programme of events to commemorate the milestone.
“We have a number of events spanning across the year, including a rugby tournament, Golden Oldies and bingo night, a Legends Gala Dinner, high tea, a family sports day, and a gala dinner and awards ceremony,” he said.
“The organising committee of the club is inviting all former members and the public to follow our Facebook page, Excelsior RFC and advertising campaigns for purchasing of tickets and to be more involved in the future events,” Van Willing added.
While the full cost of the celebrations has not yet been finalised, he said the executive committee is currently drafting budgets.
“There is a concerted effort to get as many sponsors on board for the ultimate success of all these initiatives,” he said.
Beyond the celebrations, the centenary marks a significant achievement for a club that has endured decades of challenges, including the impact of apartheid and later structural changes within rugby in the region.
Despite periods where its survival was under threat, Excelsior rebuilt itself from the lowest leagues.
“We had to start in the lowest leagues and gain promotion to where we are today,” Van Willing said. “That journey included the Lawton Fourie League, progressing through the Fred Hufkie and Wellman Harmse leagues, and into the Adams Cup and the EPRU Grand Challenge.”
Van Willing said the club regards reaching 100 years as its greatest milestone, particularly given the difficulties faced since the amalgamation of rugby clubs in Uitenhage in 1992.
“Many believed the club would be dissolved, but dedicated members showed their character and love for Excelsior and started the rebuilding process,” he said.
The club has produced a number of notable figures in rugby over the years.
“These include former Eastern Province player Pieter Swartz, the late Uitenhage District Rugby Union captain Sydney Langbooi, Eastern Province Rugby Union executive member Phillip Joseph, and Springbok Sevens player and SA Women’s Rugby coach Denver Wannies,” Van Willing said. “Other prominent names include Farouk Caesar and Ryan Brown, as well as Shaun Oliver.”
Currently, Excelsior has around 250 active senior players and is in the process of registering an under-21 side.
“We are growing and attracting players from different areas,” he said, noting that structured leagues for younger age groups remain limited.
Over the years, the club has played an active role in the local community.
“We have been involved in providing food parcels, running soup kitchens, and adopting a local school where we offer coaching clinics and support with kit,” Van Willing said.
He added that the club has evolved significantly from its early years.
“We now have younger members on our executive, which helps us better understand and engage with the next generation, and we have introduced more formal structures to ensure accountability,” he said.
Looking ahead, the club aims to build on its legacy by expanding access to rugby, particularly among young people.
“We want to introduce more boys and girls to the sport and create a safe space for children of all ages to participate,” Van Willing concluded.
