History beckons for Villagers. South Africa’s second oldest non-university club stands on the precipice of something truly special, an unprecedented triple that would crown a fairytale 150th anniversary season in the most glorious fashion imaginable.

The Claremont giants have already clinched the Western Province League and Cup this year. Now, as the Pick n Pay Gold Cup explodes into life this Saturday with 16 matches across the country, Villagers find themselves just four victories away from claiming the most coveted prize in South African club rugby for the first time in 46 years.

It would be a triumph worthy of their remarkable longevity. Established in 1876, Villager became only the third South African club, alongside Hamilton and Stellenbosch University, to reach the 150-year milestone. What better way to mark the sesquicentennial than by ending a national title drought that stretches back to Morné du Plessis’s class of 1980?

Last year’s campaign ended in heartbreak. Villagers reached the Gold Cup Final only to fall short against three-time defending champions Sanlam Naka Bulle at their Brookside fortress. The pain of that defeat will fuel their 2026 quest, which begins on Saturday when they host Border runners-up Young Leopards at 15h00.

Mouthwatering round of 32

This year’s 32-team draw is arguably the strongest in recent memory. No fewer than six current or former national club champions feature, including Villagers, 2015 victors Durbanville-Bellville, College Rovers, Crusaders, Pirates, and the four-peat chasing Naka Bulls.

The defending champions face an immediate test against wildcards SK Walmers of Western Province. Having recently lost their Blue Bulls Carlton Cup crown to Tukkies, the Pretoria powerhouse will be desperate to reassert their dominance on the national stage.

Perennial contenders Northam Rhinos launch another tilt at the trophy against Mpumalanga champions Nelspruit. The platinum miners have knocked on the door repeatedly, could 2026 finally be their year?

At the other end of the country, capacity crowds are expected at two Garden Route and West Coast showdowns. Boland champions Saldanha host Pacaltsdorp Evergreens at Transnet Saldanha Stadium, whilst Groot-Brakrivier welcome Wellington’s Roses United to their infamous ‘House of Pain’.

Grassroots goldmine

“The 2025 Pick n Pay Gold Cup showed the tremendous appetite and passion for community rugby amongst supporters from every conceivable walk of life,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer.

The tournament’s prestigious Pick n Pay Gold Cup Trophy Tour roadshow has already visited Wellington and Pacaltsdorp, with the famous silverware set to make its maiden Lowveld appearance this weekend at the clash between White River and Louis Trichardt.

Now in its 10th edition under the Gold Cup brand, and second with Pick n Pay and Northam Platinum as partners, the competition continues to serve its core purpose: providing an aspirational platform for South Africa’s 1,197 clubs and 118,000 registered players.

“Pick n Pay and Northam Platinum have been incredible in the way they have bought into what we are trying to do in this space, and that can only augur well for the future,” Oberholzer added.

The Pick n Pay Gold Cup’s roots stretch back to 1975, when Stellenbosch University’s Maties defeated Durban Collegians in the inaugural National Club Championship final. Today, 31 years into the professional era, it remains the country’s premier national club tournament, the ‘FA Cup’ of South African rugby.

For Villagers, the journey begins anew this Saturday. A club steeped in 150 years of tradition stands four wins from immortality. The triple awaits. History is calling.

Round of 32 Fixtures – Saturday 26 September (all 16h00 unless stated)

North Section:

• Welkom v Centurion (Griffons B field, Welkom, 15h00)
• White River v Louis Trichardt (White River Rugby Club, 15h30)
• Naka Bulls v SK Walmers (Naka Bulls Rugby Club, Pretoria)
• Grizzlies v Brakpan (Grizzlies Rugby Club, Pretoria)
• Northam Rhinos v Nelspruit (Setaria Recreation Club, Setaria)
• Northam Wolves v Pirates (Wolves Rugby Club, Hartbeespoort)
• Vereeniging v Bethlehem Oud-Skoliere (Vereeniging Rugby Club)
• Randfontein v Sibanye Stillwater (Greenhills Stadium, Randfontein)

South Section:

• College Rovers v Kimberley (KP3, Kings Park, Durban, 13h00)
• Bloemfontein Police v PE Harlequins (Fichardtpark Secondary, Bloemfontein, 14h00)
• Villager v Young Leopards (Brookside, Cape Town, 15h00)
• Gardens v Bloemfontein Collegians (Central Ground, Kariega, 15h30)
• Groot-Brakrivier v Roses United (Green Haven, Groot-Brakrivier, 15h30)
• East London Police v Durbanville-Bellville (Police Park, East London, 15h30)
• Saldanha v Pacaltsdorp Evergreens (Transnet Saldanha Stadium, Saldanha Bay)
• Sishen v Durban Crusaders (Sivos Sports Ground, Kathu)