A new name will be engraved on the Carling Currie Cup First Division trophy by the end of July, and all six competing teams will be looking to start their campaigns strongly when the tournament begins this Saturday.
With the defending champions, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, promoted to the Premier Division after finishing in the top four of the 2025 SA Cup, the race for the title is wide open. Last year’s runners-up, Eastern Province, who narrowly missed out on the trophy, will be among the frontrunners, along with the NovaVit Griffons, Valke, Phangela SWD Eagles, Leopards, and Border Bulldogs.
The opening round of matches will see all three games kicking off simultaneously at 15h00 on Saturday, 14 June:
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Eastern Province will host the Phangela SWD Eagles at Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha, with referee Lulutho Matomela officiating.
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The NovaVit Griffons welcome the Valke to Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom, under the watch of referee Griffin Colby.
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The Border Bulldogs travel to Olen Park, Potchefstroom, to face the Leopards, with Zoe Naude as the match official.
With no clear favorite following Boland’s promotion, the competition promises fierce battles as each team aims to secure early momentum in their quest for the title. Rugby fans can expect thrilling encounters as the 2025 Carling Currie Cup First Division gets underway.
