Rugby in Gauteng
Photo courtesy Blue Bulls
South Africa and the game of rugby are synonymous. Match days traditionally see thousands of fans sporting team colours and heading to stadiums dotted across the length and breadth of the country.
About 10% of the country’s population is rugby mad, making it the second most popular sport in South Africa, after soccer. This dedication is most evident when the national Springbok side takes to the field in green and gold.
Attending a popular rugby match in one of the country’s premier stadiums is a great way to sample national pride at its best. Staying for an impromptu braaivleis (“barbecue”) and beers after the game will round off the experience.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) is committed to the new South Africa and transformation of rugby. As such, the organisation highlights the role sport and the country’s national teams can play in encouraging patriotism and instilling national pride.
Photo courtesy Golden Lions
The organisation believes that continual growth is vital to the future of the sport in South Africa. Apart from being responsible for the national side, Saru also sees to the needs of a number of other rugby sides and events, including the Vodacom Super 14, Absa Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup, and SA Under 19, Under 21, Springbok Sevens and Springbok Women sides.
South Africa has 14 provincial rugby teams, two of which are based in Gauteng. The Vodacom Blue Bulls are based in Pretoria and the MTN Lions operate out of Johannesburg.
“Die Bulle” (“the Bulls”), as they’re fondly known, have a proud heritage dating back to 1938, when they were known as Northern Transvaal. Operating from their home base, Loftus Versfeld, the light blues have won almost every trophy on offer, from the Vodacom Super 14 and Absa Currie Cup to provincial amateur and age-group rugby.
Loftus Versfeld is one of the most intimidating venues in the world for players, especially when a sea of 50 000 vocal supporters dressed in blue cheer as the competing teams run out of the tunnel.
The Golden Lions, formerly known as Transvaal, can trace their roots date back to 1889, when they were based at Ellis Park (now Coca-Cola Park). Easily distinguished by their red and white stripes, the Lions were a formidable force in domestic rugby during the late 1980s and early 1990s, notching up a few Currie Cup trophies as well as the inaugural Super 10 title in 1993. Their coach at the time, the late Kitch Christie, went on to lead the Springboks to World Cup glory in 1995.
The Lions’ home base, Coca-Cola Park, is one of the biggest stadiums in South Africa.
Info and details
Tel: +27 (0)11 402 2960 (Golden Lions)
Website: www.lionsrugby.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 0700 (Blue Bulls)
Website: www.bluebulls.co.za
Address
Golden Lions
South Office Block
Johannesburg Stadium
124 Van Beek Street
New Doornfontein
Johannesburg
Blue Bulls
Kirkness Street
Sunnyside
Pretoria