Founded on 25 May 1895 beneath an Australian acacia tree in Northern Paarl, Young Peoples RFC began as a small, family-focused club. Of the original 11 founding members, nine came from the same family — a foundation of kinship that continues to define the club’s spirit. FP (Dan) Williams was elected as the first chairperson and also served as captain. For the first five years, the team played on Williams’ property until, in 1900, a generous donation by local attorney Brooner De Villiers allowed the club to secure its own field on School Street. The club’s original jerseys, maroon and old gold hoops, earned them the enduring nickname “The Tigers” (or “die Tiere” in Afrikaans). Originally part of the Wellington and Districts Union, the club later joined the Paarl and Districts Union, where they celebrated their first championship victory in 1933. Their journey was not without conflict: in 1937, a group of members broke away to form Lower Paarl Rugby Club. To this day, that team remains their fiercest rival — with the annual derby still a highlight of the local rugby calendar. The club’s motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful), was truly tested after the Second World War. With the club on the verge of collapse, Clara Fortuin stepped in. Alongside other dedicated members, she made immense personal sacrifices to revitalise the team. Her legacy is a testament to the club’s core belief: “We are one family, and we truly care about the club and our family (members).” The apartheid-era Group Areas Act presented another formidable challenge. The club and its community were forcefully relocated to Paarl East, losing their homes and beloved rugby field. But even this could not break the Tigers’ spirit. Their determination, unity, and resilience became the hallmarks of the club — and ensured its legacy would endure against all odds.