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Western Province Rugby Football Union

Established 1883

The Early Days of Rugby in the Cape

Football began at schools and colleges such as Diocesan College (Bishops), the South African College (SAC), and Victoria College, as well as in regiments. On 3 July 1875, the first rugby club – Hamiltons – was founded. Other early clubs included United Banks, Woodstock, Green Point, Pretoria (Cape Town), Juveniles, Rugby, Everton, and Suburban Wanderers.

 

The new union organised the first Grand Challenge competition. Participating clubs included Malmesbury, SAC, All Comers, Mother Country, and Colonial Born. Hamiltons were the first winners.

Historic Grounds & Venues

Matches were played on:

  • Rondebosch Common

  • Green Point Common

  • Southy’s Field (Plumstead)

  • Bishops

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In 1884, a Cape Argus report on a Kimberley vs. Western Province match noted:

 

“Men of every shade and colour could be seen. The Malay and the Negro were there, as well as the elite of Cape Town society.”

 

Early matches on Rondebosch Common were roped off with a 3-penny entrance fee. Spectators enjoyed “tickey beer” from stalls. Players changed in bell tents borrowed from the army camp at Wynberg.

Rugby & Race in South Africa

In 1978, racial segregation in rugby was officially removed.

 

Clubs and facilities were opened to all races, spearheaded by Piet Koornhof, then minister of sport, under the state presidency of John Vorster.

 

By 1980, federation teams played in Western Province competitions (e.g., Bellville League, Paarl League, Stellenbosch League).

 

In 1984, they achieved full affiliation.

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Provincial & National Influence

Newlands (Western Province) became the national hub of rugby.

 

Many Springboks hailed from WP, and the union won the Currie Cup more than any other.

 

The first international team to visit SA in 1891 played 6 of their 20 matches in Cape Town. WP teams played against Lions, All Blacks, and Wallabies.

 

In 1991, WP (Newlands) included clubs like:

Hamiltons, Villagers, Techs, UCT, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Police, Defence, Harlequins, Rangers, Kuils River, Durbanville, Bellville South, and over 30 other clubs.

Currie Cup Successes 

  • 1893 – WP wins the first SA Rugby Tournament in Kimberley

  • 1894 – Currie Cup Winners in Port Elizabeth

  • 1896 – Currie Cup Winners in Kimberley

  • 1914 – Best WP XV before WWI

  • 1932, 1934, 1959 – Multiple-time Currie Cup Champions

  • 1996 – WP wins the Currie Cup vs. Natal at Newlands

Notable Individuals & Anecdotes

  • A prisoner known as “Zulu Chief Cetewayo”, once at De Oude Meulen near the Royal Observatory, occasionally watched matches post-release.

  • Match injuries were treated by pouring water on the head – the concept of concussion was unknown!

  • In the early days, partial immersion and application of water was used to revive unconscious players. Substitutes weren’t allowed.

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Evolution of the Rondebosch Ground

  • Early matches played east–west, near Park Road and the cemeteries (Methodist, Anglican, Muslim).

  • In 1926, the pitch was rotated to run north–south.

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Club Mergers (1976 onwards)

To improve competitiveness:

  • Roslyns + Montroses → Cape Town United

  • Roselands + Silvertree → Collegians

  • Caledonian + Rangers → Caledonian Rangers

  • Young Stars + Grand Challenge → Shotshcoe Kloof

  • Hameidehs + Tramway → New 2nd Division teams

 

However, mergers didn’t always work as planned:

  • Political tension, loss of identity, and leadership clashes led to further decline.

  • By 1991, few clubs remained active.

Legacy of WPRU

Despite political oppression, forced removals, and institutional racism, the WPRU:

  • Developed elite players

  • Fostered community

  • Created a space where identity, sport, and pride intersected

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Its history is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of rugby to unite.

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