Border Rugby Union

When you know you are on a winning team you smile.

Border Rugby Union Elects New Executive at Annual General Meeting
Border Rugby Union successfully convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Cambridge Hall in kuGompo, where affiliated clubs and stakeholders gathered to elect the Union's new leadership.
The meeting was attended by representatives from affiliated clubs, District Rugby Unions, Schools Rugby, Women's Rugby Associates, and members of the Executive Committee.
During the meeting, Moore East London, the Union's appointed auditors, presented the annual financial statements and confirmed that Border Rugby Union had received an Unqualified Audit Opinion, reflecting sound financial governance and compliance.
Having achieved the required quorum, delegates unanimously resolved to proceed with the election of the Union's new office bearers.
The affiliates overwhelmingly elected Theo Mvalo as the new President of Border Rugby Union. Phumele Hlathi was elected as Deputy President, while Spokazi Njani was re-elected unopposed as Vice President.
The District Rugby Unions elected Vusumzi Joni and Zongezile Mdoda as District Representatives on the Executive Committee. Meanwhile, clubs competing in the Premier and Super League divisions elected Mzingisi Douw as the Clubs' Representative. Additionally, Wyne Weyer and Mandisa Mgabadeli were also co-opted as additional members.
Border Rugby Union congratulates all the newly elected Executive Committee members and wishes them every success as they begin their term of office. The Union also extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Executive Committee members for their dedicated service, commitment, and invaluable contribution to the growth and development of rugby in the Border region.

Congratulations to Adv Zuko Badli

Border Rugby Union proudly congratulates our President, Adv Zuko Badli, on his election as a Member of the South African Rugby Executive Committee at the SA Rugby Annual General Meeting.

This prestigious appointment is a testament to Adv Badli’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of rugby, ethical leadership, sound governance, and the sustainable growth of the game in South Africa.

His election not only reflects the confidence placed in his leadership by the South African rugby fraternity but also brings great honour to Border Rugby Union and the Eastern Cape rugby community. We are confident that his experience, integrity, and strategic vision will make a meaningful contribution to the continued development of South African Rugby.

On behalf of the Border Rugby Union Executive Committee, management, players, clubs, volunteers, sponsors, and the broader rugby family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish Adv Badli every success in this important national leadership role.

Congratulations, Adv Zuko Badli. We are proud of your achievement and look forward to your continued service to the game of rugby.

Throwback to our incredible 2025 season! 🏆
Today we are shining a massive spotlight on the unsung heroes who prepared our U21 Border rugby team to lift the SA Rugby Under 21 Shield.
A championship-winning team is built long before they step onto the field. Behind every powerful scrum and strategic play is an incredibly dedicated coaching and management unit.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to:
The Coaching & Management Staff: For your tireless hours of planning, on-field guidance, and unwavering belief in our boys.

The Support & Medical Team: Thank you for keeping our athletes in peak physical condition and championing the " RUGBY CLEAN" initiative.
The Officials & Leadership: For setting the stage, providing the necessary resources, and backing this squad every step of the way.
To everyone who held up the banner of "Vincere Vel Mori" alongside the team—this victory belongs to you too! 💚🖤

Massive congratulations to our very own Border Ladies for being selected as part of the Springbok Women's Brazil Touring Squad! 🇿🇦🏉
We are incredibly proud to announce that the following players have been called up to the 30-player training squad:
Emihle Mayitshe
Lilitha Vakalisa
Zethu Gcaza
They will assemble at Rhino Rugby in Somerset West for their training camp starting on August 2nd. The camp will serve as preparation before the final 26-player squad departs for Brazil on August 20th to play two matches.
Wishing our ladies the best of luck at the camp! Make the Border region proud! 💚💪

Please read this one : Komga Crowned Vuka Festival Champions as Border Rugby's Future Shines Bright! 🏉🌟

What a spectacular showcase of grassroots rugby we witnessed at the Baysville School of Excellence at the Vuka Festival East London! This tournament wasn't just about matches; it was a celebration of Border’s rich talent pool and a powerful affirmation that the development pathway in our region is thriving.

A Festival of Firsts and Thrilling Finishes
A massive congratulations to Komga, our newly crowned champions! After a scintillating final against a tough Qonce side that ended deadlocked at 12-12 at full-time, Komga showed incredible composure to slot a decisive penalty in additional time, clinching their very first title. That's the passion and drama that makes rugby the beautiful game!

By the Numbers: Massive Participation
The future is looking healthy with 16 dedicated teams and an impressive 368 players taking to the field. Every tackle, every pass, and every try was a testament to the raw talent waiting to be polished into Border stars of tomorrow.
Honoring Legends and Inspiring the Next Generation
It was a great honor for us at Border Rugby Union to dedicate this festival to a true Border and SA Rugby legend, Thobile Mtya. We were also incredibly privileged to have another icon, Zolisa "Zumpie" Noxeke (Border Women, Springbok Women, and SA Girls School “A” U18 Coach), present throughout the day. The dedication of these two living legends to grassroots development is an inspiration to every player, and we thank them for their continuous support.

Building a Legacy
The success of this festival and the Vuka program is a powerful motivator. This is the very same pipeline that has given rise to the current Iqhawe Week champions, our own Border U15 Iqhawe team! It is events like this that pave the way for players to follow in the footsteps of heroes like Indipile Nyeda and Ncuthu Kepe, who went on to don the SA Schools colours.
We are confident this day has also unlocked life-changing opportunities for many young players to be noticed by leading educational institutions for bursaries and scholarships across the country.

Our Path Forward
From the opening match where East London defeated Mdantsane, through riveting semi-finals including Qonce’s win over Middledrift and Komga’s clinical performance against East London, to that stunning final – every moment showed the health of grassroots rugby.

Out of this exceptional day, 65 talented players have been selected for final trials on August 8th. This is just the beginning for these rising stars.

We extend our sincere thanks to the South African Rugby Legends Association for the Vuka program. Their footprint in the Border region is not only invaluable development but a lasting legacy.
Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Border Rugby Union.

🏆 RELIVE THE GLORY. THE SHIELD STAYS HOME. 🏆
​Can you feel the rumble in the Eastern Cape? 🐾
​Last year, our Border Bulldogs U21 squad etched their names into the history books, fighting tooth and nail to be crowned the 2025 SA Rugby U21 Shield Champions. It was a historic victory built on pure Eastern Cape grit, unyielding heart, and absolute brotherhood.
​As we gear up for the new season kicking off this August (make sure you check our previous post for the full fixture list! 🗓️), we are taking a moment to look back at the blood, sweat, and tears that brought us to the top of the mountain.
​Swipe through the gallery to relive the magic:
​The Brotherhood: The unbreakable focus and unity in the eyes of our boys before the whistle even blows.
​Raw Power: Our heavy hitters showing unstoppable momentum, dominating the gain line, and securing crucial set-piece possession.
​Lethal Agility: Electric breaks, quick hands, and the pure attacking flair of our backline turning half-chances into magic.
​The Ultimate Triumph: The raw, unbridled emotion of hoisting the SA Rugby U21 Shield into the sky!
​We aren't just defending a trophy this year; we are building a legacy. The title defense starts now, and the boys have been putting in the hard yards at training to ensure the Shield stays exactly where it belongs.
​We need your voices in the stands and your energy online to make this upcoming season unforgettable.
​Hit that Follow button to join the pack! Stay locked in for exclusive behind-the-scenes access, matchday coverage, and all the buildup as we back our boys to back-to-back glory.
​Drop a 🐶 or a 🏆 in the comments if you are ready for August! 👇

🏆 The Title Defense Begins! 🏆
The Border Under-21s are officially back in action for the 2026 SA Rugby Under-21 Shield! As the proud 2025 Defending Champions, the team is ready to leave it all on the pitch, defend the crown, and keep the trophy right where it belongs.
Mark your calendars, clear your weekends, and get ready to back the boys as they take on the toughest competition in the Shield.
🗓️ 2026 Fixture Schedule (All matches kick off at 15:00):
August 22: vs Boland Cavaliers (Home)
August 28: vs SWD Eagles (Away)
September 5: vs Eastern Province / EPRU (Home)
September 12: vs SWD Eagles (Home)
September 19: vs Eastern Province / EPRU (Away)
September 25: vs Boland Cavaliers (Away)
October 3: Semi-Finals
October 10: Finals
Let's rally behind the champions and bring the energy all season long! 🟢🔴

As the 2026 SA Rugby Youth Week competitions come to a close, the Border Rugby Union would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who made this season a resounding success! 🏉👏
From the players who represented us with unmatched passion and discipline across all tournaments, to the dedicated coaches, medical staff, parents, schools, and sponsors—your collective efforts are the backbone of our youth representative programme. Thank you for helping us develop the next generation of rugby talent while upholding the core values of teamwork, respect, excellence, and sportsmanship.
Together, we continue to build a stronger future for rugby in our region. 🌟
Read the full letter of appreciation in the attached post