Kruisfontein United Rugby Club will compete in the South Africa Community Gold Cup for the first time since the club was established in 1992.

Photo: SUPPLIED

With a rich history spanning over three decades, Humansdorp-based Kruisfontein United Rugby Club has been a formidable force in Eastern Cape rugby since 1992.

This year, the club marks a significant milestone by making its debut in the prestigious South Africa Community Gold Cup on September 21 in Cape Town.

First-team head coach, Frank Domingo, said that over the past 30 years, the club has had the privilege of competing at both amateur and pro-am levels, all while nurturing athletes of varying skill levels.

He said the club is currently participating in the Top 12 division of Eastern Province Rugby, competing alongside several elite rugby teams.

Furthermore, this year they also qualified for the Super 14 Final against East London Police.

Domingo highlighted that last year was one of the most successful in the club’s rugby history, as they remained unbeaten in all competitions.

However, he added that they faced setbacks in the finals, losing two games, one against East London Police in the Super 14, and another against Gardens RFC in the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) Grand Challenge.

Despite these losses, the club’s performance as runners-up in the EPRU Grand Challenge finals earned them a spot in the prestigious SA Community Gold Cup competition.

The SA Community Gold Cup, hosted by the South African Rugby Union, is the largest club rugby competition in the country.

“The two league finalists from each province automatically qualify to compete in this prestigious competition,” said Domingo.

“The inclusion into this year’s Community Gold Cup is a first for the club, our community, and Kouga as a whole. It is history that the club finds pride in.”

Domingo said the premier rugby union club competition in South Africa is open to non-university teams, and Kruisfontein has secured a spot alongside 31 other top clubs from around the country.

He further said the competition features a knockout format, with teams competing in a series of matches to determine the ultimate champion.

Domingo said the tournament is divided into two sections, North and South, with the winners of each section facing off in the finals.

“As a participant, Kruisfontein will have the opportunity to test their skills against other top clubs. The competition is a great platform for players to showcase their talents and potentially catch the eye of national team selectors,” said Domingo.

“This is also an exciting opportunity for Kruisfontein to make their mark on the South African rugby scene.”

Kruisfontein United will play Helderberg RFC (WP) who were the runners-up in last year’s Super League A.

The rugby match, which is expected to be a nailbiter, will take place on September 21 at the Charles Morkel Stadium in Cape Town.

“We urge our supporters to come out in numbers and paint Charles Morkel Stadium purple,” said Domingo.

In anticipation of the match on September 21, Kruisfontein United Rugby Club held a jersey handover ceremony on September 17, where Score Energy Drinks was unveiled as the proud sponsor of the team’s new playing kit.

Domingo expressed gratitude to their esteemed sponsors, supporters, coaches, management, and everyone who contributed to the rugby club’s success.

“We are truly grateful and blessed for the unwavering support,” said Domingo.

For more information, or to contribute towards the rugby club, contact 076 356 6133 or email kruisfonteinteinrfc@gmail.com.

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