Optimism around club rugby
While provincial sides are allowed to have 2 000 fans at the stadium, it is yet unclear if those rules will be extended to club rugby.
After two years of very little action, there is cautious optimism that 2022 will see more club rugby being played than in 2020 and 2021.
CCC Brakpan Rugby Club has already started preparing for the Valke Peregrine League season, which kicks off on April 2 when they take on North-West University in an away match.
The local club has received the fixture list and is setting up a pre-season schedule that is likely to start on February 26 when they host Germiston Simmer at Bosman Stadium.
The local grounds will also host 40 teams on March 12 when Brakpan hold its annual Rugby Day.
“We will have teams from Tukkies and Centurion on the day,” said club chairperson Harry Nieuwenhuis.
Unfortunately for club rugby, there will not be a Gold Cup this year. The competition usually sees the top teams in the country take each other on in a super competition.
The year will be a big one for Brakpan, as they will be looking to have their centenary year celebrations. This will include two golf days and a special match between South African legends and Brakpan legends.
Dates for these events are yet to be confirmed.
While provincial sides are allowed to have 2 000 fans at the stadium, it is yet unclear if those rules will be extended to club rugby.
ALSO READ: Twee nuwe onderwysers vir Laerskool Môrewag
“We hope those rules will apply to club rugby as well,” said the chairperson.
“We haven’t received any guidelines from SA Rugby yet.”
With the past two seasons having been what one might call wasted years, it is understandable that the powers that be have decided to have fewer teams coming from each club.
There will not be a third team league this year, as the Valke have decided to only have the first, second and u-21 teams in action.
CCC Brakpan Rugby Club’s first-round Valke Peregrine League is as follows:
• April 2: North-West University (away)
• April 9: East Rand United (home)
• April 23: Loslooitjie (home)
• April 30: Springs (home)
• May 14: Boksburg (home)
• May 21: Vereeniging (away)
• May 28: Benoni (away)
