Letaba Rugby Club ramps up for new Super League season

TZANEEN – Letaba Rugby Club has officially begun preparations for the 2026 rugby season, with anticipation building ahead of the launch of the brand-new Super League.

The club’s campaign will kick off early, with their first competitive fixture scheduled for February 14.

Training is already underway, although preparations have started at a measured pace as some players are still easing back from the holiday break. Despite this, confidence remains high within the camp that intensity will increase in the coming weeks.

“Preparation is still on the slow side with some players still in holiday mode, but I’m sure from next week things will start ramping up,” said Carel O’Neill.

New coach appointed for Super League challenge

Excitement around the club has been boosted by the announcement of a new head coach for the Super League campaign. Ian van Heerden has been appointed to lead the team, a move that has been met with enthusiasm from players and management alike.

“Ian’s rugby IQ is very high, and he has a strong understanding of the game and how rugby has evolved over the last few years,” O’Neill added. “The game plan he’s bringing in is even more exciting, and the players are fully buying into the vision.”

The Super League represents a significant challenge for Letaba, as they will be competing against some of the strongest clubs from Pretoria. While the level of competition is expected to be tough, the club sees this as a valuable test and an opportunity to measure itself against top opposition.

Letaba Rugby Club is not shying away from its ambitions and has set its sights firmly on finishing at the top of the standings.

“Our expectations are high, and we want to go all the way to number one,” O’Neill said. “But we know we’ll be up against quality teams, so every match will demand our best.”

First home fixture set

The first home fixture for the team will be on February 28 against Potties at Letaba Park.