White River Rugby Club (WRRC) and Nelspruit Rugby Club (NRC) achieve a rare feat as their first, second and third teams meet in the Premier League finals at WRRC on Saturday, August 1.

Despite WRRC I defeating NRC I twice this season, 33-22 away and 27-8 at home, having home-ground advantage, and being back-to-back champions, there is no favourite when these two clubs play, be it a friendly, league match or final.

They have a rivalry that goes back 99 years and derbies between them are ingrained in Lowveld rugby folklore.

WRRC are the defending champions. The 2024 and 2025 finals were also contested between WRRC and NRC. White River won both, 27-23 in 2024 and 27-12 in 2025.

Defending champions focus on teamwork

“Making the final is the result of a lot of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved with WRRC. It has not been an easy season, but the players have shown incredible dedication at training, trusted the coaching staff and continued to work for each other every week,” said home captain Joubert Willers.

“Our success has been built on strong teamwork, discipline and the culture we have created within the club. Every player has embraced their role, whether on the field or supporting from the sidelines. We have also been fortunate to have amazing support from our families, supporters, sponsors and the White River community who have backed us throughout the season.”

Willers added that the stands and area around the field have been packed with supporters every home match this season. “Thank you! Your passion, energy and unwavering support mean more to us than words can express. You lift us when we are under pressure, celebrate every hard-earned moment with us, and remind us why we wear this jersey with pride. We promise to keep giving everything we have every time we step onto the field,” he said.

Meanwhile, NRC are determined to lift the trophy despite losing to WRRC twice this season.

Nelspruit eager to overturn derby defeats

“We are in the finals because of hard work and dedication from each and every player. But the biggest attribute is the brotherhood we grew between the players; everyone playing for the person next to him. Lifting the trophy will require us to play a more disciplined, tactically sound game and execute our game plan more precisely in the decisive moments than we did in the previous two matches,” said NRC captain Johan Aspeling.

A mass of NRC fans will be travelling in convoy to White River on Saturday. “Without our supporters, we as a club would not be where we are,” added Aspeling. “They remind the players that they are representing a much bigger community and creating a shared sense of purpose.”

The match will be a thriller. There is little to choose between the sides. Finals are won on defence, discipline and fitness.

A last word from the captains

“To captain the team is a privilege, but it is not about me, it is about this group and everyone who has worked hard to get us here. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we know the job is not finished yet,” said Willers.

“To lead this group as a captain is a huge honour for me and I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life. We have worked incredibly hard as a team to get to this point in the season, and I am proud of the character and commitment every player has shown,” said Aspeling.

Road to the final (Home team first):
White River Rugby Club
• WRRC 38-10 Sasol
• WRRC 26-27 Witbank (WRC)
• WRRC 43-22 Barberton (BRC)
• NRC 22-33 WRRC
• WRRC 104-0 Highlanders
• Sasol 21-43 WRRC
• WRRC 59-17 WRC
• BRC 5-27 WRRC
• WRRC 27-8 NRC
• Highlanders 36-39 WRRC
• Semi-final: WRRC 39-36 Sasol.
Nelspruit Rugby Club
• NRC 59-19 Highlanders
• Sasol 15-22 NRC
• NRC 36-8 WRC
• NRC 22-33 WRRC
• BRC 19-49 NRC
• Highlanders 33-54 NRC
• NRC 26-22 Sasol
• WRRC 27-8 NRC
• NRC 34-24 WRC
• NRC 41-17 BRC
• Semi-final: NRC 34-27 WRC.

Team line-ups:
WRRC
1. Robin Majodina
2. Reghardt Vermaak
3. Barend Willers
4. Steyl Barnard
5. Delton Thusana
6. Simon Dzombo
7. Visser Maas
8. Joubert Willers
9. Divan Janse Van Rensburg
10. Zain Christians
11. Ryno Le Grange
12. Drikus Greeff
13. Nico Liversage
14. Andeon Pringle
15. Levy Leonard
16. Franco de Lange
17. Denzel Dube
18. Strauss Strydom
19. Marius Slabbert
20. Liaan Nagel
21. Jacques Larkins
22. Wihan Venter
23. Nathi Kubaye.
NRC I
1. Ebenezer van Wyk
2. Lourens Erasmus
3. Duard Deichmann
4. Jayden Bekker
5. Nkateko Phakula
6. Neo Mavundla
7. Deon Mortlock
8. Ricardo Correia
9. Jerome Mgwenya
10. Jean-Dré Claassen
11. Justice Mkhonto
12. Johan Aspeling (c)
13. Asande Kunene
14. Benito Goeda
15. Lunga Ngwenyama
16. Amahle Mtshali
17. Jaden Packer
18. Shumza Monareng
19. Lebo Mazibuko
20. Stephen Tshimanga
21. Manelisi Nkosi
22. Qhama Sinkila
23. Zweli Siluale.

Finals day programme:
• 12:30 – WRRC III v NRC III
• 14:00 – WRRC II v NRC II
• 15:30 – WRRC I v NRC I.