The 2025 season was a year of transition and growth for Vryheid Rugby Club, setting the stage for an ambitious 2026 campaign. The season saw the club relying heavily on a youthful squad after several senior players retired at the end of 2024. Despite the challenges, the young side gained valuable experience, showing flashes of promise in high-intensity matches.

Tournament success and league lessons

Highlights of the season included the club’s first 10s Tournament, which successfully promoted rugby in Northern KZN and Zululand. Vryheid reached the final after strong pool performances and a semi-final win over Richards Bay, narrowly losing to Piet Retief in a hard-fought contest. League matches reflected the team’s learning curve: early losses to Sentraal and Piet Retief highlighted the need for experience and leadership, while later victories against Sentraal and Bears showcased the squad’s growing cohesion and attacking potential.

Experience guides a young squad

Veteran players such as Carl Holtzhausen proved instrumental in guiding the younger players, and even a 50-year-old club stalwart contributed a full 80-minute performance, demonstrating the importance of experience and commitment within the team.

Solid finish and focus on the future

Vryheid finished third on the overall log for 2025, a respectable position considering the squad’s youth, and now looks forward to building on the foundation laid last year.

Pre-season plans and call for players

With the 2026 season approaching, the club is preparing for a busy and ambitious year. Pre-season training will begin on January 20 and will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 18:00 to 20:00. The club is inviting both new and former players to join, emphasising a focus on building depth, strengthening team culture, and creating opportunities for players to develop on and off the field.

Building momentum for 2026

Vryheid Rugby Club is calling on anyone interested in joining or returning to be part of what promises to be an exciting year, as the club looks to combine its youthful energy with the guidance of experienced players to achieve renewed momentum and continued growth in 2026.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.