Who are the most successful Currie Cup teams?

The Currie Cup dates back to 1891 and is one of the oldest club competitions in rugby union, with the much coveted Currie Cup gold trophy one of the biggest prizes in South African rugby. The competition has proved to be incredibly popular, and very competitive, allowing for exceptionally exciting matches and competitions that pull in huge crowds both at the stadiums and on TV. With the Currie Cup Premier Division the current competition the sides are battling in, which teams are the most successful? Is there a side that is the out and out greatest, or are all of the sides evenly-matched? Bets.co.za takes a look.

3. Golden Lions

The Golden Lions, formerly known as the Gauteng Lions, have represented Johannesburg with great success. The Lions have been able to impress in the Currie Cup, winning 11 titles in their history. Twelve runner-up spots alongside 11 semi-final appearances show they are usually in the mix to win the competition, but they are still some way behind the most successful sides. Indeed, 23 runners-up and semi-final appearances in comparison to just 11 titles shows they are a side that are a good bet to fall just short of winning the title. Their last triumph came back in 2015, and it has been a rather tough run since then. Since their last title win, the Lions have had to watch the Free State Cheetahs and Blue Bulls win twice, while the Sharks and Western Province have won once each. Despite being the third most successful team in the competition, the Golden Lions have never been prolific winners, with consistent titles something they have not been able to achieve. Victory in the coming season would be a welcome return to form for a side that seems to usually be the bridesmaid and not the bride.

2. Blue Bulls

A side synonymous with winning, the Blue Bulls (formerly Northern Transvaal) have enjoyed their time in the competition. Twenty-five titles have come alongside nine runners-up medals and eight semi-finals. The Blue Bulls’ ability to win 25 titles shows that usually when they get to the final stages of the competition, they will win. This drive to win is something that has made them so difficult to beat. Their exploits in the 2021 iteration of the Currie Cup Premier Division saw the Bulls romp to the top of the table with a nine-point lead over the Sharks in second. Seven wins, three draws and just two defeats in 12 matches was a very impressive tally considering how competitive the whole season was, and they will be desperate to add their 26th title to the trophy cabinet in the upcoming season.

1. Western Province

The most successful side in the history of the Currie Cup Premier Division, Western Province have been the team to beat in the competition and are someway clear at the top of the title winning standings. An exceptional 34 titles have come alongside 14 runners-up finishes and 11 semi-final berths, with Western Province serial winners in the competition. They are always in and around the top spots when it comes to battling for the title and the new season should be no different. Their 2021 Currie Cup Premier Division fight saw the side limp to fourth in the table with six wins, as they finished a massive 14 short of the Blue Bulls at the top of the table. An entertaining 48-31 loss to the eventual champions, the Bulls, in the semi-finals was a disappointing end to their season, and Western Province will be going all out to ensure that they claw back the title many feel has become synonymous with their name.