The Pick n Pay Gold Cup quarter-final line-up is set after a thrilling Round of 16 weekend that saw all eight home teams progress in South Africa’s premier club rugby competition.
The tournament, supported by Pick n Pay and Northam Platinum, marks a new era for community rugby, giving top amateur and semi-professional players a national platform.
Defending champions Naka Bulls continued their dominance with a resounding 88-19 win over Louis Trichardt, thanks to hat-tricks from JJ Motlhodi and Jack Hart. They’ll face Northam Wolves, who stunned Raiders 53-30, with Marcel Human scoring three tries and 21 personal points.
Last year’s runners-up, Northam Rhinos, edged Centurion 31-19 after a late try by Elzandro Fredericks, setting up a quarter-final against Pretoria Harlequins, who beat Vereeniging 34-22.
In the south, two Western Cape showdowns await. Villager RFC, chasing their first national title since 1980, defeated rivals Hamilton 27-14 in the historic Cape derby. They’ll host Gardens, who survived a tense 29-25 Eastern Cape battle against Kruisfontein United.
College Rovers booked their spot with a hard-fought 19-3 win over Crusaders and will travel to the Cape Winelands to meet Robertson, who triumphed 52-33 over Villagers Worcester in a high-scoring clash.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer praised the tournament’s intensity and its value in developing future stars.
Quarter-final venues and kick-off times will be announced soon.
Round of 16 results – 4 October
North: Naka Bulls 88–19 Louis Trichardt; Northam Wolves 53–30 Raiders; Northam Rhinos 31–19 Centurion; Pretoria Harlequins 34–22 Vereeniging.
South: College Rovers 19–3 Crusaders; Robertson 52–33 Villagers Worcester; Villager 27–14 Hamilton; Gardens 29–25 Kruisfontein Utd.
