AMANZIMTOTI Rugby Club (ARC) is set for a historic day on July 4 as the club celebrates its 80^th anniversary with a day of season-defining matches and a special pre-season encounter between the Sharks Currie Cup squad and the Sharks President’s XV.

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Club president, Dr Michael Mthethwa, explained that the club was established in 1946, serving as a gathering place for the community, producing generations of players, administrators and supporters who have helped shape the rich rugby culture of the South Coast. He added that through periods of success and challenge, the club has remained a symbol of pride, resilience and sporting excellence.

Now, in its landmark 80th year, the club finds itself in a rare position celebrating its remarkable history while simultaneously enjoying one of its strongest seasons in the last decade.

“Few clubs marking a major anniversary can also claim to be challenging for silverware on multiple fronts. Amanzimtoti’s First and Second teams remain firmly in contention for league honours, underlining the strength of the club’s rugby programme and the depth of talent currently wearing the famous orange and black jersey,” said Mthethwa.

Celebrations will begin with ARC’s second team taking on the South Coast Warriors second team.

“While often operating outside the spotlight enjoyed by first teams, Toti’s second side has been one of the club’s success stories this season,” said Mthethwa.

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The spotlight will then turn to a special pre-season encounter between the Sharks Currie Cup squad and the Sharks President’s XV. The fixture will provide local rugby supporters with a rare opportunity to witness elite provincial players in action on the South Coast and is expected to attract considerable interest from across the region.

Afterward, ARC’s first team faces the South Coast Warriors first team, with more than league points at stake as the current generation of players get a chance to add their own chapter to a story that began 80 years ago.

“While we are proud of our history, we are equally excited about the future of the club. Having both our first and second teams challenging for honours during our 80th year makes this occasion even more special.”

Further information regarding the day’s programme and activities will be shared on the club’s Facebook page in the coming weeks.

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