The mission is clear, the stakes are massive, and the dream is within reach. After nearly a decade in the wilderness, Boland Kavaliers are just one win away from sealing their return to the Currie Cup Premier Division for the first time since 2016 – and coach Hawies Fourie is determined to finish the job.
In a candid and passionate chat with Renaldo Bothma on Coach’s Corner, Fourie outlined just how big this moment is – not only for his squad, but for the entire Boland rugby community, who have waited patiently for their team to take its rightful place among South Africa’s top unions once again.
“That’s been our mission from the start of pre-season,” Fourie said. “We knew if we could reach the SA Cup semifinals, we’d earn a spot back in the Premier Division – and now it’s in our hands. One more win and we’re back.”
From Underdogs to Contenders
Boland’s journey back to the top has been anything but easy. Competing in the SA Cup against well-established sides like the Pumas, Griquas, and Griffons, the Kavaliers have been inch-perfect in their growth. Narrow losses to the competition’s powerhouses – two points to the Pumas, three to the Griffons, and six to the Griquas – show just how competitive they’ve become.
“We’ve improved a lot,” Fourie noted. “And it’s not just us. Valke and Eastern Province have really stepped up too. This SA Cup has shown that the so-called smaller unions are closing the gap. It’s been good for the game.”
A Season-Defining Clash
This weekend, Boland travel to Gqeberha to face an unpredictable Eastern Province outfit in their final round-robin fixture. Win, and Boland seal their Premier Division spot and a semi-final berth. Lose, and it could be another year of rebuilding and what-ifs.
Fourie knows EP have nothing to lose – and that’s exactly what makes them dangerous.
“They played well against the Griffons and could’ve easily won that game. They’ve got a big pack and some exciting backs – they’ll throw everything at us,” he said.
The match is expected to be played at the NMMU Stadium, where wind often plays a major role – another curveball Boland must handle. But Fourie isn’t looking for excuses.
“We’re going there to win, and we’ll stick to our attacking mindset. We want to score tries, stretch them with ball in hand, and back our systems.”
A Region Reignited
Boland’s potential return to the Currie Cup is more than just a rugby story – it’s a regional revival. Based in Wellington and representing a passionate rugby heartland, the union’s return would breathe new life into the Western Cape rugby scene.
“Boland hasn’t played in the Currie Cup since 2016,” Fourie reminded. “Getting back there would be huge for the union, the fans, and the local players coming through our system.”
And this revival isn’t by chance – it’s been built with intent.
“We started working on this over a year ago. Strengthening the squad, improving in key areas, and building something sustainable. That’s why I took the job – to help bring Boland rugby back into the mainstream.”
The Player Pipeline and Partnerships
Fourie also opened up about the importance of collaboration between South Africa’s rugby unions. While Boland don’t yet have a formal loan agreement with the Stormers, the proximity has enabled players to contribute to both camps. He sees this kind of synergy as vital to sustaining rugby across all levels in the country.
“There’s been a lot of talk about how smaller unions can’t survive alone – and that’s true to a degree,” he said. “We’re speaking to the Bulls now too. The key is building relationships so we can offer game time to young talent, and in return, strengthen our squad without needing massive budgets.”
He also acknowledged that with success comes interest from bigger franchises, and Boland’s stars may eventually move on – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“That’s the natural flow of rugby. You build players up, and if they get a shot at a URC team or overseas, it’s a win for them – and a reflection of our development.”
A Bigger Vision for SA Rugby
The conversation touched on a broader challenge in local rugby – what happens when unions don’t qualify for the Premier Division. Sponsorship dries up, players leave, and unions are forced to rebuild. It’s a cycle Fourie hopes SA Rugby can help break.
“If we can reintroduce a 14-team Currie Cup – even in pools – it would give more unions long-term vision and sustainability,” he said. “The talent is here. We just need the structure and support to retain it.”
The Final Push
As Boland prepare for their biggest match in nearly a decade, Fourie is keeping the message clear: no pressure, just purpose.
“The players know what this means – we don’t have to hammer that home. We’ve prepared well, we’ve got the belief, and now we just have to execute.”
