The Carling Currie Cup First Division is back—and it’s wide open.
With the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers now playing among the big dogs in the Premier Division, the 2025 First Division crown is up for grabs, and six hungry teams will be throwing everything they’ve got at the opportunity to carve their names into history when action kicks off this Saturday.
Last year, the Kavaliers clinched the title and sealed their promotion by finishing in the SA Cup’s top four. This year, Eastern Province, the NovaVit Griffons, Valke, Phangela SWD Eagles, Leopards, and Border Bulldogs all stand on level footing—each eyeing a chance to lift silverware come the end of July.
🏉 All Eyes on Opening Day
Saturday sees all three first-round clashes kicking off at 15:00, with plenty of spice to open the tournament.
- Eastern Province vs Phangela SWD Eagles – Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha
- NovaVit Griffons vs Valke – Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom
- Leopards vs Border Bulldogs – Olen Park, Potchefstroom
EP, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, will be gunning to make a statement at home. Having won three of their last five outings against the Eagles—including a 39–26 triumph in George during the SA Cup—they’ll enter as favourites, but derby fixtures are rarely predictable.
Griffons vs Valke: Expect Fireworks
In what could be a defining matchup early in the campaign, the Griffons and Valke square off in what’s expected to be a try-fest. These two sides know how to entertain—with recent scorelines reading more like cricket than rugby.
The Valke edged the Griffons 45–40 in April’s SA Cup encounter, though the Northern Free Staters will remember their last home clash against the East Randers fondly—a 53–40 win in 2024. It’s a clash that could go either way and may offer an early glimpse of the playoff contenders.
Leopards Banking on Dominance Over Border
The Leopards have enjoyed a strong run against the Border Bulldogs, unbeaten in their last seven meetings since the sport’s post-COVID return. That history gives the Potchefstroom outfit the edge going into this weekend’s fixture at Olen Park.
Still, the Bulldogs have shown they’re closing the gap. Their last two meetings were nail-biters, decided by just three and two points, respectively. Don’t write off an upset just yet.
A Tight Sprint to the Finish
This year’s format is short and sharp—each side plays once, and then it’s straight into the semi-finals on 19 July. The top four teams after the round-robin will progress, with the final to be played the following weekend, just before the Premier Division kicks off.
So, every minute matters. Every log point counts. And with no defending champion to beat, belief will be building in every changeroom from Gqeberha to Welkom.
One thing’s clear: we’re set for a fierce and fast First Division race—filled with underdog spirit, local rivalries, and the promise of a new name being etched into Currie Cup history.
Match Officials – Round 1:
- Eastern Province vs SWD Eagles
Referee: Lulutho Matomela
Venue: Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha - Griffons vs Valke
Referee: Griffin Colby
Venue: Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom - Leopards vs Border Bulldogs
Referee: Zoe Naudé
Venue: Olen Park, Potchefstroom
