The Protea Cup, after two rounds, is shaping up to a two-horse race with the Tomahawks and Leopards taking an early lead.  Leopards the current log leader following two straight wins currently enjoy a small six-point difference on the second-placed Tomahawks who had lost one match thus far. The latter has much to smile about after the action of the past weekend. Not only did they score 10 tries, but a total of nine players contributed to their points haul. This speaks to teamwork, good interplay and an ability to convert opportunities into points. The ultimate proof, however, will be consistency against tougher and fitter opposition in the rounds to come. 

Wolverines, who only had their first outing the past weekend, clearly still suffering from a lack of match-fitness after the prolonged Covid-19 interruption. Always a proud and fiercely competitive outfit, not too much should be read in their first defeat. The true measure of their worth will become clearer as the season unfolds. 

The challenges emanating from the Covid pandemic, continue to complicate the optimal functioning of the competition. The Silverbacks, in particular, continue to wrestle with obstacles of membership and related factors. A fully-admitted member of the South African Rugby League, they were unfortunately forced to abandon their game against Leopards the past weekend. They, together with the national body, however, continue to tackle the issues in the way of their full return to competitive rugby. In the absence of a league match, the two Leopards-sides played each other in a friendly encounter in order to maintain match fitness and their competitive edge.  Fittingly the senior side defeated its second-stringers by 42-21. Both will benefit from this training opportunity.

Match 1: Tomahawks 52 - 6 Wolverines
Tomahawks - Tries
 Andre Thomas 2
 Jeandre Muller 2
 Willie de Jager 2
 Ivan Steyn 
 Baruch Buchling
 Zerey Geel
 Deon Minaar

Conversions
 Zimri Buckling 3
 Luigi Cirigliano 2
 Leon du Preez
Wolverines - Tries
 Leo Tshimbili
Conversion
 Ben Viljoen


Match 2: Leopards 36 - 0 Silverbacks

Silverbacks forfeit match points

Double-Header Try Scorer of the Week:

 Andre Thomas 2 (Tomahawks)
 Jeandre Muller 2 (Tomahawks)
 Willie de Jager 2 (Tomahawks)

Golden Boot of the Week
 Zimri Buckling  (3 conversions – Tomahawks)

Climate factors, especially the threat and reality of thunderstorms, yet again exercised a critical influence on the third round of matches played over the past weekend. This caused the scheduled match between the TuksRL Reds vs Brits Bulldogs to be cancelled, much to the frustration of the players. While the affected teams were kicking their heels, the St. Helen Vultures, with no interference from the side of the weather gods, were in good nick. 

Judging by the latest third round results of the Rhino Cup, the Vultures are picking up critical momentum. Crucially, they are staking a definite early claim to the championship. In another relentless show of striking and ripping, they, in true raptor-style, feasted on the subdued bodies of the TuksRL Blues. The end result:  a comprehensive victory of 62-6 over the pride of Pretoria University. More importantly, half of the team made a contribution to the final score. This indicated the existing high level of effective and efficient teamwork. Try-scorers for the victors were Victor Dixon, Loukie Koekemoer, Dylan Keys, C-Jay Strauss, Shaun Botes and Amilton Jose. 

Despite this comprehensive win, and a healthy point difference at this early stage of the competition, the road to championship glory remains precarious. Both Grizzlies and Pretoria have regained their momentum and with their form over the last two games, to keep the pressure on Vultures. If both remain on their current path and increase their competitiveness by defeating Vultures in their return matches, the season-decider may have to be decided by points difference. This prospect may just add another edge to the existing rivalries and may contribute to a number of cliff-hangers as the season proceed. Pretoria, after their first round, has continued to reclaim their place amongst the top teams and has clearly indicated their ability to manufacture tries. This is well demonstrated by the fact that at least four of the team were able to score double-tries and a total of five were able to cross the opponent’s goal-line. Given its long association with rugby league in this country, Pretoria as a founder club of the code must continue to be the game’s flag bearer. Victories are therefore non-negotiable. 

The TuksRL Reds, who have played two games less, due to climatic and other factors, also remain in contention. The ‘Clever Boys’, given their log position at the present moment, need to regroup as a club and work hard to find their ‘mojo’. Their role in taking rugby league into the student fraternity cannot be underestimated. They also have the responsibility to expand the existing Tukkie-legacy and catapult it into the 21st century.

Spartans, the new kids on the block, is also not to be discounted. They are continuing on their steep learning curve and seemingly is becoming more competitive by the week. In true warrior-style, they have proved their worth against the Vultures, scaring them sufficiently to improve their form with a view to the future. The fact that Mwana Yabombo has claimed a spot in the ranks of the Hat-trick Kings of the Week is of significance and definitely a further indicator of things to come. That this performance is no fluke was made clear by the fact that Tumi Legodi was able to score two tries against quality opposition, followed by further additions through single tries by Bright Thabana and Thabiso Thabata.  

The next rounds, therefore, promise some compelling matchday action.
Results of Kobus Botha Rhino Cup 20 Nov. 2021

Match 1: Pretoria RLC 44 - 42 Spartans

Pretoria - Tries
 Leon Makhubo 2
 Cha Dieker 2
 Avanda Swartbooi 2
 Adrian Karelse 2
 Aiden Adams

Conversions
 Craig Scott 2
 Adrian Karelse 2

Spartans
Tries
 Mwana Yabombo 3,
 Tumi Legodi 2
 Bright Blessie Kagiso Thabana
 Thabiso Mbatha
Conversions
 Carlyle Hendricks 3
 Tumi Legodi 2

Match 2: TuksRL Blues 6 - 62 St Helens Vultures

Blues - Tries
 Jaco Scholtz
Conversions
 Sandile Magagula

Vultures - Tries
 Victor Dixon 3
 Loukie Koekemoer 2
 Dylan Keys
 C-Jay Strauss 3
 Shaun Botes
 Amilton Jose 2
Conversions
 Dylan Keys 7

Hat-trick Kings of the Week:
 Mwana Yabombo (Spartans)
 Victor Dixon (Vultures)
 Loukie Koekemoer (Vultures)
 C-Jay Strauss (Vultures)


Golden Boot of the Week

 Dylan Keys (7 conversions – Vultures)

Ludwig Japhet - 17 November 1957

On this day, 64 years ago, Ludwig Japhet, the ‘father of rugby league’ in South Africa died in a Johannesburg Nursing Home following two operations earlier. The 67 year old businessman, was born in 1890 in Hoopstad in the Orange Free State, one of four siblings and the son of Phillip Japhet who came to South Africa in 1874. He received his education in Hamburg, Germany and was an old boy of Marist Brothers College in Johannesburg where he matriculated at the age of 15 years.

A lawyer by profession, he specialised in divorce and road accident cases. As a boxing promoter, he worked for the legalization of boxing. To this end, he prepared a draft bill, which was passed by the National Assembly during the 1920s. In 1927, he initiated the establishment of the Transvaal National Sporting Club who went on to promote the first world boxing title fight in South Africa between Petey Sarron and Freddie Miller in 1937. 

This organisation, of which he was the Chairman and Life-President, also promoted the first rugby league match in South Africa between a French and English team during 1957, shortly before his untimely passing. Japhet was also a Johannesburg City Councillor for three years during the 1920s. In this capacity, he served on the Parks & Estates Committee that deals with Council properties including playing venues and strongly opposed the denial of these facilities to professional sports bodies. Such an action, in his view, was tantamount to depriving citizens of their lawful rights. 

As far as rugby league was concerned, he believe that there was enough space for the two codes, union and league, to co-exist. 
During his lifetime, he had a membership of the Johannesburg Examining Board and honorary legal advisor of the Transvaal Automobile Club. 

According to the Rand Daily Mail, he was also “a connoisseur of the arts, a gourmet, a raconteur and a man-about-the-tables at the leading nightclubs”. In 1947, Japhet published wrote two books, the first a book of epigrams was titled “Over Coffee and Liqueurs”, and the second titled “What Every Motorist Should Know About the Law”.
At the time of his death, he was married to Gisela and was the father of two children, Denise and Lance; and resided at 35 Currie Street, Oaklands, Johannesburg. He was also survived by his three sisters, Lily, Hedie and Dolly.

By Hendrik Snyders

It is with the outmost pleasure that South African Rugby League extend our heartfelt congratulations to ABE Midas Naka Bulle for being crowned the Blue Bulls Rugby Union Carlton Cup Champions for 2021. This is indeed a notable and significant achievement, considering the high quality and the competitive nature of rugby in the Pretoria-based Union. The Carlton Cup itself, is one of the iconic trophies within South African rugby and any club who claim championship status, are truly deserving of their place in the history of our favourite sport.  We further extend our sincere congratulations to the club sponsor and a business who always strive to give back to the community, ABE Midas, for yet another successful and meaningful grassroots partnership. May you continue to enjoy business success despite these challenging times.

On Saturday, 6 October, the South African rugby league season officially started with the first round of matches in the Rhino and Protea Cup Competitions. Like all other sports, the code in the wake of the Covid-19 restrictions, had to ensure full compliance with the existing return-to-play protocols. The enforced inactivity which resulted in 20 months of inactivity, however, did not damper enthusiasm for rugby league. 

At the start of the new season, 14 clubs re-affiliated with the SA Rugby League Sport Association. The affiliates are based in towns and cities as diverse as Pretoria, Brits, Boksburg, Springs, Marble Hall, Cape Town, Witbank and Ermelo. Except for the Cape Town clubs, the northern clubs will compete in two divisions on the basis of strength versus strength. Division 1 with the Rhino Cup at stake includes Pretoria, University of Pretoria (Tuks RL Red and Tuks RL Blue), Grizzlies, Knights, Bulldogs, Spartan and the St. Helens Vultures. Division 2 with the Protea Cup at stake featured Loskop Leopards, Tomahawks, Silverbacks, Millstream Wolverines and St. Helen’s Vultures2 and Spartan 2. 

Ongoing organisation and assistance to clubs indicated the return and affiliation of a number of additional clubs in due course.  Activity in Cape Town in particular, is closely monitored and assisted in order to advance the extension of the code into the Western Cape. This augurs well for the return to normality and the hosting of a regular rugby league season.

As expected, the first round of matches proved challenging. In addition with ongoing work to ensure strict compliance with the Covid—19 restrictions, clubs had to contend with bad weather conditions and a lack of facilities as a result of venue clashes as more sports return to play.  At least three matches were postponed for safety reasons. 

In the match St. Helens Vultures versus Grizzlies, which the former won by 24-4, only one half was possible before play had to be abandoned as a result of the threat of lightning. Similarly, the match between Pretoria and Tuks Reds had to be abandoned after 16 minutes following bad weather. Tuks at that stage led by 12-0. Fortunately for the players of the Leopards and the Tomahawks, conditions were more favourable, enabling them to complete the fixture. The Leopards were thus able to launch their season on a winning note by defeating their opponents by 36-10.

The feature game of the weekend was undoubtedly the contest between Tuks Blue and the Brits Bulldogs. In an evenly-contested match that saw the score swinging from one side to the next, the tenacious Bulldogs, true to their name, matched their student opponent’s man-for-man and try-for-try. In a fitting start to an exciting season, the match concluded at 40-40.

The Spartans 2 and Vultures 2 have withdrawn from the Protea Cup. The competition will be played in two rounds. There will also be a regional competition held with Gauteng Cowboys, Eastern Eagles, MW Warthogs, Mpu Panthers (seniors and o/19).

​Dawie Ackerman, former University of Stellenbosch, Western Province and South African rugby union lock- and flank forward was the captain of the first national South Africa rugby league team which toured Australia and New Zealand in 1963. Ackerman was born on 3 June 1930 in Aliwal-North in the rural Eastern Cape, where he also received most of his schooling. In 1948 he enrolled at Stellenbosch University to study to become a teacher.  

He represented the University from 1948 to 1955 in the Grand Challenge, Knock-out Cup, Town Challenge Western Province competitions, annual tours and intervarsity matches. He won his first honours when Stellenbosch won the Grand Challenge Championship in 1951, 1955 and 1956. In 1950, after a win against the University of Cape Town, Ackerman also made his debut for Western Province in both friendly matches and the Currie Cup. However, he missed selection for the team to face Transvaal in the final at the end of the season. He won full honorary colours from the university and kept his place in the provincial side until 1957. 

During 1951–52, Ackerman played in five intervarsity matches and against the touring Oxford-Cambridge combination which Stellenbosch beat 11–8. He was then selected for the Southern Universities XV (Stellenbosch and Cape Town) against the British tourists as well as Western Province. His consistent performances saw him selected for a University for a tour of Rhodesia and a match against the Australian Wallabies a year later.

When the Currie Cup competition resumed in 1954, Ackerman was playing with at least four future rugby league players in Rudi Hasse, Gert Rheeders, Alan Skene and Ivor Dorrington. As one of only 24 players selected for Western Province that season, Ackerman played in his first provincial Currie Cup final against Northern Transvaal – with Tom van Vollenhoven in their ranks – on 18 September. After intercepting a pass, he scored a critical try to help to cement a WP 11–8 victory. This earned him a place in a South African Invitation XV against Eastern Province which put him on the threshold of full national recognition. 

During the 1955 season, Ackerman, along with Wilf Rosenberg and Tommy Gentles, was chosen for the Junior Springboks for a short tour of South Africa and Rhodesia. The idea was to use the junior team to develop future Springboks. The team played and won three matches. Ackerman received his national call-up to the Springbok side for the remainder of the Test series against the Lions.

He made his test debut on 20 August 1955 in the second Test at Newlands. His task was: ‘check the irrepressible Cliff Morgan’. Before 46,000 supporters, Ackerman crowned his test debut with his first test try to contribute to a 25–9 South Africa victory. Future rugby league stars Tom van Vollenhoven scored three tries and Wilf Rosenberg one. After South Africa lost the third test in Pretoria, Ackerman helped his team to avert a series defeat when he sent Daan Retief away for a critical try, converted by Roy Dryburgh, in the deciding fourth Test in Port Elizabeth. This was the start of a successful international career and won him a place in the 1956 team to tour Australia and New Zealand. On tour, Ackerman scored eight tries against provincial sides and the New Zealand Maori, including two tries in a match on at least three occasions. He played in four of the six test matches on tour.

In the period 1957 to 1958, he continued to play for WP in the Currie Cup and SA Rugby Board Challenge Trophy competitions and was part of the team that won the Board Trophy that year. Ackerman, however, did not make it into the national side for the French series in 1958. He, however, was selected for a combined WP, South Western Districts and Boland side which played the tourists on 30 July at Wellington. His team won 38–8 with tries by Giepie Wentzel, Hugh Gillespie (another future rugby league player), Alan Skene, Jan Pickard, BGV Lynn and Ackerman. Eight members of this team, including Ackerman, were then selected for the second test at Ellis Park on 16 August 1958. They were, however, not up to the challenge and South Africa lost the series 1–0 against the first French team to visit the Republic. This was Ackerman’s swansong in rugby union test matches. 

Ackerman then moved to Johannesburg where he played for Wanderers RFC in 1959, Diggers in 1960 and Pirates in 1961. He also represented Transvaal in 18 games between 1959 and 1961 to conclude a very productive union career. Thereafter, he turned to rugby league. In July 1962, Ackerman signed for the Southern Suburbs club, a member club of the then-newly established Rugby League South Africa competition who in time went on to won the first South African Rugby League Championship. He died of a heart attack in January 1970 aged only 39.

By Hendrik Snyders

​14 September 2021
 
Poll shows 88% of French people are in favor of Rugby League World Cup in 2025 in France
 
According to the survey of people in France, organized by the Institute Francaise d’Opinion Publique (IFOP), 88% of respondents support the plan to organize the Rugby League World Cup in France in 2025
In addition, the study shows that 69% of the French people would like the competition to take place in their region, giving support to the Organizing Committee's decision to host the competition in around 40 different towns and cities.
The proposed format of the competition will see, for the very first time, men’s, women’s, wheelchair, and youth competitions organized simultaneously and equally. A format that is proving very popular and has 88% general approval and 41% very supportive.
The survey demonstrates that 67% of the population are ready to support the French national teams, 73% believe that the event would have a unifying effect and 76% believe it will be very positive for the morale of the nation. Finally, 72% agree that such a huge event would benefit the French economy and especially the tourism economy in the host cities.
The business model is based upon 1.3 million tickets being bought with 60% sold in France and 40% to international visitors. Importantly, 33% of the population surveyed said that they are ready to buy tickets now. 
Michel Wiener, Directeur Exécutif du Comité de Candidature,
“This survey has demonstrated the support of the general public for our proposed plan to deliver a huge international sports event including all forms of the sport, in multiple towns and cities at affordable prices. It confirms the positive welcome already offered by local authorities across the country. We are very happy with this demonstration of widespread support for our proposal to organize the Rugby League World Cup in France in 2025.”
Jérôme Fourquet, Directeur du Département Opinion & Stratégies d'Entreprise de l'IFOP,
“The results of the survey are a positive response to France’s plan to organize RLWC2025 and illustrate the strong support for rugby as a sport that interests the public and can attract a large audience. 31% of the public aged over 18 years, which represents potentially 15 million people, have said that they are fairly or very interested in rugby. By comparison, the similar figure for football is 29%.”
*The survey was conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2021. There were 1803 participants drawn to form a national sample.
 
 
For PR and media requests please contact:
Niel Wood 
media@intrl.sport

​In December 1989, on the inaugural meeting of the South African Amateur Rugby League, held at the Old Edwardian Club in Johannesburg, Dave Southern was elected Chairman of the new body. It was a fitting assignment for Southern, who, with Anthony Barker, initiated the process of relaunching rugby league in South Africa. Born in Widnes, a rugby league stronghold located between Liverpool and Manchester, the task of reviving the 13-player code, was as natural as breathing. It all started in December 1988, when Southern met Barker from Wigan, in the Johannesburg Irish pub, called Fibber Maghees next to the Kyalami Racing circuit. Sharing the idea of starting rugby league locally Southern contacted, Harry Edgar from Open Rugby and Mr David Oxley, Rugby Football League Chairman, about assistance with launching the sport. The continued existence of apartheid and the lack of a rugby league World Development Officer to help complicated matters with no assistance forthcoming. 

Unperturbed, Southern and Barker took it upon themselves to set the ball rolling. A member of the Old Edwardians (Old Eds) Rugby Football Club in Johannesburg at the time, Southern used all their available resources to give impetus to the process. To determine potential interest from players, coaches, and administrators, an advertisement was placed in the Saturday Star. This brought at least 40 interested individuals into the process. They further received support from Star reporter, Rodney Hartman, who as a follow-up, wrote an article outlining further plans and desires. He also assisted with advertising the next meeting, which was to become the inaugural meeting at Old Edwardians, where the SA Amateur Rugby League was constituted and leadership elected. 
Started from a modest base, the SAARL operated from leased facilities with one paid official, Dave Southern, who was tasked with spreading the rugby league gospel in schools and the black townships. This was financed with the aid of income generated through a fundraising dinner. Limited financial support was also later received from the British Rugby League.

Southern served the organisation until June 1993.  After leaving SARL, he, together with Barry Haslam, and others established Mini League – a developmental program aimed at growing rugby league’s local base. In 1999, after a 12 –year stay in South Africa, Dave Southern moved to Ireland, where he became the inaugural chairman of Rugby League Ireland after its establishment in 2000.

By Hendrik Snyders