Poorte excited for 80th birthday this year
"In the club’s history, we have had 15 presidents and produced 11 Springboks, five junior Springboks and 37 provincial players."
EcoRubber Roodepoort Rugby Club celebrate their 80th anniversary this year, the club is one of the leading open clubs in South Africa and was founded in June 1943.
The club was associated with the West Rand Rugby Sub division under the name of Rand Leases Rugby Club.
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Poorte were promoted to senior status in 1945 and in 1948 changed their name to Rand Leases Roodepoort Rugby Club, later in 1977 the club changed its name to Roodepoort Rugby Club.
According to club chairperson Theuns Naude, the club is excited to be celebrating their 80th anniversary and look forward to a competitive season with strong traditions and heritage with the club aiming to continue to perform in the Pirates Grand Challenge League.
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“What a year to look forward to, Poorte is a proud club with many achievers throughout the years. In the club’s history, we have had 15 presidents and produced 11 Springboks, five junior Springboks and 37 provincial players. This is something that makes the heart grow fonder and great to know that you are part of this professional setup. The club’s first team has won several tournaments over the years, keeping in mind that the players are semi-professional, as they don’t earn a living playing rugby full time. Currently the club plays in the Pirates Grand Challenge that sorts under the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU),” said Naude.
Poorte has always been a force to be reckoned with, in recent years under the guidance of a proactive management and coaches.
The club has had widespread support within the community with many sponsors putting effort into assisting with the reformation and running of the club.
“We reiterate that no amateur rugby club can make do without their supporters and loyal sponsors. Roodepoort Rugby Club takes note of that and humbly thanks all our sponsors in making it more cost effective managing the EcoRubber Roodepoort Rugby Club,” added Naude.
The club has started their practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the numbers look extremely healthy ahead of the Pirates Grand Challenge which will be kicking off on April 15.
“Our name reflects our origins and distinguished history as a club for playing rugby, the club is a fine and excellent club to be acquainted, currently our home ground is at Hoërskool Bastion,” said Naude.
The club currently has around 180 to 200 senior players and fields five men 7’s sides as well as provides a comprehensive programme for youth rugby from the ages of 8 to 18 years.
“We always welcome talented new players of all ages, along with coaches and administrators, to come and join and be part of this proud and beautiful rugby club. The re-establishment of Women’s Rugby is high on my agenda for 2023, they are still very much in the teething phase and are hoping to become a force that the club will be proud of, hopefully competitively on the pitch and socially off the pitch,” said Naude.
Naude praised and thanked all past and present role players who have contributed to the success of the club and wished the club well.
The legacy continues at Poorte with players like Harry Viljoen, Dries Maritz, Hugo van As, Kalla Barnard van Weleer as well as Wesley Pretorius, Gareth Hemingway and current players such as Barend Steyn, Joa van der Westhuizen, Tristan Dullaseur, Jaso A Freeman and many others who still strive to make the club second to none.
