The battle for domestic bragging rights resumes this weekend as the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off with a fresh look and fierce competition on the horizon.

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STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 01: Manie Libbok of Wp during the Carling Currie Cup, Premier Division match between DHL Western Province and Airlink Pumas at Danie Craven Stadium on September 01, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

WP host Bulls as derbies launch Currie Cup

Defending champions the Sharks return with a target on their backs after stunning the Lions in a thrilling final in Johannesburg last year. Their upset victory ended the Lions’ title hopes and ensured the coveted cup goes back to Durban for the first time since 2018.

In recent seasons, the Cheetahs, Pumas and the Vodacom Bulls have also had their hands on the silverware, highlighting the unpredictable nature of South Africa’s oldest rugby competition.

Western Province, Griquas and the Griffons were all part of last year’s line-up, but the 2025 edition sees one notable change: the Boland Kavaliers are back in the Premier Division for the first time since 2016, replacing the Griffons following the conclusion of the SA Cup.

This year’s tournament will also have a distinct Sevens flavour to it with a number of stars set to bring pace and flair to the game. Tristan Leyds, Zain Davids, Quewin Nortje and Gideon van Wyk are all available for Western Province in this year’s campaign.

The new-look competition will be contested over a single round of matches, with the top four sides qualifying for the semi-finals on the weekend of 13 September. The Currie Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September.

With a condensed format that leaves little room for error as well as a number of teams who could challenge for top honours, the 2025 edition of the Currie Cup is once again set to produce hard-hitting action and high drama.

Currie Cup round 1 fixtures:
Friday 25 July:
Pumas vs Griquas, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, 7pm
Saturday 26 July:
Lions vs Sharks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 3pm
Western Province vs Blue Bulls, Cape Town Stadium, 5pm
Sunday 27 July
Boland Kavaliers vs Cheetahs, Boland Stadium, Wellington, 3pm