SA Rugby celebrate progress and success in 2025

Mr Mark Alexander, the President of SA Rugby, expressed immense pride and gratitude at the end of what has been a very good year for South African rugby during the General Meeting held in Cape Town on Friday.

Lauding the collective strength of the organisation, Mr Alexander thanked all stakeholders for their roles in making 2025 a big success.

“For the second consecutive year, SA Rugby has been honoured with the Federation of the Year Award, a recognition that reflects the excellence of our structures, the dedication of our people and the impact of our achievements,” said Mr Alexander.

“From our administrators and coaches to our players, sponsors, supporters, member unions and their equity partners, every part of the Union has contributed to a year that will be remembered as a landmark in our history. Together, we have faced challenges with resilience, embraced opportunities with vision and delivered results that speak to the unity and distinction of our rugby family.”

Mr Alexander said 2025 will be remembered as a milestone in the proud history of SA Rugby, with the teams in green and gold delivering great achievements across all levels during the season.

“The Springboks maintained the coveted position as the top ranked team in the world at the close of 2023, 2024 and 2025 – a rare and historic achievement,” said Mr Alexander.

“We defended the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, the Freedom Cup and the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, honouring tradition and reinforcing our enduring rivalries with dignity and pride.

“The Springbok Women reached the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, a testament to their rising strength and global competitiveness.

“The Junior Springboks won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship for the first time since 2012, affirming the depth and promise of our player pathways, and the Blitzboks were crowned World Champions, showcasing flair, speed and dominance on the global stage.

“Through determination, collaboration and world-class performance, our teams and structures have delivered achievements that strengthen the legacy of rugby and inspire future generations.”

Mr Alexander added, “We have successfully transitioned and consolidated our participation in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), ensuring competitive sustainability and global alignment.

“What was once considered a dream has now become reality – Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is officially part of the global calendar. In proud partnership with New Zealand, we have created a platform that celebrates tradition, ignites passion and delivers world-class rugby to fans across the globe.

“As architects of the newly formed Nations Championship, South Africa has played a central role in crafting the competition’s framework—designing its vision, values and governance to ensure it reflects the best of the global game.

“Together, these developments reaffirm our commitment to innovation, distinction and global leadership. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and the Nations Championship are now cornerstones of our future.”

Mr Alexander also pointed to SA Rugby’s commercial growth and sustainability as areas to celebrate.

“Sponsorship income has grown significantly, safeguarding the financial sustainability of our sport, our revised test hosting model delivered equitable financial returns for all members and unprecedented sponsor visibility, and Boktowns were successfully activated nationwide, creating vibrant, inclusive fan experiences that brought communities together and extended the reach of the Springbok spirit,” he said.

“Importantly, every member of the union has benefited financially from this model. It is more than a hosting framework—it is a blueprint for unity, impact and long-term prosperity.

“The launch of two Springbok retail outlets in Johannesburg and Cape Town has created a dedicated space where our fans can acquire original licensed merchandise, deepening their connection to the team and extending our brand into everyday life.

“Our achievements in 2025 are more than a collection of milestones – it is a testament to what is possible when vision meets execution. It reflects our commitment to transformation, distinction and global leadership. It affirms that SA Rugby is not only thriving, we are leading.

“As we close this remarkable year, let us carry forward the lessons of resilience, the pride of achievement and the unwavering belief that rugby remains one of our nation’s greatest forces for unity, impact and hope.

“Together, we move forward – with pride, with purpose and with confidence in the future of South African rugby.”

A RECAP OF 2025:

• The Springboks finished the season as the top ranked team in the world (like they did in 2023 and 2024), and defended the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, the Freedom Cup and the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate.
• The Springbok Women reached the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time and were crowned champions of Africa yet again.
• The Junior Springboks won the World Rugby U20 Championship.
• The Blitzboks won the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles.
• The Springbok Women’s Sevens team successfully defended their African title in Kenya.
• SA Rugby has successfully transitioned to full membership and shareholder of the Vodacom URC after investing into the competition for the past four years.
• Launched Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) in partnership with New Zealand Rugby.
• The first Betway Women’s Club Championship was hosted in Johannesburg.
• Sponsorship income has grown significantly, safeguarding the financial sustainability of our sport.
• Revised test hosting model delivered equitable financial returns for all members and unprecedented sponsor visibility, and every member benefited financially from this model.
• Launched two Springbok Retail outlets in Johannesburg and Cape Town.