There is something deeply powerful about a rugby field. It is a place where rivalries are forged, friendships are tested, and character is built. For the former school and club players who returned to Loftus Versfeld in October 2024, it was also a place of homecoming — a chance to lace up their boots once more, not for personal glory, but to give back to the sport and the communities that shaped them.
The annual Old Boys Rugby charity match has become one of the most anticipated events on the Bokgabane Sport calendar. What began as an informal gathering of former players has grown into a full-scale fundraising event that draws hundreds of spectators, supporters, and sponsors each year. The 2024 edition was the biggest and most successful yet.
A Day of Rugby and Purpose
The concept is simple but powerful: former school and club rugby players from across Gauteng come together to compete in a series of exhibition matches at one of South Africa's most iconic rugby venues. But behind the tackles, tries, and touchline banter lies a deeper purpose — every rand raised goes directly towards funding youth sports programmes in underserved communities.
This year's event raised over R150,000 for Bokgabane Sport's grassroots development initiatives. Those funds will be channelled into:
- Coaching programmes — Providing certified coaches for weekly training sessions in township communities
- Equipment and kit — Supplying boots, balls, jerseys, and protective gear to young athletes who have none
- Tournament entry fees — Giving talented youth players the opportunity to compete at regional and provincial level
- Nutrition support — Ensuring young athletes receive proper meals on training and match days
More Than Just a Match
While the rugby was the centrepiece, the Old Boys event offered something for everyone. The day featured live entertainment from local musicians, a variety of food stalls showcasing some of Pretoria's best street food, and a dedicated family zone with activities for children of all ages. Face painting, inflatable obstacle courses, and mini rugby clinics kept the younger fans entertained throughout the afternoon.
Corporate sponsors set up activations around the venue, and a charity auction during halftime saw some impressive bids on signed memorabilia, hospitality packages, and exclusive experiences. The atmosphere was electric — a true celebration of rugby culture, community spirit, and the joy of coming together for a worthy cause.
The Spirit of Camaraderie
For the players themselves, the day was about far more than the final score. Former teammates who had not seen each other in years reconnected on the field. Old rivalries were reignited with a smile. Players who once competed fiercely against each other now stood side by side, united by a shared love of the game and a commitment to giving back.
Many of the participants spoke about what the event meant to them — the chance to relive the camaraderie of the changing room, the thrill of running out onto a world-class pitch, and the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts were making a tangible difference in the lives of young people who dream of following in their footsteps.
"Rugby has always had the power to unite communities — across age, background, and circumstance. When former players come back to the field not for trophies but to lift up the next generation, that is the true spirit of the game. This event proves that the bonds forged through rugby never fade."
— Ruan Vermaak, Event Organiser
Supporting the Next Generation
The funds raised at the Old Boys Rugby event will have a direct and lasting impact. For children growing up in communities like Alexandra, Mamelodi, and Atteridgeville, access to organised sport is not a given — it is a lifeline. Every rand contributed through events like this helps to bridge the gap between raw talent and real opportunity.
Former players who participated in the match were also invited to visit Bokgabane Sport's community programmes, where they could see firsthand how their contributions are being put to work. Several have since signed up as volunteer coaches and mentors, extending their impact well beyond a single afternoon on the field.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Planning is already underway for the next Old Boys Rugby event, scheduled for 2025. The organising committee aims to make it even bigger, with more teams, more entertainment, and an ambitious fundraising target that will allow Bokgabane Sport to expand its programmes into new communities.
Whether you are a former player looking to dust off your boots, a sponsor seeking meaningful community engagement, or simply a rugby fan who wants to enjoy a great day out while supporting a worthy cause — the Old Boys Rugby event is for you. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of rugby continues to change lives for generations to come.
