CLUB PROFILE: Helderberg Rugby Football Club

Helderberg RFC was established in 1997 when the clubs Strand Somerset West RFC and Gordon’s Bay RFC amalgamated to form one united first league club for the region. The Club fields five senior teams and three under 20 teams. The two largest local high schools are also affiliated with Helderberg RFC. The schools are Strand High School and Hottentots Holland High School.

In 1998 the Club’s competitive expectations became a reality and not only did the first team win the Super B League, but the Club’s second, third, fourth and Under-21-A teams won their respective leagues as well. The Club’s league success earned them promotion to the Super A league, Western Province’s top competition, in 1999.

The loss of the successful senior coach, captain and vice captain was ill timed and more than a cause for concern. At the end of 1999, the defection of these important role-players cost the club dearly. Helderberg finished second last and was relegated from the Super A League.

The year 2000 saw the start of the rebuilding of the club’s hopes and dreams and it was a painfully slow process that only came to fruition when the team won promotion to Super A league in 2002.

This year the coaches, players and administrators worked tirelessly to cement the club’s place in the Super A league.

However, Helderberg RFC currently sits at the bottom of the Super A League table.