CARLING CURRIE CUP
PREMIER DIVISION
OVERVIEW
ABOUT
Suzuki Griquas successfully defended their title in 2026 when they beat the Airlink Pumas in a pulsating final in Kimberley. The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV (2024), Toyota Cheetahs (2023), Airlink Pumas (2022) and Vodacom Bulls (2020 and 2021) are other recent champions. These teams were joined in the 2026 Premier Division by the DHL Stormers XXIII, Fidelity ADT Lions and the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers. The 2026 season was contested over a single round of matches, with Griquas, the Cheetahs, Pumas and Lions progressing to the semi-finals.
THE HISTORY
The Currie Cup is one of the oldest rugby competitions in the world, with the first games played in 1889, but it was only in 1892 that it became officially known as the Currie Cup. The original participating unions were Western Province, Griqualand West, Transvaal and Eastern Province. The first tournament was held in Kimberley and was won by Western Province. The Currie Cup trophy was donated to South Africa in 1891 by the touring British Isles team - it was given to the tourists by Sir Donald Currie, owner of Union-Castle Lines, the shipping company that transported them to the southern tip of Africa. Sir Donald was clear with his instructions – hand this trophy over to the team in South Africa that gives you the best game. After a spirited display where the unbeaten British Lions narrowly won 3-0, Griqualand West became the first ever holders of the Currie Cup.
CARLING CURRIE CUP PREMIER DIVISION TABLE
CARLING CURRIE CUP PREMIER DIVISION TOP PLAYER STATS
