LOCAL RUGBY NEWS - Pacaltsdorp rugby club Evergreens is primed for a resurgence in the 2025 South Western Districts Super League.
Evergreens, now in its 93rd year, have packed down with insurance specialist Multisure Corporation and, with former player and coach Ricardo Beukes returning to the club after a 22-year absence, the five-time champions are poised to unleash something special when their campaign kicks off on April 5.
The selection of five players to the SWD Eagles squad earlier this year is further evidence of the quality of player at the club.
Evergreens’ first team featured in the A division at the start of last season before a series of defeats saw them being relegated to the B division for the remainder of the year.
However, the team’s fighting spirit came to the fore as they dominated the second-tier competition to take the trophy, thereby ensuring an immediate return to the top section in 2025.
With 120 athletes registered on its books, the club’s playing stocks are incredibly healthy. This enables Evergreens to field teams in the A, B and C divisions with plenty left on the bench.
Its fanbase is equally strong, with the home stadium packed to the rafters every weekend of the season.
Evergreens chair Deon Stoffels said the partnership with Multisure was hugely significant, both for the club and local community.
Pacaltsdorp has many socio-economic challenges, with a large proportion of Evergreens players among the area’s jobless.
They had grown up among the poorest of the poor, Stoffels explained.
This means they cannot afford to pay for playing gear and post-match kit, which is a requirement at other clubs. But now they will receive these items for free.
Beukes said the first team’s promotion to the A division within weeks of being relegated showed the resilience and talent within the club’s ranks and he was excited to be re-entering the fray at the club where it all started for him.
“I’m confident we are going to build something great here,” he said.
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