Hamilton celebrate winning the SLA title at City Park.
Hamilton Rugby Football Club (RFC) capped off a remarkable season by clinching the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League A (SLA) title with a thrilling 23-20 victory over Durbanville-Bellville at City Park over the weekend.
In a fitting finale, the two top-seeded teams in the division contested for league honours, showcasing why they have been dominant forces in the WPRFU this year.
Hamilton’s triumph comes as no surprise to those familiar with the club’s dedication and hard work over the past few years.
The 2024 season can be described as a period of transformation for the club, as they have steadily built themselves into the best rugby side in the Western Province.
Over the course of 14 games, Hamilton won 12, a dominant display that culminated in winning the SLA title.
Derrick Lichtenstein, the club’s general manager, credits the success to the club's strong sense of community and a “family-first” atmosphere.
He believes that Hamilton’s success on the field is a reflection of the work being done behind the scenes, where everyone is focused on the best interests of the club.
“We pride ourselves on creating a family environment,” said Lichtenstein.
“It doesn’t just start on the field of play, the work we put in beforehand translates into the results the club is getting.”
While the SLA title is a crowning achievement, it is far from Hamilton's only success in recent times.
The club's dedication has been recognised off the field as well, with Hamilton RFC winning the KFM Amateur Club of the Year award for 2024.
In addition to this honour, Hamilton’s under-20 side continues to shine, securing their third consecutive league title.
The club’s excellence even extends to the international stage, having won the World Amateur Rugby Festival in France last year, just before the Springboks went on to lift the IRB World Cup trophy.
Lichtenstein highlights the club's investment in youth as a critical component of their growth. The junior section at Hamilton RFC has become one of the most exciting young teams in Cape Town, regularly challenging the top rugby schools.
The club's success at the junior level not only strengthens their competitive edge but also ensures a bright future for the club.
“We’ve had tremendous success with our junior section, all the way from the under-8s, and we’re consistently providing a tough challenge to the best rugby schools in Cape Town. The success of our under-20 side has been instrumental in building the club to its current strength,” said Lichtenstein.
Hamilton’s location near Cape Town Stadium, the new home of Western Province rugby following the move from Newlands, could be rubbing off on their professionalism and desire for success.
Their facilities have become a rugby hub for hosting various teams, including the Springbok Women’s team and visiting clubs playing against the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
This proximity has brought additional exposure and opportunities for the club to grow.
The season isn’t over yet for Hamilton RFC, as they are now gearing up for their next challenge in the Gold Cup. This weekend, the team will face Uitenhage’s Garden RFC.