Welcome to Mpumalanga Rugby (Pty) Ltd, the epitome of excellence in South African rugby. With a rich history of achievements and a commitment to sporting excellence, we take immense pride in our journey to becoming a premier professional rugby team.
The Pumas, formerly South Eastern Transvaal, emerged in 1969 in Witbank, now home to the Mpumalanga Rugby Union. Despite being a newer rugby union, they achieved a notable feat by winning their first Currie Cup title in 2022.
In 1997, along with a series of changes that took place within South African rugby, South Eastern Transvaal adopted a new corporate identity. After 28 years, in June 1997, the Union changed their name to Mpumalanga Pumas.
During the 2006 season, the Pumas were under the joint coaching of Chris Grobler and Danie Gerber. Unfortunately, they struggled to secure victories and ended up at the bottom of the log after playing 14 matches.
However, the Pumas showed their determination in the Currie Cup First Division, a second-tier competition, and emerged victorious in both 2005 and 2009. This earned them well-deserved promotion to the esteemed Currie Cup Premier Division.
In 2010, the Pumas geared up for the Currie Cup campaign and wisely appointed the experienced Jimmy Stonehouse as their head coach. Though often considered underdogs in the Currie Cup competition, they proved their potential on 27 August 2010 when they triumphed over the reigning champions, the Blue Bulls, with a narrow score of 22–21 at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela. Ultimately, the Pumas finished the season in the 7th position, a respectable achievement.
Mpumalanga Rugby Union embarked on a remarkable quest, exploring the possibility of relocation from Witbank to the vibrant city of Mbombela. In December of 2012, we successfully made the momentous move, not only bringing our prestigious Pro side to Mbombela but also signing an Anchor Tenant Agreement with the esteemed Mbombela Stadium.
Our dedication to the sport and the communities we serve was evident when we embraced a significant relocation, relocating 43 families to make way for our new home. The warm reception and support from both the business and private communities further fuelled our passion for rugby and inspired us to reach greater heights.
Our commitment to fostering talent and achieving sporting greatness resulted in a series of remarkable accomplishments over the years. In 2013, we proudly claimed the coveted titles of Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Player of the Year at the SA Rugby Awards. Additionally, our players showcased their extraordinary skills, securing records for the most tries and most points in the league.
Despite facing challenges and undergoing a rebuilding phase, we continued to stand tall in the Premier CC competition, even as our talented players were sought after by prestigious S16 franchises. With determination and resilience, we appointed Brent Janse van Rensburg as our Head Coach in 2016, setting the stage for a new era of rugby excellence
In 2017, our relentless pursuit of greatness paid off as we were awarded the top position for SA Rugby Franchise status. The SSRC Cup victory and commendable performances in the CC Premier Competition further solidified our place as a force to be reckoned with in the rugby world.
As we venture into the future, we eagerly await confirmation of Pro 16 inclusion as an International Franchise and the allocation of the new Test Rugby 5-year cycle. Our dedication to the sport remains unwavering, as we continue to compete strongly in premier competitions and make our mark in the rugby landscape.
The year 2022 has been particularly remarkable for us. With an extraordinary display of skill and determination, we secured victory in the SA Rugby Premier Currie Cup Competition, the oldest rugby competition in the world. Moreover, we proudly hosted the iconic Springbok vs. All Blacks Test, a testament to our status as a prestigious rugby entity.
With their recent Currie Cup success and a history of battling against the odds, the Pumas have solidified their place in South African rugby and continue to be a team to watch for in the seasons to come.
We stood firm in second place in the Premier Currie Cup Competition in 2023, we are poised to achieve new heights in 2024.