Never-quit attitude will drive Quins forward, says Nicolaai

A resilient never-quit attitude will drive Harlequins forward at the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup (EPCC) Easter tournament, which kicks off in George on Thursday, coach Leon Nicolaai says.

Two of EP’s most successful club rugby teams, Harlequins and Kruisfontein United, are facing tough opening matches at Outeniqua Park.

Gqeberha’s Harlequins have been drawn to play Blanco (kickoff 4pm), and crack Humansdorp outfit Kruisfontein United are set to collide with Robertson (5.45pm).

“One of our biggest strengths will be our depth because we have a squad of about 40-plus players,” Nicolaai said.

“This will play a role, and our resilience, belief and never-quit attitude. These are strengths Harlequins thrive on. When we started our campaign in 2025, we said we wanted to dominate the Grand Challenge tournament and, after that, start dominating outside the province in bigger national events,” he said.

“That is Harlequins’ goal: to be better at tournaments and in the national Gold Cup at the end of the year. We need to build our platforms so Harlequins can be better at national tournaments, because part of the overall plan is to put the club back on the national stage,” Nicolaai said.

“Then we can build platforms for players to move into provincial set-ups and even higher.”

Apart from success at the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup tournament, Harlequins have set their sights on success in the EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12.

“We want to make 2026 the year we go out and win the Top 12,” Nicolaai said.

“Last year we missed out by two points in the final against Gardens in a great game. Harlequins gained experience from that final and also what happened in George in 2025,” Nicolaai said.

“We will be better equipped going into both competitions in 2026, and we hope to do well. As a club we would like to win everything on offer. We have been active on the field even though we did not play in the EC Super 14 tournament.

“Harlequins have good pre-season games under the belt, and we are in fine shape and form. The players are calm, and they know what is expected of them, so it has been a good build-up to George,” Nicolaai said.

“We started our Grand Challenge season last week, and we had a good win, 46-10, over Hankey Villagers. On Saturday we had a team-building session, and preparations have gone well with no hiccups and major injuries.

“Harlequins are all set to go,” Nicolaai said.

Two of Eastern Province Rugby’s most successful club rugby teams, Harlequins and Kruisfontein United, are facing tough opening matches at the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup (EPCC) Easter tournament in George on April 2. Gqeberha’s Harlequins have been drawn to play Blanco (kickoff 4pm), and crack Humansdorp outfit Kruisfontein United are set to collide with Robertson (5.45pm) at Outeniqua Park. Kariega side Gardens, who lifted the coveted Patel trophy last year, are not defending their title because they opted to play at the Saldanha Super 8 tournament over the same time period. At the draw, EP Rugby president George Malgas pledged his full support to the tournament, which is expected to draw capacity crowds. He called on SA Rugby to actively support initiatives like the Patel event and said more should be done nationally to preserve and elevate Patel’s legacy within the broader rugby framework." Tournament director Romano Lekay said: “The EPCC has evolved beyond a tournament. “It is unlocking meaningful investment into community rugby through measurable audience growth, broadcast exposure and credible delivery. Sponsors are seeing real return, clubs are benefiting from increased visibility, and communities are starting to feel the impact,” Lekay said. “The EPCC started with only two teams and a simple vision — to create a platform for community rugby excellence and to give honour where honour is due. “At the draw we welcomed eight of the best community clubs in South Africa. That growth did not happen by accident. It happened because people believed. It happened because of the community rugby matters. And it happened because legacy matters,” Lekay said. Beyond the competition itself, Lekay says the tournament places a strong emphasis on reinvestment at the grassroots level. “Together with our partners, we have intentionally invested back into communities where the need is greatest, including George and Grabouw,” he said. “This has included the provision of playing kit, hosting rugby and netball clinics, and facilitating empowerment sessions in partnership with the Deon Davids Foundation and Kabamba Floors, who generously share their skills, experience, and knowledge. “These initiatives are about empowerment, access, and building sustainable community sport structures,” he said. “True to its founding ethos, the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup remains committed to honouring legends, showcasing talent and creating sustainable pathways for players, coaches and communities — while preserving the legacy of non-racial rugby in South Africa.” At the launch, SWD Rugby president Ben Brinkhuys expressed pride in SWD’s involvement and acknowledged the collective effort behind building the event into a respected national community platform. He emphasised that SWD clubs are determined to keep the trophy in the region. Hennie Baartman, SA Rugby Expo member, reflected on Patel’s unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and principle during a divided era in South African rugby. He described EPCC as a living reminder of those values and urged players to honour rugby’s responsibility to serve all South Africans. The launch also highlighted the upcoming Ebrahim Patel Memorial Lecture, a key pillar of the EPCC legacy programme. The 2026 lecture will feature prominent rugby leaders and administrators, including SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, Golden Lions president Neville Jardine and EP rugby stalwart Makhaya Jack. The lecture serves as a national platform to reflect on Patel’s life, his contribution to non-racial rugby and the importance of leadership, succession and recognition within South African sport. It reinforces EPCC’s commitment not only to competition on the field but also to preserving and elevating rugby history off it. Opening day schedule: 4pm: Harlequins v Blanco 5.35pm: Robertson v Kruisfontein 7.40pm: Safcol v Heidelberg 9.15pm: Botrivier v Bridgton. Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

“The win over Hankey Villagers came at the right time and was a good morale booster for the team. Straight after the Ebrahim Patel tournament we jump back into the Grand Challenge.”

At the EPCC draw, EP Rugby president George Malgas pledged his full support to the tournament, which is expected to draw capacity crowds.

EP club rugby champions Gardens will rise to the occasion when they take to the national stage at the Saldanha Super 8 Easter Rugby tournament from April 2 to 6, says coach Julian Daniels. The Kariega side open their bid to glory when they take on Hawston RFC at 7.40pm in what promises to be an action-packed opening day to the tournament at the Transnet Saldanha Stadium. Among the contenders for one of the biggest prizes in SA club rugby are Pretoria’s all-conquering, three-time Gold Cup winners the Naka Bulls. Gardens, who opted not to play in the EC Super 14 tournament, have kept themselves busy with warm-up matches against EPRU Grand Challenge clubs. Though Daniels said performances leading into the upcoming Saldanha event have not been at the level the club expects, he believes a bigger picture is unfolding. “Our results haven’t been our best in the warm-ups, but this season has been about building something deeper,” Daniels said. “We’ve intentionally given our young players opportunities to compete at the highest level of club rugby, and that’s already strengthening our squad. “Last year, before the Patel tournament, we had a few setbacks. But one thing about Gardens, with our supporters behind us, we always rise when it matters most. We are a tournament team.” Gardens assistant coach Clyde Theron expressed excitement about the potential of a young backline who will be strutting their stuff in Saldanha. “Our backline has an average age of only 22,” he said. “This tournament is a massive opportunity, and I’m excited to see what these players will do when they step onto the national stage at Saldanha. “With a blend of youth, hunger and the unwavering support of the Gardens faithful, the stage is set for something special.” The Naka Bulls have reigned supreme in the national Gold Cup competition for the past three seasons. Gardens were crowned EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 and Ebrahim Patel Community Cup champions in 2025. “The Saldanha tournament has a reputation for bringing together diverse levels of rugby talent which attract strong spectator interest,” Gardens vice-president Royden Johnson said. Johnson said Gardens had also been invited to play at the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup during the Easter period. It must be said that while not all clubs have the same resources, this tournament gives them the chance to measure themselves against the best and aspire to reach that level “After careful consideration, discussion and planning, Gardens Rugby Club has formally accepted the invitation to participate in the Saldanha Easter Tournament,” he said. “We are aware this decision has brought mixed emotions. Some of our players, supporters and members feel disappointed, and those feelings are valid and respected. “Please be aware this decision was not taken lightly, nor was it made to disregard the importance or value of any other tournament or relationship. “At this time, the Saldanha tournament aligns best with the club’s current objectives, preparation plans and logistical considerations. ” Tournament director Bertram Vraagom said the inclusion of the Naka Bulls aligned with the tournament’s broader vision. “Many clubs might be surprised by Naka Bulls’ participation,” he said. “It must be said that while not all clubs have the same resources, this tournament gives them the chance to measure themselves against the best and aspire to reach that level. “We also welcome SK Walmer. We believe they bring a new dimension to the event as they, like many clubs, are hugely invested in their respective communities. “Look at how much investment is going into club rugby, particularly. This tournament gives clubs the perfect platform to test themselves. “The Saldanha club is striving to become like Naka Bulls, and we look forward to measuring ourselves to them. I believe if any club strives to win the Gold Cup, they need to play against the likes of Naka Bulls.” Thursday’s opening day Saldanha fixtures: 4pm: Naka Bulls vs SK Walmers, 5.40pm: SP Hamilton vs Vredenburg RFC, 7.40pm: Gardens v Hawston, 9.20pm: Saldanha Bay RFC vs Evergreens RFC. Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

He called on SA Rugby to actively support initiatives such as the Patel event and said more should be done nationally to preserve and elevate Patel’s legacy within the broader rugby framework.

Tournament director Romano Lekay said: “The EPCC has evolved beyond a tournament.

“It is unlocking meaningful investment into community rugby through measurable audience growth, broadcast exposure and credible delivery. Sponsors are seeing real return, clubs are benefiting from increased visibility and communities are starting to feel the impact,” Lekay said.

“The EPCC started with only two teams and a simple vision — to create a platform for community rugby excellence and to give honour where honour is due."

Thursday’s opening fixtures:

4pm: Harlequins v Blanco

5.35pm: Robertson v Kruisfontein

7.40pm: Safcol v Heidelberg

9.15pm: Botrivier v Bridgton.

• Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world.

The Herald