2026 Currie Cup First Division

2026 Currie Cup First Division
CountriesSouth Africa
Date– 24 July
ChampionsSWD Eagles (4th title)
Runners-upValke

The 2026 Currie Cup First Division was the 88th edition of the Currie Cup. As the second-tier of the competition, it ran alongside the 2026 Currie Cup Premier Division. It was sponsored by beer brand Carling Black Label and organised by the South African Rugby Union.

The 2026 SA Cup determined which teams participated, with the top four joining the United Rugby Championship teams in the 2026 Currie Cup Premier Division, and the bottom six playing in the First Division.[1]

The division was contested by the same teams as in 2025, with the Griffons attempting to defend their title.

It was won by South-Western Districts, coached by ex-Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, who described the win as the greatest achievement of his career.[2]

Teams

Location of teams in the 2026 Currie Cup First Division

The six competing teams were:

2026 Currie Cup First Division
Team Sponsored name
Border Border
Eastern Province Eastern Province
Griffons Griffons
Leopards Leopards
SWD Eagles Dotsure SWD Eagles
Valke Valke


Standings

2026 Currie Cup First Division standings
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts Qualification
1 SWD Eagles 5 4 0 1 275 157 +118 43 23 0 0 22 Semi-Final
2 Eastern Province 5 4 0 1 187 143 +44 26 21 0 0 20
3 Valke 5 3 0 2 248 159 +89 38 24 0 0 18
4 Leopards 5 2 0 3 173 182 −9 25 30 0 0 14
5 Griffons 5 2 0 3 148 167 −19 24 26 0 0 11
6 Border 5 0 0 5 74 297 −223 12 44 0 0 1
Source: springboks.rugby
Rules for classification: Tournament points in the standings were awarded to teams as follows:
  • 4 points for a win.
  • 2 points for a draw.
  • 1 bonus point for a loss in a match by seven points or under.
  • 1 bonus point for scoring four tries or more.
Teams were ranked in the standings firstly by tournament points then by: (a) points difference from all matches (points scored less points conceded); (b) tries difference from all matches (tries scored less tries conceded); (c) points difference from the matches between the tied teams; (d) points scored in all matches; (e) tries scored in all matches; and, if needed, (f) a coin toss.


[3]

Semi-finals

18 July 2026 SWD Eagles 59–10 Leopards Outeniqua Park, George  
15:00 Report Referee: Caleb Hibbert
18 July 2026 Eastern Province 12–44 Valke Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha  
15:00 Report Referee: Paul Mente

Final

24 July 2026 SWD Eagles 41–21 Valke Outeniqua Park, George  
19:15 Report Referee: Jonathan Lee Lottering

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Griquas out to up their game for 2025 SA Cup campaign". Diamond Fields Advertiser. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  2. ↑ Harrison, Ncube (27 July 2026). "Heyneke Meyer Calls SWD Eagles' Currie Cup First Division Title Greatest Career Achievement - Briefly.co.za". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "CARLING CURRIE CUP FIRST DIVISION - SA Rugby". springboks.rugby. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
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