DHL Stormers make history in scenic Stellenbosch
The DHL Stormers will play their first-ever competitive match in Stellenbosch when they face Zebre Parma in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter on Sunday.
The match will take place at the historic Danie Craven Stadium, home of the famous Maties – the rugby club at the University of Stellenbosch.
This will also be the first time that the DHL Stormers have hosted a European team, so it promises to be an occasion to remember at an iconic venue.
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest town and well-known for its wine, food and art. Surrounded by numerous wine farms, Stellenbosch is also home to many established and reputable schools, which have produced many DHL Stormers players over the years.
Surrounded by the scenic Jonkershoeak, Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains, Stellenbosch is also a place of great natural beauty, with many options for those looking for outdoor activities.
Stellenbosch is a rugby hub of the Western Cape, home to Maties, which is the second oldest rugby club in South Africa. Founded in 1875, over 170 Springbok players have represented Maties over the years.
One of the most famous Springboks to come from Maties was Danie Craven, after whom the stadium is named. Craven was a renowned player, coach and administrator who is considered a Maties, Western Province and Springbok legend.
The stadium named after him was built in 1979, situated in the Coetzenberg precinct. It hosted a match at the 1995 Rugby World Cup and many thrilling Varsity Cup games in recent years, which have seen the 16 000 capacity venue packed out with passionate students cheering on the ‘Maroon Machine’.
The stadium will make history again on Sunday when it hosts its first Vodacom United Rugby Championship match, with the DHL Stormers set to run out at 18h05 to take on Zebre Parma.
With so much to do in Stellenbosch, the famous town really is the ultimate rugby destination and another chapter will be added to the rich history of the town and the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.
