For 150 years, Maties Rugby has been more than just a team, it has been an institution, a cultural cornerstone of Stellenbosch, and a breeding ground for both athletic and academic excellence. But what’s next for the storied club that predates Stellenbosch University (SU) itself? Drikus Hancke, the Head of Rugby at Maties Sport, offers insight into the club’s rich past, its transition into a university powerhouse and the steps being taken to ensure that Maties Rugby continues to evolve.
Long before SU came into existence, rugby had already established itself in the region. Originally known as Victoria College Rugby Club, it later became Stellenbosch Rugby Club, serving as the town’s primary rugby institution. Hancke believes this deep-rooted history speaks volumes about the DNA of Maties Rugby.
“It was one of the first sports played here,” Hancke explains. “This club has always run parallel to the existence of the educational institution, adapting and growing with the university. The university has strengthened the rugby club, making it what it is today.”
As the educational institution grew, so did Maties Rugby. The club transitioned from an open town rugby team to a dedicated university club, a shift that significantly influenced its culture and identity.
“The Varsity Cup and USSA competitions played a huge role in this transformation,” said Hancke. “Now, with the age limit set at 24 for Varsity Cup, we’ve focused our vision on becoming the number one university club in the world. Our strategy isn’t just about success on the field, it’s about holistic development. We ensure our players excel as rugby athletes but also graduate with a strong academic qualification.”
When reflecting on the most critical moments in Maties Rugby history, Hancke points to two defining periods: the launch of the Varsity Cup and the loss of Steinhoff as a sponsor. “The Varsity Cup was a game-changer,” he said. “It gave the club a platform to compete, gain exposure, and expand the brand of Stellenbosch University and Maties Rugby. Losing Steinhoff as a sponsor was another major shift. We had to rethink our operational model and build a sustainable future. Now, we’ve created our own business model, ensuring the club’s stability moving forward.”
Reaching 150 years is an incredible milestone, but Hancke emphasises that Maties Rugby is not content with resting on its legacy. Instead, the club remains focused on continuous improvement and forward thinking innovation. “Our slogan for the 150-year celebration is ‘A Legacy That Inspires,’” Hancke says. “We honour our past, but we also look ahead. We aim to evolve every year, not just for the players but for the students who come to watch, creating an experience they can be proud of.”
Innovation in coaching, training, and player development is a key component of staying ahead. “We have a structured feedback loop, constant data analysis, and internal challenges to push each other to be better,” he explains. “We also travel and connect with other teams and experts, believing that you grow through the people you meet, the books you read, and rhe experiences you gain.”
At the heart of Maties Rugby is its players, who embody the club’s core values of responsibility, respect, and excellence. “These values are tangible in sport,” Hancke says. “Responsibility means self-discipline in the way you train and look after yourself. Respect is about being a good teammate, showing up at training, it’s where you know the ‘me’ is smaller than the team. Excellence for us is standards, doing the little things right, you turn by the line and not before the line type of thing.”
As the head of one of the most historically significant university rugby clubs, Hancke carries a deep sense of passion and responsibility. “This club helped shape me,” he reflects. “I played here, I coached here, and I even met my wife here at Stellenbosch. I have a lot of gratitude for what Stellenbosch has given me. Fortunately, I have a strong network of support from Maties Sport and others in leadership roles. That makes all the difference.”
With great history comes great expectation, and Maties Rugby is no stranger to the pressure to succeed. “We are definitely expected to succeed, we don’t sometimes feel like that, we know it,” Hancke says. “We don’t see it as pressure, a lot of us played sports or played rugby so we actually take that responsibility on with almost excitement, it comes from a place of passion.”
When Hancke was asked to define Maties Rugby in just three words, his answer is clear: “Legacy that inspires”
That legacy, built over 150 years, is not just about past triumphs but about shaping the future. Maties Rugby is committed to continuing this tradition of excellence, evolving with the times while staying true to the values that have made it one of the most respected university rugby clubs in the world.
By Kezia Daniels
