Rugby at Newlands DHL Rugby Stadium
Located
less than 1km away from Rondebosch Manor,
and a very easy walk, Newlands Rugby Stadium has
hosted 20 South African Test Matches since unification in
1992, with 14 out of the 20 matches going in favour of South
Africa. During the 1995 RWC, Newlands hosted two matches not
involving South Africa.
1992 SA vs Aus Lost 3 - 26
1994 SA vs Eng Won 27 - 9
1995 SA vs Australia Won 27 - 18
1995 SA vs Romania Won 21 - 8
1995 Australia 22 vs England 25
1995 England 29 vs New Zealand 45
1996 SA vs NZ Lost 18 - 29
1997 SA vs Tonga Won 74 -10
1997 SA vs British Isles Lost 16 - 25
1998 SA vs Eng Won 18 - 0
1999 SA vs Aus Won 10 - 9
2001 SA vs NZ Lost 3 - 12
2002 SA vs Wales Won 19 - 8
2003 SA vs Aus Won 26 - 22
2004 SA vs Ireland Won 26-17
2005 SA vs NZ Won 22-16
2006 SA vs France Lost 26 - 36
2007 SA vs Aus Won 22 - 19
2007 SA vs Namibia Won105 - 13
2008 SA vs Italy Won 26-0
2008 SA vs NZ Lost 0-19
2009 SA vs Aus Won 29-17
The first official matches were played at Newlands on
Saturday 31 May 1890 when Villager and Stellenbosch met in
such muddy conditions that the curtain-raiser between
Bishops and Hamiltons had to be cancelled. The records show
that the university side won by a goal to a try´ - the
goal´ was described by the legendary Fairy Heatlle as the
most remarkable dropped kick I have seen. The famous ground
was to see many more such unforgettable moments.
Newlands as we see it today was purchased, constructed,
demolished and finally re-developed at huge cost and
commitment over the past century entirely by the efforts of
dedicated members of the Western Province Rugby Football
Union and its administrators - to whom this magnificent
stadium is a fitting monument. And we must never forget
those faithful supporters, who have followed the fortunes of
their teams week in, week out in spite of often inclement
weather.
Newlands is a fitting testament to those men and women who
have supported and believed in not only the WPFRU but in the
game of Rugby Football. The stadium, and the ground the
stadium is built on, is owned by the WPRFU.
Featured in its history is the honour of hosting the opening
match of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where host nation South
Africa upset the reigning world champions Australia 27-18,
in what would be the beginning of a fairytale story that saw
Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar lift the Webb Ellis
trophy at Ellis Park at the end of the tournament. Coach
Jake White and Captain John Smit returned to Newlands in
2007, in the final leg of the country-wide World Cup victory
parade following the Boks´ triumphant Rugby World Cup
tournament in France, to show off the Webb Ellis trophy to a
near capacity Newlands Faithful, who had pitched at the
ground to welcome the Boks back home.
In 2009 Newlands also hosted the British and Irish Lions in
two non-test matches, when the Northern Hemisphere giants
played Vodacom WP on 13 June and an Emerging Springbok
outfit on 23 June. Both matches were well supported by both
local and international fans, despite a typical wet and
wintery Cape climate. The British and Irish Lions claimed
victory a tightly contested match against the Blue and White
Hoops of WP (23-26). A massive effort by the Emerging
Springboks in the final quarter and a decisive conversion
from the touchline in the 80th minute by Province´s Willem
de Waal drew the scorers equal at 13-all in the stormy
mid-week match.
Newlands has taken on various names over the years as the
Western Province Rugby side took on different sponsors, such
as Norwich and Fedsure, but today the name stands proudly
alone thanks to the discretion of their previous two
sponsors, Investec and Vodacom.
"We elected to change the name of the stadium to reflect its
popular name rather than calling it Investec Newlands",
Raymond van Niekerk, global head of group marketing at
Investec said shortly after announcing the sponsorship.
"We've tried to adopt a unique approach to stadium naming
and branding, " Van Niekerk said. "While the rich history,
heritage and tradition of Newlands is retained, the
commercial value inherent in the modern trend of selling
stadium naming rights is preserved through the use of the
Investec logo and typeface."
Rob Wagner, MD of WP Rugby commented: "Stadium naming rights
sales have become lucrative and important elements of any
sporting body's income streams. We are very happy with the
way both Investec and Vodacom have opted to utilise their
naming rights."
Newlands, home of Province and Stormers Rugby, has become
world renowned for being the most supported teams in the
modern game, regardless of log position - with its
spectators now commonly known as “The Newlands Faithful”. In
2002, Newlands welcomed its millionth spectator, to watch a
Stormers match, through the gates, with more than 2 million
fans having come out to support the popular Super Rugby
franchise over the past 12 years. In both 2008 and 2009,
Newlands recorded a total annual attendance of more than 500
000 spectators, with an average of 17 rugby fixtures a year.
For accommodation or any enquiries, please contact us at any time.
