SA Rugby confirmed that the Mzanzi Rugby League announced by former Bulls and Namibia loose forward Renaldo Bothma does not have their support, and players competing in the league will not be eligible to play for teams under the SA Rugby banner. This includes club, provincial, and national teams.
SA Rugby confirmed in a letter addressed to “All Presidents and Chief Executive Officers South African Rugby Union (SARU)”
That:
1) SARU as the national custodian of rugby, holds the exclusive mandate to promote, develop, regulate, and support all levels of rugby within the Republic.
2) Mzansi Rugby League, along with other Unaffiliated Rugby Organisations is not affiliated with SARU and therefore has no locus standi to operate under SARU’s auspices. Clause 10 of the Constitution defines the criteria for members and associate members, and these organisations do not meet those criteria.
3) The recent actions of Mzansi Rugby League, including unauthorised engagement with SARU members and the creation of a website falsely referencing a partnership with SARU, are in breach of SARU’s governance protocols. While the website has since been removed, the misrepresentation remains a serious concern.
Ruggas.co.za has confirmed that the website is live again and players are required to pay R 899,00 to attend trials in June 2026 with a non-refundable policy.
NO REFUNDS will be issued once payment is made, regardless of circumstances including:
Change of mind about participating
Inability to attend on trial date
Personal emergencies or devastating circumstances
Travel or accommodation issues
Injury prior to trial date
They also promise “Play rugby full-time, earning between R15 000 and R30 000 per month, with every athletic need (including premium medical aid) covered. Review our trial requirements and register for a trial in your area if you qualify. Don’t miss your chance to live your dream and make history as we kick off the inaugural Mzansi Rugby League 2027 season.”
According to Rapport, Bothma insists the venture will go ahead despite SA Rugby’s opposition.
“Yes, letters have been sent, but we are continuing; there is nothing that will stop us. We are not going to let anyone bully us.”
“Our aim was to work with SA Rugby and help fill a gap. Some teams don’t even have U19 or U21 sides, and some players only get five games a year. We want to create opportunities for them to play more, and then the unions can use our players later.”