• Rugby

Castle Lite 10-a-side kicks off with exciting match-ups

• 2 Weeks Ago 07 February 2025

The highly anticipated two-day Castle Lite 10-a-Side Rugby Tournament is set to start today and conclude tomorrow, promising thrilling action and intense competition at Trustco United Rugby Club.

The colourful event at the iconic Gemsbok Park in Olympia traditionally serves as an opener to the local club rugby season.

It also gives clubs a first opportunity to ease into any off-season changes in player and coaching personnel, and reveal any new talent acquired.

With top clubs battling for supremacy across the premier, reserve and women’s division, fans can expect a weekend filled with electrifying rugby.

NTV’s production team will ensure that all the action can be followed live on DStv channel 285 and GoTV 25, or on our online platform https://oneuptwo.com.



A competitive lineup

The tournament will see some of Namibia’s top rugby clubs competing for a share of the prize pool. The premier division winners will walk away with N$15 000, while the runner-up will receive N$7 500.

The reserve division champions will take home N$10 000, and the runner-up will pocket N$5 000.

Meanwhile, the women’s champions will earn N$7 500, with the beaten finalist securing N$4 000.

The teams participating in the premier League are Grootfontein I, Unam I, United I, Wanderers I, and Western Suburbs I.

The Reserve League features teams from Keetmanshoop, United Barbarians, Wanderers II, Western Suburbs II, Grootfontein II, Okahandja Highlanders, UNAM II, and United II.

In the women’s division UNAM will see Grootfontein, United and Wanderers vying for the title.

In 2024, Wanderers was the only unbeaten team of the premier division, beating Unam 12-5 in the final. Unam’s second team won the reserve title and Unam Steenbokkies won the women's final against United.



Exciting fixtures for opening day

The tournament kicks off today (07 February) with an enticing lineup of matches:

18:00 – UNAM II v United II

18:25 – Wanderers II v Western Suburbs II

18:50 – United Women v Wanderers Women

19:15 – United I v Western Suburbs I

19:40 – UNAM I v Wanderers I

From 17:50, all matches will be broadcast live on NTV and OneUpTwo, ensuring fans who cannot make it to the venue can still enjoy the action from the comfort of their homes.

Saturday’s match program restarts at 09:00 and continues until the premier cup final scheduled for a 20:40 kick-off.

On behalf of the tournament organisers, Bernice Döman expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s competition.

“We are thrilled to see the level of interest in the 10-a-side format. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and a fantastic platform for teams to showcase their skills.

“With sponsors like Castle Lite, Jägermeister, and Coca-Cola on board, we are confident this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.”

The director of rugby at Trustco United, Robert Dixon, highlighted the tournament’s role in developing local talent. “This event is not just about competition; it’s about fostering a strong rugby culture in Namibia. The 10-a-side format allows for great attacking rugby and provides young players with the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the country.”



Fans encouraged to show support

Fans are encouraged to attend and support their favourite teams in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of rugby.

With passionate crowds, fierce rivalries, and top-tier action, the Castle Lite 10-a-side rugby tournament traditionally counts among of the highlights of the early-season Namibian rugby calendar.

Also, stay tuned to Sport Wrap’s social media for updates and match results as the tournament unfolds.