A NEW ERA FOR RUGBY AT RIVERSIDE SPORTS CLUB

Riverside Sports Club proudly celebrates the extraordinary rise of its rugby division- now officially known as the Emeris Rugby Club, formerly Varsity College Rugby.

Over the past few seasons, this team has not just competed — they’ve built a legacy within the club and on the national stage.

In 2023, Varsity College qualified for the Varsity Shield, marking the start of an exciting and ambitious new chapter.

In 2024, the team proved they belonged at that level — finishing third on the log and advancing to the Varsity Shield Final, where they lost to Tuks. It was a breakthrough season that established them as serious contenders.

But 2025 elevated the programme to new heights.

Stronger. Sharper. Relentless.

🏆 Won the Varsity Shield log
🏆 Secured automatic promotion to the Varsity Cup
🏆 Won the Varsity Shield Final

A dominant campaign saw the team crowned champions- earning their place in the Varsity Cup 2026.

With Varsity College rebranding to Emeris, the rugby division of Riverside Sports Club has proudly embraced its new identity as the Emeris Rugby Club.

Emeris Rugby Club is an open rugby club, welcoming both students and non-students. It is a community-driven, performance-focused environment that provides opportunities for players who are committed to excellence and growth.

This marks more than a name change — it signals the beginning of a bold new era driven by ambition, inclusivity, and high-performance rugby.

From Shield qualifiers…
To Shield finalists…
To Shield champions…
To Varsity Cup competitors.

In 2026, Emeris Rugby Club will step onto the Varsity Cup stage with pride and purpose.

Emeris Rugby Club is immensely proud of its highly competitive Women’s Section.

Our women’s team competes in the KZNRU Women’s Premier Division — the highest level of women’s club rugby in the province.

This is not a developmental afterthought — it is a flagship programme within our club.

Strong. Skilled. Competitive.

Our women’s side consistently sets the standard for performance, discipline, and ambition, contributing meaningfully to the growth and strength of women’s rugby in KwaZulu-Natal.

We are committed to providing elite-level opportunities for female players and continuing to build one of the most competitive women’s programmes in the region.

HISTORY OF SENIOR RUGBY

In what can be best described as both a historic and bold move, DHS Old Boys and Glenwood Falcons Rugby Clubs merged in 2006. The newly formed club was known as Old Boys and former Natal hooker Don Spiers was voted in as the first chairman. It was a dream come true for former Springbok and Sharks hooker John Allan, who was one of the main negotiators in the merger. John has always pushed for community based rugby, saying that clubs need the support of their communities as much as their sponsors.

The clubs mission statement was spelt out loud and clear “The creation of a professional run rugby club for the future” and five years later this was again evident when Varsity College became involved as a sponsor. 2013 was a watershed year, as the club was officially assimilated into Varsity College and became officially known as Varsity College Rugby Football Club. Today, VCRFC boasts 4 open and up to 3 junior sides and is run by a committee of dedicated professionals. VCRFC is also one of the few clubs to have a dedicated full time administrator.

PRACTICE DETAILS

Senior Practice Schedule:
January – September
📅 Tuesdays and Thursdays
⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

All senior players are expected to attend training regularly as the club maintains high standards of preparation and performance.

MEMBERSHIP FEE

Annual Membership Fee:
R700 per year (including full Riverside Sports Club membership)

Registration fees are payable at practice.

This membership provides players with access to club facilities, structured coaching, competitive opportunities, and inclusion in one of the fastest-rising rugby programmes in the country.