What Is 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division

Overview

The 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division marked the 80th season of South Africa’s top-tier domestic rugby union competition. Organized by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), the tournament featured a compact schedule due to alignment with the new domestic structure and international fixtures.

This edition was notable for the inclusion of the Griffons, who earned promotion from the First Division after winning in 2017. With the Toyota Cheetahs returning after Super Rugby commitments, the competition saw heightened intensity and record-breaking performances.

• Seven teams participated in the 2018 Premier Division: Cheetahs, Blue Bulls, Sharks, Western Province, Free State, Griffons, and Pumas.
• The tournament began on July 6, 2018, with the opening match between the Blue Bulls and the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
• Each team played the others once in a single round-robin format, totaling 21 regular-season matches.
• The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, with semifinals held on September 29 and the final on October 13, 2018.
• The final, held at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, saw the Cheetahs edge the Blue Bulls 36–31 to claim their first Currie Cup title.

How It Works

The 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division followed a streamlined format to accommodate player availability and international windows. The competition structure emphasized regional rivalries and development of domestic talent.

• Round-Robin Format: Each of the seven teams played one match against every other team, accumulating points based on wins, draws, and bonus points.
• Scoring System: Teams earned 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or fewer.
• Playoff Qualification: The top four teams after the round-robin phase advanced to the semifinals, hosted by the higher-ranked teams.
• Final Venue: The final was hosted by the highest remaining seed, which in 2018 was the Toyota Cheetahs at their home ground.
• Player Eligibility: Teams could include players released from Super Rugby franchises, increasing squad depth and competitiveness.
• Refereeing Standards: Matches were officiated by SARU-accredited referees, with 10 different referees used across the 24-game tournament.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division with the 2017 and 2019 editions to highlight structural and competitive differences.

The 2018 season served as a transitional year, with fewer teams due to restructuring. The absence of the Lions and inclusion of the Griffons altered competitive dynamics. Despite fewer matches, attendance and TV viewership remained strong, indicating continued public interest in the historic competition.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division played a crucial role in maintaining South African rugby’s competitive depth during a period of national team transition and Super Rugby instability. It provided a platform for emerging players and regional pride.

• The tournament allowed Super Rugby players returning from international duty to regain match fitness in high-pressure games.
• Young talents like Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Joseph Dweba gained national attention through standout performances.
• Winning the title boosted the Toyota Cheetahs’ profile, enhancing sponsorship and fan engagement in the Free State region.
• The competition preserved the 134-year-old Currie Cup tradition, first awarded in 1889, making it one of rugby’s oldest trophies.
• Strong performances in 2018 contributed to player selections for the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.
• The tournament’s success influenced SARU’s decision to maintain a robust domestic calendar despite Super Rugby withdrawals.

Ultimately, the 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division reinforced the importance of domestic competitions in developing world-class rugby talent and sustaining fan passion across South Africa.