SA RUGBY

ABOUT

Eastern Province were crowned champions of the SA Rugby U21 Shield in 2026 after beating Griquas in the final in Gqeberha. Nine provincial teams were yet again divided into two sections - South comprising of Boland (2024 champions), Border (2025 champions), Eastern Province and SWD; and North, featuring the Pumas (2023 champions), Griffons, Griquas, Valke and Limpopo. Teams in the South Section played three home and three away matches (six in total) and in the North a single round (four in total). At the conclusion of the league phase, the two teams with the highest number of log points contested the semi-finals within their sections, and the two winners - EP and Griquas, who both won their playoffs on the road - progressed to the final.

THE HISTORY