1916
Nine Rugby enthusiasts gathered in Windhoek to co-ordinate the organisation of rugby in South West Africa. The nine persons were; Mr. Anderson, Mr. Edmunds, Mr. Bone, Mr. Louw, Mr. Hauptfleisch, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Pietersen and Mr. Snyman. These men decided that a Union must be established to control rugby in South West Africa. They decided on DAMARALAND RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION.
The first president was mr. WJG Anderson. In the first season of rugby in South West Africa mr Anderson also were the referee in the matches played. He was the only referee in the country at that time. In this same year UNITED was established. In 1916 the search for a proper rugbyveld commenced and the search continued on to 1960. The first piece of veld available was between the old station and Kaiserstrasse. The first two matches played on that veld was with a soccer ball. The first rugby ball arrived from the Cape only here to be used in the 3rd match.
Nine Rugby enthusiasts gathered in Windhoek to co-ordinate the organisation of rugby in South West Africa. The nine persons were; Mr. Anderson, Mr. Edmunds, Mr. Bone, Mr. Louw, Mr. Hauptfleisch, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Pietersen and Mr. Snyman. These men decided that a Union must be established to control rugby in South West Africa. They decided on DAMARALAND RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION.
The first president was mr. WJG Anderson. In the first season of rugby in South West Africa mr Anderson also were the referee in the matches played. He was the only referee in the country at that time. In this same year UNITED was established. In 1916 the search for a proper rugbyveld commenced and the search continued on to 1960. The first piece of veld available was between the old station and Kaiserstrasse. The first two matches played on that veld was with a soccer ball. The first rugby ball arrived from the Cape only here to be used in the 3rd match.
1920
United changed it's name to United Rugby Club
18.2.1920
Wanderers Rugby Club was established. According to a spoken agreement the people in service of the SWA Administration and the Education, will play for United and all the people working for the banks and postal offices will play for Wanderers. The Windhoek High School also joined in 1920 the junior league.
United changed it's name to United Rugby Club
18.2.1920
Wanderers Rugby Club was established. According to a spoken agreement the people in service of the SWA Administration and the Education, will play for United and all the people working for the banks and postal offices will play for Wanderers. The Windhoek High School also joined in 1920 the junior league.
30.7.1921
A Comitee decided that each kind of sport in the country must have it's own sports veld.
A Comitee decided that each kind of sport in the country must have it's own sports veld.
1922
The High School of Keetmanshoop at this stage also joined the junior league. Police is established which at this stage changed their name to Pirates which give the administators a lot of problems.
The High School of Keetmanshoop at this stage also joined the junior league. Police is established which at this stage changed their name to Pirates which give the administators a lot of problems.
23.3.1923
The Damaraland Rugby Union asked if they could use the veld of the Recreational Club of the Railway for rugby purposes.
The Damaraland Rugby Union asked if they could use the veld of the Recreational Club of the Railway for rugby purposes.
1925
The Damaraland Rugby Football Union moved to the Railway veld. The Railway Club was established and the first rugby touring group was taken to South Africa.
The Damaraland Rugby Football Union moved to the Railway veld. The Railway Club was established and the first rugby touring group was taken to South Africa.
1926
Pirates changed their name back to Police and USAKOS CLUB and KEETMANSHOOP CLUB was established.
Pirates changed their name back to Police and USAKOS CLUB and KEETMANSHOOP CLUB was established.
1929
The Damaraland Rugby Football Union undertook their second rugby tour to South Africa.
The Damaraland Rugby Football Union undertook their second rugby tour to South Africa.
1933
The Damaraland Rugby Football Union moved to a veld west of the showgrounds
The Damaraland Rugby Football Union moved to a veld west of the showgrounds
1936
The First University team arrived in South West Africa, the Maties. The manager was Dr. Alec van der Horst and the players were; P Bainsfather, L Louw, W du Preez, M Smith, A Gonin, C Loubser, J Bonthuis, J van der Spuy, S van der Spuy, J Nel, P Calitz, A Lategan, P Fourie, A Clarke, J Oberholzer (captain), J Spies, P Luckoff, R Steenkamp, S Pienaar and C Ackerman.
They played seven matches in South West Africa.
29 June against Keetmanshoop,
30 June against Mariental,
4 July against United/Railway and on
8 July against Wanderers/Police. They then played two games in the North and their last game was against Windhoek which they won 9-3.
On tour the Maties scored 162 points and the teams of South West Africa could only scored 2 penalty goals.
The First University team arrived in South West Africa, the Maties. The manager was Dr. Alec van der Horst and the players were; P Bainsfather, L Louw, W du Preez, M Smith, A Gonin, C Loubser, J Bonthuis, J van der Spuy, S van der Spuy, J Nel, P Calitz, A Lategan, P Fourie, A Clarke, J Oberholzer (captain), J Spies, P Luckoff, R Steenkamp, S Pienaar and C Ackerman.
They played seven matches in South West Africa.
29 June against Keetmanshoop,
30 June against Mariental,
4 July against United/Railway and on
8 July against Wanderers/Police. They then played two games in the North and their last game was against Windhoek which they won 9-3.
On tour the Maties scored 162 points and the teams of South West Africa could only scored 2 penalty goals.
1938
The Ikeys arrived in South West Africa for a tour of also seven games. The manager was Mr. JP du Toit and George Osler was the captain.
The team was Niekie Greeff, H Hock, J van Niekerk, H Wilson, C Luyt, E Charnock, E Malherbe, W Miller, A Schiller, H Brunow, S Raath, A Morrison, J Liddel, F Hillier, A Griesel, K Louw, C Helm. JA Louw, K Caine and BL Moore.
They won all seven their games against teams of South West Africa.
The Ikeys arrived in South West Africa for a tour of also seven games. The manager was Mr. JP du Toit and George Osler was the captain.
The team was Niekie Greeff, H Hock, J van Niekerk, H Wilson, C Luyt, E Charnock, E Malherbe, W Miller, A Schiller, H Brunow, S Raath, A Morrison, J Liddel, F Hillier, A Griesel, K Louw, C Helm. JA Louw, K Caine and BL Moore.
They won all seven their games against teams of South West Africa.
1943
The two Clubs of Mariental and Gobabis was established.
The two Clubs of Mariental and Gobabis was established.
1944
Otjiwarongo Club and Omaruru Club was established
Otjiwarongo Club and Omaruru Club was established
1945
Grootfontein Club and Stamprietfontein Club was established
Grootfontein Club and Stamprietfontein Club was established
1951
Damaraland undertook their third tour to South Africa.
Damaraland undertook their third tour to South Africa.
1952
1952 saw the Union's name change from DAMARALAND RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION to SOUTH WEST AFRICA RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION
1952 saw the Union's name change from DAMARALAND RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION to SOUTH WEST AFRICA RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION
Talpark Club was established.
In 1952 the SOUTH WEST AFRICA RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION undertook their first tour to South Africa.
The team of South West Africa left for South Africa to play three matches in Kimberley, Klerksdorp & Bloemfontein.
14 June 1952 - Kimberley SWA 3-11 Griqualand West
18 June 1952 - Klerksdorp SWA 8-26 W-Tvl
21 June 1952 - Bloemfontein SWA 11-15 OFS
In 1952 the SOUTH WEST AFRICA RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION undertook their first tour to South Africa.
The team of South West Africa left for South Africa to play three matches in Kimberley, Klerksdorp & Bloemfontein.
14 June 1952 - Kimberley SWA 3-11 Griqualand West
18 June 1952 - Klerksdorp SWA 8-26 W-Tvl
21 June 1952 - Bloemfontein SWA 11-15 OFS
1953
Tsumeb Club was established. In 1953 another tour from South Africa arrived in South West Africa. This time it was a team from the North Western Free State which the visitors lost 8-9 against South West Africa in Windhoek
Tsumeb Club was established. In 1953 another tour from South Africa arrived in South West Africa. This time it was a team from the North Western Free State which the visitors lost 8-9 against South West Africa in Windhoek
1954
In 1954 the Municipality of Windhoek provided a piece of veld for a rugby field. They started to plant lawn and for the first time it seems as if South West Africa will have a rugby field with lawn on it to play decent rugby. The South West Africa Rugby decided to join the Currie Cup competition in South Africa. In the Rugby Chambers the men started to talk about a logo to identify them on the rugby veld. The first idea was of a welwitschia plant (see original picture that was submitted as an idea for the logo) was set aside because everytime you would have to explain to logo to a person because nobody at that stage new the welwitschia plant. They then decided on a jumping Zebra on a red background.
In 1954 the Municipality of Windhoek provided a piece of veld for a rugby field. They started to plant lawn and for the first time it seems as if South West Africa will have a rugby field with lawn on it to play decent rugby. The South West Africa Rugby decided to join the Currie Cup competition in South Africa. In the Rugby Chambers the men started to talk about a logo to identify them on the rugby veld. The first idea was of a welwitschia plant (see original picture that was submitted as an idea for the logo) was set aside because everytime you would have to explain to logo to a person because nobody at that stage new the welwitschia plant. They then decided on a jumping Zebra on a red background.
1954 saw the start of South West Africa's campaign in the Currie Cup Competition, the oldest rugby competition in the world.
In their first match against Western Province they lost 3-24 but then they shook the other competitors when they beat South Western Districts with 6 points to 4.
In their first match against Western Province they lost 3-24 but then they shook the other competitors when they beat South Western Districts with 6 points to 4.
1955
The British Lions toured South Africa in 1955 and a match was scheduled against South West Africa. South West Africa lost 0-9 to the British Lions in South West Africa's first ever international match. Because of the Lions tour to South Africa no Currie Cup competition was scheduled.
The British Lions toured South Africa in 1955 and a match was scheduled against South West Africa. South West Africa lost 0-9 to the British Lions in South West Africa's first ever international match. Because of the Lions tour to South Africa no Currie Cup competition was scheduled.
1956
In 1956 South West Africa won Currie Cup games against South Western Districts & Boland.
In 1956 South West Africa won Currie Cup games against South Western Districts & Boland.
1959
In 1959 South West Africa played their second international match. This time it was against Rhodesia. South West Africa lost the test 3-19 in Otjiwarongo. (Till now, the only other town in South West Africa which hosted the National team in a test match.)
In 1959 South West Africa played their second international match. This time it was against Rhodesia. South West Africa lost the test 3-19 in Otjiwarongo. (Till now, the only other town in South West Africa which hosted the National team in a test match.)
1975
On 6 September 1975 South West Africa played against Border in Windhoek in their first Sport Pienaar Final. South West Africa lost the game 22-28.
On 6 September 1975 South West Africa played against Border in Windhoek in their first Sport Pienaar Final. South West Africa lost the game 22-28.
1976
On 25 September 1976 South West Africa travelled to Ladysmith in South Africa to play Northern Natal in their second Sport Pienaar Final. South West Africa came back home with the trophy after they won the game 21-9. Days later on 2 October they lost their Promotion/Relegation match against Boland 6-9.
On 25 September 1976 South West Africa travelled to Ladysmith in South Africa to play Northern Natal in their second Sport Pienaar Final. South West Africa came back home with the trophy after they won the game 21-9. Days later on 2 October they lost their Promotion/Relegation match against Boland 6-9.
1977
On 10 September 1977 South West Africa played in their third Sport Pienaar Final. They lost 11-18 in Kimberley against Griqualand West.
On 10 September 1977 South West Africa played in their third Sport Pienaar Final. They lost 11-18 in Kimberley against Griqualand West.
1978
16 September 1978 is South West Africa's forth consecutive Sport Pienaar Final. They lost 9-15 in Windhoek against Griqualand West.
16 September 1978 is South West Africa's forth consecutive Sport Pienaar Final. They lost 9-15 in Windhoek against Griqualand West.
1979
South West Africa played in their fifth consecutive Sport Pienaar Final. On 15 September in Pietersburg against Far North. They won the game 24-18 and returned home with the trophy for the second time in five years.
South West Africa played in their fifth consecutive Sport Pienaar Final. On 15 September in Pietersburg against Far North. They won the game 24-18 and returned home with the trophy for the second time in five years.
1980
The sixth consecutive Sport Pienaar Final for South West Africa. They lost 9-27 on 6 September in Springs against Eastern Transvaal. Two weeks later they lost their Promotion/Relegation match against Western Transvaal in Windhoek 7-25.
The sixth consecutive Sport Pienaar Final for South West Africa. They lost 9-27 on 6 September in Springs against Eastern Transvaal. Two weeks later they lost their Promotion/Relegation match against Western Transvaal in Windhoek 7-25.
1984
8 September 1984. Sasolburg. Vaal Triangle. Sport Pienaar Final. South West Africa took the trophy home when they beat Vaal Triangle 13-12. Weeks later on 29 September South West Africa won their Promotion/Relegation match against Eastern Transvaal 36-9.
8 September 1984. Sasolburg. Vaal Triangle. Sport Pienaar Final. South West Africa took the trophy home when they beat Vaal Triangle 13-12. Weeks later on 29 September South West Africa won their Promotion/Relegation match against Eastern Transvaal 36-9.
1986
On 6 September 1986 South West Africa played in the Currie Cup B section final in Durban against Natal and lost the game 8-19.
On 6 September 1986 South West Africa played in the Currie Cup B section final in Durban against Natal and lost the game 8-19.
1987
12 September 1987 is South West Africa's first Currie Cup B section Final victory when they beat Western Transvaal in Windhoek 24-12. The next weekend they played in the Currie Cup semi-final in Windhoek against Transvaal and lost 9-12. On 3 October they played in the Promotion/Relegation match against Northern Free State in Windhoek and they demolished Northern Free State 68-18 when they scored 11 tries in the match.
12 September 1987 is South West Africa's first Currie Cup B section Final victory when they beat Western Transvaal in Windhoek 24-12. The next weekend they played in the Currie Cup semi-final in Windhoek against Transvaal and lost 9-12. On 3 October they played in the Promotion/Relegation match against Northern Free State in Windhoek and they demolished Northern Free State 68-18 when they scored 11 tries in the match.