[imagesource: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach]

We’re nearing the final curtain call for Newlands Rugby Stadium, after more than 130 years in the game.

Back in May 1890, the first official match took place between Stellenbosch and Villagers, with the first official test match, between the British Lions and South Africa, taking place the following year.

A schoolboy rugby match, between SACS and Bishops, was played at Newlands in April of 1890. Bishops alumni are still talking about it.

2021 will see Western Province, the Stormers, and the Springboks move to the Cape Town Stadium, and generations of rugby fans will bid farewell to Newlands, denied a proper send-off due to COVID-19.

Should Western Province reach the Currie Cup Final, and earn hosting rights, there’s a chance that we could see Siya Kolisi hosting the trophy on January 23, although it’s doubtful there would be much of a crowd to witness that.

In a recent segment, Carte Blanche took on the massive task of summing up the stadium’s rich history, along with a look at some of the boardroom battles that have led to this point.

Cheers to many great, and some rather hazy, memories:

[source:carteblanche]