La Motte Rugby Football Club (LMRFC) has been promoted to the Boland Super 10 rugby league, for the first time in the club’s history — and after years of self-funded competition in the Franshoek Valley.
Scrumhalf Charl Sias dives over despite a last-ditch tackle from a Wynland defender after catching the defence flat-footed with a quick tap from the mark. The try gave La Motte Rugby Football Club the momentum to come back and win a promotion-deciding game. PHOTO: Supplied/shotsbycharley
The club, which funded jerseys and transport through personal and community donations, will now compete in fixtures as far as Bonnievale and the Koue Bokkeveld, said Carlo van der Westhuizen, the rugby coach of LMRFC.
Reliable transport and medical support remain outstanding needs, he added, stating that the LMRFC is actively seeking sponsorship from the Franschhoek Valley and Cape Winelands.
“Every jersey, every taxi to an away game was funded from our own pockets and small community donations,” Van der Westhuizen said. “Promotion is proof that consistency beats resources.”
Captain Anseley Williams plays on home turf on 8 August 2026, in a match against Wynland. After being down 21-10 in a top 10 deciding game, La Motte came back to win 37-33. PHOTO: Supplied/shotsbycharley
Anseley Williams, the captain and inside centre of the team, grew up in La Motte, Franschoek, and has played for the club since childhood. He described his role as captain as being “bigger than rugby.”
“We want players to show the talent that our Father [God] gave us and to improve on it, to be better role models to the youth and to our community,” said Williams.
“La Motte is more than a rugby club. La Motte rugby keeps our young men off the streets, away from drugs and gangsterism, and gives them brotherhood and discipline,” said Van der Westhuizen.
“We had a goal to be crowned league champions, but we came short. The goal didn’t stop. The goal moved on when we qualified for the first time into the Super 10 of Boland,” he said. “It shows hard work pays off, what you do behind the scenes. We are truly blessed and humble for the opportunity.”
Van der Westhuizen attributed the promotion to a collective effort rather than individual performance.
“Work ethic is our star player,” he said.
The squad of 23 is drawn primarily from La Motte and Groendal, with additional players from Paarl and Kylemore, joining what Williams called the “club culture”.
On match days, the sidelines are filled with fans who double as volunteers who run the kiosk, and act as ball boys.
Local La Motte Rugby Football Club achieved promotion to the Boland Super 10, eight years after they were founded. They will be competing in this competition for the first time in their club’s history this upcoming season. PHOTO: Sourced/Facebook La Motte Rugby
Brian Jacobs,who retired as the club’s captain three years ago, said playing for LMRFC was the best experience of his entire career.
He still attends most games and said, “The promotion couldn’t come at a better time. The guys worked hard, fought hard. The promotion is something great for our community.”
He enjoys watching the hunger of the next generation, with some real talents shining through, he said.
The club’s long-term plans include an age-group structure from under-10 to under-18, a women’s team and a clubhouse.
“We are not going there to just make numbers,” Van der Westhuizen said. “We will compete with heart, discipline and respect.”