What Is 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division was the 81st edition of South Africa's premier domestic rugby union competition, held from July 19 to October 26, 2019, and won by the Sharks, who defeated the Toyota Cheetahs 35–17 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2019 Currie Cup ran from July 19 to October 26, 2019
The Sharks won the title, defeating the Toyota Cheetahs 35–17 in the final
Six teams competed: Blue Bulls, Cheetahs, Griquas, Pumas, Sharks, and Western Province
The regular season consisted of 10 rounds of matches
The competition used a round-robin format followed by semi-finals and a final

Overview

The 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division marked the 81st season of South Africa’s elite domestic rugby union competition, serving as a critical platform for players to showcase their talent ahead of international selection. Organized by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), the tournament featured a compact format with six provincial teams battling for the historic trophy.

This edition was notable for its condensed schedule and high-stakes matches, held during the mid-year international window. With the Springboks preparing for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Currie Cup provided valuable game time for fringe players and emerging stars.

Competition dates: The tournament officially kicked off on July 19, 2019, and concluded with the final on October 26, 2019.
Champions: The Cell C Sharks claimed their eighth Currie Cup title by defeating the Toyota Cheetahs 35–17 in the final held at Kings Park Stadium.
Teams: Six provincial sides participated: Blue Bulls, Toyota Cheetahs, Griquas, Pumas, Sharks, and Western Province.
Format: The competition followed a round-robin structure in the regular season, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.
Venues: Matches were hosted at home grounds of each team, including Loftus Versfeld, Free State Stadium, and Newlands.

How It Works

The 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division followed a structured format designed to balance competitiveness with player workload during a busy rugby calendar. Each team played every other team once in the regular season, followed by knockout stages.

Round-Robin Stage: Each of the six teams played 10 matches over 10 weeks, facing opponents both home and away in a single round-robin format.
Points 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.
Qualification: The top four teams on the log after 10 rounds advanced to the semi-finals, with the highest seed hosting lower-ranked opponents.
Semi-Finals: Held on October 12, 2019, the Sharks defeated Western Province 29–17, while the Cheetahs beat the Pumas 29–22.
Final: The championship match took place on October 26, 2019, with the Sharks winning 35–17 to claim their first title since 2013.
Player Eligibility: The tournament allowed World Cup-bound Springboks to participate, increasing the quality and visibility of the competition.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the six competing teams in the 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division based on final standings and performance metrics:

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points	Final Position
Sharks	12	9	3	44	1st (Champions)
Toyota Cheetahs	12	8	4	38	2nd
Western Province	11	6	5	30	3rd (Semi-finalist)
Pumas	11	5	6	27	4th (Semi-finalist)
Blue Bulls	10	4	6	22	5th
Griquas	10	2	8	14	6th

The Sharks’ consistency throughout the season, combined with strong home performances and key victories over Western Province and the Cheetahs, secured them the top log position. Their final triumph underscored the team’s depth and coaching strategy during a transitional year for South African rugby.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division played a vital role in maintaining high-level domestic rugby in South Africa during a period of structural change in the sport. As Super Rugby franchises evolved and player movement increased, the Currie Cup remained a cornerstone of provincial pride and player development.

Player Development: The competition gave emerging players like Curwin Bosch and Sikhumbuzo Notshe crucial match experience under pressure.
Springbok Preparation: With the 2019 Rugby World Cup approaching, the Currie Cup served as a selection proving ground for Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff.
Provincial Rivalries: Matches like Sharks vs. Bulls and Western Province vs. Cheetahs drew large crowds and intense media coverage.
Commercial Value: Broadcast rights and stadium attendance helped SARU generate over ZAR 20 million in revenue during the tournament.
Historical Significance: The Currie Cup, first awarded in 1891, is the world’s second-oldest rugby competition after England’s County Championship.
Pathway to Professionalism: Strong performances in the 2019 edition led to 12 players earning Super Rugby contracts for the following season.

The 2019 season reaffirmed the Currie Cup’s enduring relevance in South African sport, bridging the gap between club rugby and international competition while preserving the nation’s rich rugby heritage.