Betway Premiership
The Betway Premiership is a top-tier professional rugby union competition in South Africa. Established in 1996, it has been the premier domestic competition for South African clubs. The league consists of 12 teams, with each team playing the others home and away. The season typically runs from March to September, culminating in the playoffs and the championship final.
History and Structure
The Betway Premiership has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1996. Initially known as the Castle League, it was rebranded as the ABSA Premier Division in 2007. The league underwent further changes in 2012, becoming the Vodacom Super Rugby and later the Currie Cup. In 2020, it returned to its original name, the Betway Premiership.
- The league is divided into two conferences: the Western and Eastern pools
- Each team plays 16 matches during the regular season
- The top teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs
- The winners of each conference play in the championship final to determine the league champion
Tournament Format
The Betway Premiership tournament format has undergone significant changes over the years. Currently, the league operates under a points-based system, with teams earning points based on their performance in matches. The team with the most points at the end of the regular season qualifies for the playoffs.
| Match Result | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Win | 4 points |
| Draw | 2 points |
| Loss | 0 points |
Teams and Performance
The Betway Premiership features 12 teams, each with its own unique history, strengths, and weaknesses. The league has seen several dominant teams over the years, including the Blue Bulls, Sharks, and Western Province.
- Blue Bulls: One of the most successful teams in the league, with multiple championship