SA Rugbymag

South African rugby news, fixtures, results, video, interviews, and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers/Western Province, Sharks, Cheetahs, Kings and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • Cars
    • Motoring News
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals

You are here: Home ∼ SA Rugby pays homage to long-serving Verster

SA Rugby pays homage to long-serving Verster

Harold Verster BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 19: Harold Verster, MD of Free State Cheetahs during the Toyota Free State Cheetahs Currie Cup season launch at Toyota Stadium on July 19, 2017 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images)
Published on June 3, 2020

SA Rugby has paid tribute to Harold Verster, whose involvement of more than 50 years in rugby will end when he steps down as managing director of the Free State Cheetahs.

The 70-year-old’s term of office will conclude once the initial COVID-19 crisis has been overcome, although it is expected to be no earlier than September.

Verster, who will still remain with the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd in a consulting capacity until the end of the year, was involved in rugby in this province as a player and later an administrator, where he first served as president for 19 years before stepping into the role of MD of the Cheetahs in 2011.

‘Harold leaves a legacy of a professional franchise running with smooth efficiency, a trusted partner for sponsors and a very competitive high-performance ability on the field,’ SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said.

‘During his time as president, he fought hard for the recognition of the heartland provinces of Free State, Griquas and the Griffons, and that effort culminated in the Cheetahs earning franchise status. In this time, the Cheetahs brand was established and thanks to strong support from sponsors, they managed to win the coveted Currie Cup five times, with the victory in 2005 ending a 29-year drought.’

With the establishment of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd in 1997 – a move that was instrumental in pushing the province into the higher echelons of the national game – Verster put his professional qualifications in communications to good use, ensuring the franchise managed to land some big-name sponsors.

His time in office was highlighted by two major upgrades to the Free State Stadium, at first for the RWC in 1995, and later with the upgrade of the grand stand for the Soccer World Cup in 2010, all of which upped the capacity to 46,000.

‘The drive to make the province more reflective of society was also a success with close to half of the Springboks produced by the Cheetahs since 2004 being players of colour,’ Alexander added.

‘Harold served his province and region with passion and total commitment and that was recognised by his peers in rugby, with the Cheetahs brand, style of play and status in the game at a very high premium.

‘It was fitting that they were included as one of two South African teams to play in an expanded Guinness PRO14 competition, leaving yet another footprint in the world of rugby, this time by thrilling crowds in Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.’

Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images

Posted in Cheetahs, Currie Cup, News, Super Rugby Tagged Cheetahs, Free State Cheetahs, Free State Rugby, Harold Verster, Mark Alexander, NEWS, sa rugby

Post by SA Rugby magazine

SA Rugby magazine

MPU #1 - (DESKTOP SIZE 300x250 / MOBILE SIZE 320x50, 300x250, 320x100)
← Previous Next →

Ratings: Du Toit one of the few standouts for Boks

The Boks faded in the second half to slump to a 22-17...

Five key areas the Boks need to dominate for first victory

SA Rugby magazine highlights five crucial areas the Boks will need to...

Duhan should be celebrated for his Lions success

Duhan van der Merwe’s achievements should be truly appreciated by South Africans,...

JdV: Boks-Lions have everything to play for

Performing in empty stadiums will be a key factor in the series...

Dynamic Dayimani: Forward to back

While he has been signed as an ‘edge’ forward, Hacjivah Dayimani could...

Boks have muscle memory to rely on

Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are experts at finding solutions to tricky...

Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

Column: When context is needed

As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

From the mag: Foreign Favourites

As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

Bulls rookies to watch

After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

VIEW MORE
  • Team graphics: Springboks vs B&I Lions
  • Boks vs Lions (1st Test): Predict and WIN!
  • Lions team announcement: Duhan to front Boks
  • Teams: SA A vs Bulls
Boks

Why the Boks should be bullish

There is good reason for the Springboks to enter the British & Irish Lions series with confidence, writes MARK KEOHANE in the latest SA Rugby magazine.

  • Watch: Did Gatland’s words influence Jonker?


COVID-19 Corona Virus
South African Resource Portal

ABOUT

  • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Videos
  • Player Features
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy Policy

TOURNAMENTS

    • Rugby Championship
    • Super Rugby
    • Currie Cup
    • Varsity Cup
    • Gold Cup
    • Schools
    • Six Nations
    • Champions Cup
    • World Cup

OPINION

  • Mallett on SuperSport
  • Cardinelli column
  • Lewis column
  • Xabanisa column
  • Borchardt column
  • Superbru

Primary Menu

  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • Cars
    • Motoring News
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals
×