Caledon Rugby Club Draws a Line in the Sand Over Dilapidated Sports Facilities

Caledon | Carlo Small | 06 March 2026

The proud name of Caledon Rugby Club (Callies) is synonymous with the rich sporting tradition of the Overberg. However, behind the scenes of this Boland Grand Challenge contender, a crisis is brewing that threatens to break the club's survival and the town's sporting soul.

In a powerful open letter to the Theewaterskloof (TWK) Municipality, the club management expressed deep concern over the "inadequate and dilapidated" infrastructure currently crippling the club. The message is clear: the time for talking is over; the time for action is now.

A Battle Against the Elements and Infrastructure

According to Caledon RFC, the situation at the Caledon Sports Grounds is nothing short of a disgrace. The list of grievances is long and affects every facet of the sport:

No Home Games: Due to poor planning and the prioritization of other sporting codes, Callies has been unable to play any home games in 2026.
Practicing in the Dark: There are no functional floodlights. For a club with working players who can only train at night, this is a nearly impossible obstacle.
Vandalism and Security: The facilities are regularly plundered by criminals. The clubhouse has been literally stripped bare, and without security, the buildings are constantly targeted.
Decaying Facilities: The pavilion has stood without a roof since 2020, and the changing rooms are in such a state that it is an embarrassment to receive visiting teams.

"The stadium and its facilities have become an eyesore," the open letter from Caledon to the Municipality reads. "It is not fitting for a town with such a rich sporting tradition as Caledon."

Frustration is boiling over on social media, where Caledon residents are clearly declaring their support for the club. Supporters are fed up with the lack of response from the municipality following numerous emails and meetings.

On Facebook, Aidan Abrahams put it bluntly: "It looks to me like Uitsig RFC and Caledon RFC should also go and toi-toi [protest] in front of the Municipal offices." This highlights the growing feeling that officials only listen when drastic protest action is taken.

Meanwhile, supporters like Agnes Elizabeth are making a passionate appeal for the whole town to stand together: "My whole family's names are there; I made sure of it. Come on Callies Supporters, sign that PETITION FOR THE TOWN!"

An Ultimatum to TWK

Compounding the situation is the apparent lack of urgency from the TWK Municipality. Despite meetings with the Municipal Manager and the Mayor as recently as January this year, none of the decisions have been implemented. While neighboring municipalities like Overstrand are developing new fields in Hawston and Hermanus, Caledon's athletes feel left behind.

The club has now issued a 10-day ultimatum to the municipality to present a clear upgrade plan. If not, "other options" will be considered to reverse this unacceptable situation.

Rugby in Caledon is more than just a game; it is an investment in the youth and the identity of the town. Without functional fields and safe facilities, the future of this heritage is at risk.