The stage is set for a spectacular conclusion to the 2026 Sanlam Carlton League, with the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU) and Sanlam confirming a full programme of five finals at Naka Bulle Rugby Club on Saturday.
The day will showcase the depth of Blue Bulls club rugby, starting with the U20 Shield and U20 Cup Finals, followed by the 3rd Team, 2nd Team and 1st Team Finals.
The headline encounter will see two of the biggest powerhouses in South African club and university rugby go head-to-head when Naka Bulle face Tukkies in the 1st Team Final at 15:00.
NAKA BULLE VS TUKKIES – A CLASH OF CHAMPIONS
It could hardly be scripted better.
On one side stand Naka Bulle – the three-time reigning Gold Cup champions, who have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in South African club rugby.
On the other side are Tukkies – the current Varsity Cup champions, bringing championship pedigree of their own into the biggest match of the Sanlam Carlton League season.
Gold Cup champions versus Varsity Cup champions. Naka Bulle versus Tukkies. Two powerhouse teams. Two current champion sides. One Sanlam Carlton League title on the line.
This showcase promises to be one for the books and provides a fitting climax to what has been another highly competitive season of Blue Bulls club rugby.
The rivalry will not be limited to the main event. Naka Bulle and Tukkies will also go head-to-head in the 2nd Team Final at 13:20, setting up a fascinating senior double-header.
TUT AND CENTURION BATTLE FOR 3RD TEAM HONOURS
Before the two senior Naka Bulle-Tukkies encounters, TUT will face Centurion in the 3rd Team Final at 12:00. Both teams have earned their place on finals day and will have the opportunity to be crowned 2026 Sanlam Carlton League 3rd Team champions.
U20 CUP AND SHIELD FINALS ALSO AT NAKA BULLE
The U20 Shield and U20 Cup Finals will open the programme on Saturday morning. Both U20 finals will also take place at Naka Bulle, ensuring that every final on 5 September is hosted at the same venue.
OFFICIAL SANLAM CARLTON LEAGUE FINALS PROGRAMME
Saturday, 5 September 2026 | Naka Bulle Rugby Club
| TIME | FINAL | FIXTURE |
| 09:00 – 10:20 | U20 Shield Final | Tukkies vs Centurion |
| 10:30 – 11:50 | U20 Cup Final | Naka Bulle vs Tukkies |
| 12:00 – 13:10 | 3rd Team Final | TUT vs Centurion |
| 13:20 – 14:50 | 2nd Team Final | Naka Bulle vs Tukkies |
| 15:00 – 16:30 | 1st Team Final | Naka Bulle vs Tukkies |
FIVE FINALS – ONE VENUE – ONE MASSIVE DAY OF RUGBY
Bringing the U20 and senior competitions together provides an opportunity for BBRU and Sanlam to showcase the complete club rugby pathway. The programme begins at 09:00 with the U20 Shield Final, followed by the U20 Cup Final at 10:30. At 12:00, TUT and Centurion take centre stage in the 3rd Team Final before Naka Bulle and Tukkies begin their senior double-header with the 2nd Team Final at 13:20. Then, at 15:00, attention turns to the main event as the reigning Gold Cup champions and current Varsity Cup champions collide for the 2026 Sanlam Carlton League 1st Team title.
SANLAM’S PARTNERSHIP WITH BLUE BULLS CLUB RUGBY
BBRU recognises Sanlam for its commitment to the Carlton League and its continued investment in the broader development of rugby within our communities. The partnership represents a shared commitment to strengthening clubs, developing players, supporting communities and creating opportunities for the next generation.
BBRU GENERAL MANAGER JACO DAMES
“You could hardly ask for a bigger final. We have Naka Bulle, the three-time reigning Gold Cup champions, facing Tukkies, the current Varsity Cup champions. These are two powerhouses of South African rugby and two current champion teams coming together for the Sanlam Carlton League title.”
“This showcase is going to be one for the books. It demonstrates the quality of players and clubs we have within the Blue Bulls structures and provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase club rugby.”
“The fact that Naka Bulle and Tukkies will also face each other in the 2nd Team Final demonstrates the depth within both structures. Before that, we have TUT against Centurion in the 3rd Team Final, as well as our U20 Cup and Shield Finals.”
“We are extremely grateful to Sanlam for believing in our clubs and partnering with BBRU. Their support allows us to strengthen our competitions, provide greater exposure to our players and create opportunities throughout our club rugby structures.”
SANLAM LIFE AND SAVINGS CEO ANTON GILDENHUYS
“The Sanlam Carlton League continues to demonstrate the vital role that club rugby plays in developing talent, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for players at every level of the game.
“Beyond the excitement of the finals, this competition represents something even more meaningful: the strength of club rugby and the opportunities it creates for players, clubs, and communities.
“We look forward to an unforgettable day of rugby and congratulate all the teams that have earned their place in the finals. Their achievements reflect the dedication, resilience and team work that continue to make club rugby such a powerful force for community development and sporting excellence.
“These club players will become the mentors and inspiration for the next generation, to ultimately pick up this passion and dedication to help their communities to live with confidence.”
A FINAL DAY NOT TO BE MISSED
BBRU and Sanlam invite rugby supporters, families, club members, former players, schools and the wider rugby community to join us at Naka Bulle for a full day celebrating the strength of Blue Bulls club rugby.
FIVE FINALS. ONE VENUE. ONE MASSIVE DAY OF RUGBY.
BBRU and Sanlam extend their appreciation to all participating clubs, players, coaches, administrators, referees, medical personnel, officials, volunteers, media partners, families and supporters who have contributed to the success of the 2026 Sanlam Carlton League.
