Bulls Daisies head coach Hayden Groepes says this weekend’s SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division final is an opportunity for his side to make Gauteng proud as the 2023 and 2024 Champions look to complete a three-peat. Gropes has been at the helm of the side for the last three years, during which they have only been defeated in one out of 36 matches.
The popular Daisies mentor looks back over the last three years with a fond and appreciative eye as his side prepares to welcome rivals, the DHL Western Province, the only stumbling block that could stand between them and a hat-trick in the competition.
“The last three years have been great, complemented by two cups, a wonderful reward for a group that has played some great rugby. This team has grown immensely likewise, as coaches, we have become better at what we do and all around, we have evolved into a collective that has done well in bringing our individual skills to add to the richness of the club.
“We all know that this is an amazing club and to be able to come to work every day has been a privilege that we have all enjoyed. We have been a part of a historic journey, a first in South Africa and women’s rugby, so that has truly kept us going over the many months we have been together. The franchise and leadership, Willem, Edgar and Thando, all deserve every accolade due to them for putting this programme together.”
Groepes highlights that “the players they have put together are of a quality standard and have made this a memorable journey”.
Ahead of the weekend, the two-time Premier Division winning coach says his outfit is locked in and ready to trust its system and process one more time.
“We find ourselves in this finals week by no stroke of luck but pure hard work and effort which began last year September already, so this is a good reward for a group of players and management staff who have all bought into one vision and goal, and we are one hard shift away from making that a reality for all of us.
“The ladies have been process-driven each week, and they have shown immense consistency within that process as well which has accumulated to some (really) top performances and results over the season.”
It is difficult to keep a squad together for a long period of time with the same level of desire and determination but Groepes credits his side’s ability to stick together as they challenge for the 2025 season to cohesion and connectedness both on and off the field.
“This season has been great for us as we discovered how to find our connection within the team and as a team and that has been monumental off the field as well because it has allowed us to work hard during the week leading to the weekends. We have also built really special cohesion that has helped us in our journey.
“Come Saturday, we simply have to remain outcomes-driven, prioritising team performance and our mission is simple; to complete the threepeat.”
The trendsetting Daisies will kick off against Province at 5.15pm at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and tickets are available for as little as R50 from Ticketpro. Children under 18 enter the stadium free on the day.
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