Historic Thistle Rugby Club relaunches, calling on community to join its comeback

THE THISTLE Rugby-Football Club, a cornerstone of the historical Beaconsfield community in Kimberley, is preparing to restart after years of inactivity, reigniting a tradition that stretches back 117 years.

Founded in 1908 by the late Charles Kester and the late Bill Walker, Thistle RFC quickly established itself as something more than just a sports club, as it became a hub for leadership, talent, and resilience in a closely-knit community.

In its early days, legend has it, membership was not simply open to anyone. Prospective players had to present their pedigree and prove their rugby skills before being accepted. Thankfully, that exclusivity was soon abolished, paving the way for Thistles to become a truly inclusive club where race, colour, and creed were no barriers to participation.

Today, as Thistle prepares to return, it does so with a deep appreciation of the pioneers who laid its foundation. “We salute our forefathers and honour their memories,” the club said in a statement. “We are proud recipients of the rich legacy they left us.”

Producing Leaders On and Off the Field

Over the decades, Thistle RFC became known not only for producing talented rugby players but also for shaping leaders and administrators of the highest calibre. Among them were Mr. John D Kester, a former Thistle chairperson, President of the South African Coloured Rugby Board, and the first President of the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

Other trailblazers included the late JP Abrahams, an executive member of SARU; Herbert C Rose, a Thistle president who later became Kimberley’s first Black mayor; and George James (Jim) Summers, who served as secretary to both the Griqualand West Rugby Union and SARU, and who went on to establish the Northern Cape Sports Board.

In later years, the club’s leadership torch was carried by dedicated presidents such as PJ Christians, PR Moss, Rev. Martin J Visagie, Aubrey T Everson, and Hannes Frieslaar.

Players of Distinction

On the field, Thistles was equally influential. The club nurtured exceptional rugby talent, with several players earning national colours. Among them were JD Kester (1938), Jaap Kruger (1959 - 1965), Piet van Wyk (1963 - 1965, also captain of the SARU Invitation B-side in 1973), George Jim Simmers (1964 - 1965), and Desmond “Doggie” Barnes, who also represented the SARU Invitation B-side in 1973.

For the people of Beaconsfield and Kimberley at large, these players wore the iconic blue and white jersey with pride, serving as role models to generations of aspiring athletes.

A Call to Bring Rugby Home

The closure of the club in 2018 dealt a blow to rugby in the community. Without Thistles, opportunities for young players to aspire to greatness on both senior and school levels diminished. Community leaders now argue that this vacuum has left a generation starved of role models whose values and discipline could positively influence their lives.

Recognising this, Thistle RFC has committed itself to bringing rugby back to its rightful place in the Diamond City of Kimberley. “Our club will continue to strive to uphold the cause of human dignity in all its facets,” the leadership pledged," the club said in a statement, and then added, “We will ‘Bring the game back Home’ and cultivate our own role models for the youth in our community.”

An Invitation to Join the Revival

As Thistle RFC prepares for its long-awaited relaunch, the club is calling on all players, ex-players, coaches, administrators, and supporters to play their part in rebuilding this historic institution.

“Thistle honours all who wore the Blue and White with pride,” said current chairperson Cecil Visagie. “Now we ask you to join us as we bring this club back to life and create a new generation of leaders and rugby stars.”

For more information or to get involved in the revival of Thistle Rugby-Football Club, interested parties can contact Chairperson Cecil Visagie at 076 733 0886.