Thistle RFC restores the story of heritage, heart and a new beginning in Kimberley

IN THE HEART of Beaconsfield, where Kimberley’s earliest rugby footsteps were carved more than a century ago, an old giant has awakened.

Thistle Rugby Football Club (Thistles), founded in 1908 and once one of the pillars of community rugby in the Northern Cape, is officially back. And if the energy at the club’s recent annual general meeting is anything to go by, Thistles is not simply returning. It is rebuilding with purpose.

The team's motto says it all: ONCE A THISTLE, ALWAYS A THISTLE! For many who filled the room at the AGM, this was not just a slogan. It was a promise. A reminder of a legacy that shaped leaders, produced exceptional players, and stood at the centre of community upliftment. The newly elected executive committee embodies this spirit, representing a group of individuals determined to restore Thistles to its former strength while redefining its future.

A legacy worth reviving

Thistles has always been more than a rugby club. The early pioneers who built it in 1908 insisted on discipline, character, and excellence, values that shaped generations. Later, under the leadership of figures such as John D Kester, Herbert C Rose, and George Jim Summers, the club became known for producing strong administrators, principled role models, and talented players who lifted the standard of rugby in the region.

During the mid-twentieth century, Thistle teams won titles like the Blacklaws Shield and produced standout players including Jaap Kruger, Piet van Wyk, and Desmond "Doggie" Barnes. Even after the club went inactive in 2018, its history remained deeply rooted in Kimberley’s sporting soil.

Rebuilding the heartbeat of the community

Now in 2025, Thistle RFC is rising again with a renewed mission. The club has pledged to be a modern community hub, committed to uplifting youth and shaping a future generation grounded in morals, ethics, and pride. The new committee has made it clear that Thistles will not only focus on rugby skills but also on building character and offering young people a safe and inspiring space.

This vision echoes the powerful words of the late Minister of Sport in the Northern Cape, Brian Hermanus: “A child in sport is a child out of court.”

It is this belief that fuels Thistle’s revival, driving its leaders to ensure that every child who walks through the club’s doors is given a constructive alternative to social pressures, crime, and substance abuse.

Growing the Thistle family

With its structures restored and its leadership in place, Thistle RFC is now welcoming new members. Former players, families, young athletes, and supporters are all invited to join the Thistles resurgence.

Registrations are open online: • Senior Members: https://form.jotform.com/252753428139058 • Junior Academy Players: https://form.jotform.com/252753635779068

For more information, anyone interested can reach out to Club President Cecil Visagie at 076 733 0986 or email admin@thistlerugby.co.za.

A new chapter begins

There is something undeniably powerful about witnessing a heritage club rise from dormancy, guided by the determination of people who believe in its impact. Thistle RFC is not simply returning to the field. It is returning to its community. It is returning to its values. It is returning to its purpose.

Once a Thistle, always a Thistle.