History of Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub: The Springboks Who Wore the Dorp Jersey
- Karen Scheepers
- Apr 20
- 4 min read
A Club That Produced Greatness
Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub is no ordinary community club, it has quietly etched its name into the fabric of South African rugby history by producing some of the country’s finest players. From the dusty fields of Potchefstroom to the global stage, Dorp's sons have carried the green and gold with pride, grit, and unmatched talent. This article celebrates those players, legends and gentlemen, who once wore the Dorp jersey before donning the Springbok emblem.
Nic du Plessis: The First Dorp Bok
Nic du Plessis was the first ever player from the Western Transvaal region to become a Springbok. Born in 1885, he made his Springbok debut in 1921, playing against the All Blacks. He also took part in the 1924 tour to Britain.
Not only was he a pioneer, but he also had a rich sporting pedigree. He attended St. Andrew’s College and played rugby while studying in London. His legacy laid the groundwork for future generations of Dorp players to believe in their potential.
Johan Claassen: The Towering Leader
Johan Claassen remains one of the most iconic names associated with Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub. In 1952, he moved from Sannieshof to Potchefstroom and immediately became a fixture in the Dorp team. He not only represented the club, but went on to captain Wes-Transvaal, Northern Transvaal, and eventually, the Springboks.
Known as one of the tallest players of his time, Claassen also held a respected academic career at the Potchefstroom Teachers’ College. His proudest moment? Representing South Africa against the British Lions while his son stood on the sidelines watching.
Harry Newton Walker: Player, Coach, Leader
Born in 1928, Harry Newton Walker was a cornerstone of Potchefstroom rugby through the 1950s. He played for Dorp between 1952 and 1958, and his performances earned him a place on the 1956 Springbok team that toured New Zealand.
A versatile player, Walker was also a devoted teacher, later coaching rugby at Potchefstroom Gimnasium. He served in leadership positions both at the club and provincial levels and was honoured in 1992 during Dorp Rugbyklub’s tribute to its Springboks.
Dick Putter: The Young Star
Dick Putter made his Springbok debut at an impressively young age. Born in 1932 and raised in the Klerksdorp district, he joined the Potchefstroom rugby scene while studying at PU for CHE. He represented both Dorp and NWU (PUK) and quickly rose through the ranks.
By 1956, he had already played junior Springbok rugby and was selected to face the touring Wallabies. His career exemplifies how Dorp Rugbyklub served as a pipeline for elite talent.
Johan van der Schyff: Powerhouse Centre and Local Hero
Johan van der Schyff, who also played for Tukkies, made a name for himself as a powerful centre. He wore the Dorp jersey with pride and became a Springbok in the 1950s, playing against top international teams.
His bond with Potchefstroom remained strong, and he was part of the club’s 1992 tribute event, which gathered the club’s greatest legends under one roof. His contributions both on and off the field are remembered fondly by the Dorp community.
Daan Ackerman: Springbok Reserve
While not a full international, Daan Ackerman deserves recognition for his role as a Springbok reserve in 1965. He played an important part in the Dorp rugby ecosystem and helped develop younger players at the club.
Koos Bezuidenhout (Kranskop): The Club President Who Gave Back
A legend of local rugby and a powerful administrator, Koos Bezuidenhout played for Dorp from 1953 to 1957 and captained the 1953 Western Transvaal team. After his playing days, he served as club president for 11 years, shaping the club’s direction and community impact.
He also represented the region on the Western Transvaal Rugby Union board. His deep knowledge of the game and steady leadership earned him the respect of generations of Dorp players.
Spiere van Rensburg: A Junior Bok with Muscle and Heart
Christiaan “Spiere” van Rensburg played as a forward and was known for his strength, speed, and impact on the game. A graduate of the Teachers’ College in Potchefstroom, he was selected for the 1955 Junior Springboks.
He helped develop the region's reputation for producing robust forwards with tactical awareness.After his playing days, he became a teacher, known for shaping both minds and muscle.
Ernest Claassen: One of Three Rugby Brothers
The Claassen family is Potchefstroom rugby royalty. Ernest Claassen, brother of Johan, also carved out a successful career. He captained PU for CHE, played for Wes-Transvaal, and joined the Springboks during the mid-1960s.
One of the most iconic photographs in the club’s history features all three Claassen brothers together in their rugby kits, proof that for some families, rugby wasn’t just a sport, it was a legacy.
Dorp’s Springboks Are Its Crown Jewels
For a club rooted in a small town, Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub has produced an astonishing number of elite players, many of whom made their mark on the global rugby stage. What stands out is not just the talent, but the character, community spirit, and leadership these players brought both on and off the field.
Each name mentioned above is more than a statistic, they are stories of determination, talent, and pride. And at the centre of them all stands Dorp Rugbyklub, a club where greatness begins.
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