The FNB Emeris Comets capped a historic season by claiming the 2026 Castle Lager Murray Cup for the first time, following a dominant 55-12 victory over UKZN Durban at the Mancosa Crusaders ground on Sunday, 6 September.
Played in wet and muddy conditions, the final was a physical contest, but the Comets produced a powerful performance to pull clear and claim one of the oldest club rugby trophies in the world. Head coach Jeremy McLaren said the triumph was particularly significant given how far his side had come during the season.
“I am really proud of the players. They’ve put in a lot of effort throughout the season, and I remember we were at Pukke (North-West University) earlier in the season, where we were outplayed.
A core group of these guys stood up and turned it around. To be able to win one of the oldest club rugby trophies in the world is an incredible achievement. I’m really, really proud and blessed,” he said.
Murray Cup Champions Caption: The Emeris Comets crowned Castle Lager Murray Cup Champions following a 55-12 win over UKZN Durban. Photo Credit: Gabrielle Swanepoel
Deano Boesak, Denilo Jordaan and Daniel Ikotela all crossed for tries as the Comets established control, before Andrew Davis added another to put UKZN under increasing pressure. Chris Horak then scored the Comets’ fifth try directly under the posts, before adding a second, and Sphe Mbonambi helped himself to a double. Christian Els completed the Comets’ impressive tally. Drico Marx slotted four conversions as the Comets’ attack flourished despite the difficult conditions.
The two tries from centre Horak underlined an outstanding individual performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. For his contributions throughout the competition, Deano Boesak was named Player of the Tournament.
The Comets’ journey has been one of steady progress, with the club already making history by becoming the first KZN side to qualify for the Varsity Cup. McLaren believes Sunday’s triumph is another landmark moment for a group that keeps raising the bar. “This group has made history again. From being the first team from a KZN perspective to qualify for the Varsity Cup, to now being able to lift the Murray Cup, it means so much to us as a group.”
On the same day, the Emeris 2nd XV went down to College Rovers 2nd XV in the Peter Taylor Trophy final, and the Emeris Ladies were defeated by UKZN Durban in the TerraPOD Women’s Murray Cup final.
