28/12/2025
RECORD CROWDS AND PERFECT CONDITIONS AT THE 48TH STILBAAI TOUCHIES...
The iconic 48th Stilbaai Touchies, the 6th leg of the 2025 Hot Summer of Touch, delivered a spectacle for the ages as record crowds, record playing numbers and flawless beach conditions combined to create one of the most memorable editions in the tournamentβs proud history.
Widely regarded as the biggest beach Touch tournament in South Africa, this yearβs event drew an estimated 7 500 spectators and featured 56 registered teams across four divisions, making it the largest Stilbaai Touchies in both participation and attendance for a number of years.
Tournaments around the country lay claim to being the countryβs "best" beach Touch event, but with its unmatched heritage, outstanding organisation, electric atmosphere, next level touch rugby standards and sheer scale, the Stilbaai Touchies once again proved that there truly is no comparison.
On the field, the action was nothing short of sizzling. While the Pro Series title had already been secured prior to the weekend, Liberty Webb Touchies showed why they are the benchmark of the competition.
Pushed hard by surprise finalists Score FWD Reds, Liberty Webb dug deep and ultimately proved too strong, clinching their third consecutive Stilbaai Touchies title as well as a third straight Grand Prix title.
The Challenger Series also delivered a Grand Stand finish with the BT Blizzards edging the Scorpions claiming their third series title, This meant both finalist finished with 3 series wins. With both teams earning valuable qualifier points against the Pro's, a count-back will now determine who receives the coveted invitation to compete in the 2026 Pro Series.
Elsewhere, The Jokers topped the Open Section, while local pride was on full display as the Stage Boys lifted the Preekstoel Cup for locals and holidaymakers. The Pretoria Hane impressed throughout the tournament, finishing as the highest-ranking junior team on the day.
With another spectacular chapter written in Stilbaai, the Hot Summer of Touch caravan now moves on for a relaxed conclusion to the season, heading to Mossel Bay on 27 December and Hartenbos on 29 December.
Incredible action images courtesy of Langpad Photography
Hessequa Tourism - The Explorer's Garden Route Stilbaai Touchies Preekstoel Beach Estate- Stilbaai Stilbaai Toerisme / Stilbaai Tourism Suid-Kaap FORUM Mossel Bay Tourism Mossel Bay Advertiser
