EasyEquities backs Maties Rugby: tradition, transformation and tomorrow’s investors

There are few rugby brands in South Africa as storied as Maties, the rugby squad of the University of Stellenbosch. Rooted in the legacy of Danie Craven, shaped on the fields alongside Paul Roos and Coetzenburg, Maties Rugby carries history in its DNA.

But history alone is not enough.

Today Maties is as focused on the future as it is on its past. It is diverse across men’s and women’s teams, invested in young talent and determined to innovate while honouring tradition. That balance of heritage and forward thinking is exactly why EasyEquities has stepped in as a sponsor.

Carel Nolte, founder of CN&CO and chief enablement officer at EasyEquities, says the alignment was immediate.

“Maties Rugby represents excellence built over generations, but it is also clearly transforming and moving with the times. That combination of tradition and future mindedness is very close to our own philosophy at EasyEquities. We are proud to support a brand that is shaping young people on and off the field.”

Importantly, the majority of the EasyEquities sponsorship goes towards bursaries for student athletes who are studying at Stellenbosch while playing rugby.

“It is not just branding on a field. It is an investment in education and opportunity,” says Carel.

Varsity Cup energy

The partnership came alive at the first Varsity Cup home fixture, a signature event on the university sporting calendar. Varsity Cup has grown into one of the most exciting competitions in the country, showcasing emerging talent in front of packed stands and national audiences.

EasyEquities joined fellow sponsors on the fanwalk, including Mitchum and Red Bull, setting up a stand that quickly became one of the most energetic spots at the event.

Students were invited to test themselves on a rowing machine over 500 metres and in a push-up challenge. Guided by Olympic rowing medallist Ramon di Clemente, the fastest rowers and those who completed the most push-ups, men and women, won money in their EasyEquities accounts, along with a celebratory beer.

“It was a simple idea with a powerful message,” says Carel. “Consistency and hard work pay off. Whether on the field, in the gym or in the markets, disciplined effort over time delivers results.”

Hundreds of students took part. The competitive spirit was high and the camaraderie even higher.

On the field, Maties capped off their match in style. After trailing at half time, they fought back to secure a memorable win. It was a reminder that resilience matters. In sport and in investing.

A community of young investors

For EasyEquities, the sponsorship is about more than visibility. It is about meeting young South Africans where they are and helping them start building wealth early.

Carel, a proud Matie himself, says the response from students has been remarkable.

“As a Matie, it was incredibly special to be part of this event,” he said. “What struck me most was how many students are already on EasyEquities and how keen they are to talk about investing. I learnt a lot from those conversations. There is a real appetite to understand markets, to grow wealth and to take ownership of their financial futures.”

That appetite mirrors the broader EasyEquities mission of democratising access to investing. By linking performance challenges to funding real accounts, the brand made investing tangible and immediate.

Tradition with a future focus

Maties Rugby stands at the intersection of legacy and transformation. It honours icons like Danie Craven while embracing diversity across men’s and women’s teams and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent.

EasyEquities, in turn, is committed to building a nation of investors from a young age. Supporting student athletes through bursaries and encouraging early investing is part of that bigger picture.

The next Varsity Cup home game is on 9 March. If the first fixture is anything to go by, it promises another evening of intensity, community and opportunity.

See you there.