The second Betway Women's Club Championship gets underway at Alberton Rugby Club on 20 September, with three days of competition scheduled for 21, 23 and 25 September.
Defending champions Kwaru — who beat Walker Babes 17-14 in last year's final — open their title defence against Durban University of Technology (KZN) in the Premier Division at 16h40 on day one. Walker Babes, the four-time Boland champions who fell in that inaugural final, face Mqanduli Sharks (Border) at 15h30, while Western Province's Busy Bees take on Pirates (Lions) at 14h20 and Harlequins (Blue Bulls) meet Collegians Valkyries (Cheetahs) in the opening Premier Division fixture at 13h10.
The First Division programme begins at 08h30 with Welkom (Griffons) against Nelspruit (Pumas), followed by Sol Plaatjie University (Griquas) v University of Limpopo, Potch Dorp (Leopards) v NWU Vaal (Valke), and Titans (SWD) v Middelburg Stormers (EP).
All 16 competing clubs represent their respective provincial unions — one per union, with Kwaru carrying a second Eastern Cape berth as defending champions — split into two divisions of eight based on last year's standings. All Premier Division matches on the first two days will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SA Rugby's YouTube channel.
The tournament runs days after the Springbok Women hosted the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium — a short distance from the Alberton venue. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said the objective is to build on last year's foundations, while Betway Africa's Head of Sponsorship Jason Shield described the championship as a critical platform for player development and exposure at grassroots level.