As the rugby 2025 calendar year opens, the Gaborone Hogs Rugby Club, Champions of last year’s Gabs 7s and Men’s 15s league, is charging into pre-season training with renewed energy and ambitious plans. Under the stewardship of their manager, Lynn Warburton, the team is focused on building strength and conditioning as they gear up for what promises to be a challenging yet exciting season.
Speaking about the team’s preparations, Warburton said, “We have just started pre-season training, so we are looking forward to seeing what the season brings. At this stage, the coaches are emphasising strength and conditioning at sessions to prepare the team.”
The Hogs are taking a strategic approach by fostering the development of their younger players. “We will be working hard to develop our younger players and integrate a few more of them into the senior side as they become ready,” Warburton added. The coaching team remains unchanged, maintaining continuity and leveraging their strong bond with the players. The club also plans to use senior players in assistant coaching roles to develop their skills both on and off the field.
The Hogs will kick off their competitive season on February 15th with an away game against Zeerust, a formidable opponent known for their strength on home turf. Warburton acknowledged the challenge, saying, “It will give us an opportunity to assess where we are as a team.”
In March, the team will host the Queensland Outback Barbarians from Brisbane, Australia, as part of the visiting side’s southern African rugby tour. This high-profile clash will test the Hogs’ mettle and provide valuable international experience for the players.
Beyond their on-field ambitions, the Hogs are dedicated to fostering the growth of rugby in Botswana. Warburton highlighted plans to expand the club’s junior programmes and provide opportunities for players to pursue education in coaching and match officiating.
“We aim to expand our junior programmes this season, as well as provide opportunities for continuing player education,” she said. The club also remains a staunch supporter of the Botswana Rugby Union’s efforts to grow the game.
The Gaborone Hogs continue to value their passionate supporters, who play an integral role in the team’s success. “We have a growing community of supporters and we will be exploring new ways to engage with them over the course of the season,” Warburton stated, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
With a challenging schedule ahead and a vision for the future, the Gaborone Hogs are poised to make 2025 a season to remember. Fans can expect thrilling performances on the field as the team strives to make Botswana proud.
