Ereklasse Semi-Finals Preview: Dutch Rugby’s Final Four Face Off

By | Dutch Rugby Magazine

The business end of the Ereklasse season is here. Four clubs remain in the hunt for Dutch rugby’s top prize, and this weekend’s semi-finals promise two high-octane showdowns that capture everything we love about the sport: grit, flair, leadership, and history.

🗓️ Saturday, 25 May
🏟️ Rotterdam Rugby Club vs Eemland RC – Kick-off 16:00
🏟️ Haagsche RC vs The Dukes RC – Kick-off 18:00

Let’s break it down.

RRC vs Eemland RC – Clash of Physicality and Structure

Rotterdam Rugby Club are back in the top four for the second consecutive season — a massive achievement for a club that won the promotion-relegation match just three years ago. Under the watchful eye of Director of Rugby Chris Ferreira, who brought South African tenacity and structure to the club, Rotterdam are no longer underdogs. They’re a genuine force.

Rotterdam’s pack is a powerful, grinding unit, driven by the influence of Ross Bundy — now signed by the Leicester Tigers after his standout performances. Add to that Sam Fagarty, the on-field general and backs maestro, and Will Maddocks, leading with both voice and vision. From 1 to 22, they’re stacked — with a bruising starting pack and a game-changing “Bomb Squad” off the bench. Expect fireworks.

Their opponents, Eemland RC, are arguably the most balanced side in the competition. Guided by Mitch McGahan, a coach with elite pedigree from Auckland to Europe, and assisted by Robbie Coetzee — a Super Rugby veteran with appearances in multiple finals — this is a team built with professional DNA.

Star man? The ever-consistent and electric Bam Fadahunsi. Nicknamed “Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma’am,” he’s a threat anywhere on the field — power, pace, and pure rugby instinct. The leadership of Niels van Oeffelen and forward brute force of Bilal Egberts will be key in containing Rotterdam’s explosive backline.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings):

• RRC 37-36 Eemland
• RRC 26-26 Eemland
• RRC 15-27 Eemland
• RRC 38-7 Eemland
• RRC 41-33 Eemland
  

This one has been tight every time. Expect nothing less than a nail-biter.

Haagsche RC vs The Dukes – Tradition Meets Momentum

Over in The Hague, Haagsche RC prepare for yet another semi-final under Hadley Jackson. Runners-up last year and consistent contenders, they bring with them experience, structure, and elite mentality. With the inclusion of Khaya Majola — a former Super Rugby player and 2012 World U20 Champion with South Africa — their squad boasts world-class pedigree.

Keep an eye on breakout star Amir Rademaker, recently retired from international duty, but still delivering at top speed. Alongside him, Bjorn Dolman, now a senior international, is a devastating runner — powerful, elusive, and deadly in space. Up front, Olly White and Taffy Kahembe will ensure no ruck is uncontested, no scrum is soft.

Then we come to The Dukes — the surprise package of 2025. Under Andy Egonu, they’ve not only made the top four for the first time in a decade but have done so with style, grit, and swagger. The backbone of their team lies in Dylan Robinson, a captain who’s led by example all season long, and the tireless engine that is Dirk van Lierop, a silent workhorse who just doesn’t stop.

Out wide, Oliva Sialu brings attacking flair, but it’s the prolific Wisse van der Heijden who has opposition coaches scratching their heads — a try-scoring machine with pace to burn.

Head-to-Head (Last 6 Meetings):

• HRC 42-10 Dukes
• HRC 47-21Dukes
• HRC 55-0 Dukes
• HRC 27-19 Dukes
• HRC 26-34 Dukes
• HRC 24-5 Dukes
  

Haagsche may have had the better of them historically — but this Dukes side is built different.

A Showcase of Dutch Rugby’s Growth

There’s a powerful message in this weekend’s semi-finals: Dutch rugby is not just growing, it’s thriving. The Ereklasse now features players and coaches with Super Rugby, U20 World Cups, and international test experience. The quality is rising, the crowds are growing, and the storylines are rich.

For those who doubted the level — look again. This is now one of Europe’s most exciting and fastest-developing leagues.

Players to Watch:

🟡 Haagsche RC

• Amir Rademaker – Explosive off the deck
• Bjorn Dolman – International calibre flying winger
• Olly White & Taffy Kahembe – Forward pack enforcers

🔴 The Dukes

• Dylan Robinson – Captain courageous
• Dirk van Lierop – Non-stop engine
• Wisse van der Heijden – Try machine
• Oliva Sialu – Creative playmaker

🔵 Eemland RC

• Bam Fadahunsi – Versatile danger man
• Bilal Egberts – Physical presence
• Niels van Oeffelen – Tactical leader

⚫️ Rotterdam RC

• Wolf van Dijk, Martijn van Dalen, Blake Males – House Of Pain
• Sam Fagarty – Skipper and backs tactician
• Will Maddocks – Linebreaker
• Joao Goncalves Vieira – Mr Jack(al) – Pilfer Master

Don’t Miss It!

Saturday’s double-header will determine who battles it out for the national title — and based on what we’ve seen this season, anyone can win it.

🎟️ Saturday, 25 May
🏉 Rotterdam RC vs Eemland – 16:00 KO
🏉 Haagsche RC vs The Dukes – 18:00 KO

Be there. Support the players. Support the clubs. Support Dutch Rugby.