Ereklasse Returns: 2025 Season Kicks Off with Dukes vs Haarlem Headlining Round One

Rugby is back in full swing as the Ereklasse 2025 season gets underway this weekend, with fans across the Netherlands set to enjoy another hard-fought year of top-flight action. With new rivalries emerging and old ones reigniting, round one promises plenty of fireworks — and none more so than the mouth-watering clash between Dukes and Haarlem.

Marquee Matchup: Dukes vs Haarlem

The headline fixture sees an ambitious Dukes side welcome Haarlem to Den Bosch in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. After a much-improved 2024 campaign that saw them reach the semi-finals, Dukes are looking to go even further this year. Known for their aggressive pack and sharp attacking structures, they’re a team on the rise.

Haarlem, no strangers to big matches themselves, will arrive with confidence and firepower, ready to spoil the party and get their own campaign off to a flying start. Haarlem have been training hard in the off season, this will be a good yardstick for them.

Champions Haagsche Open at Home Against BRC

Reigning champions Haagsche RC begin their title defence on home soil against Breda Rugby Club (BRC). After narrowly avoiding relegation through last season’s playoffs, BRC face the toughest possible start — a true baptism by fire.

Haagsche, clinical and relentless in their run to the title last year, will want to make a statement early and show the league that they remain the team to beat.

Eemland Host AAC in Heavyweight vs Underdog Clash

2024/25 semi-finalists Eemland kick off their campaign with a home fixture against AAC, who finished at the bottom of the table last season. While Eemland will be favourites on paper, opening-day games can often throw up surprises — and AAC will be desperate to flip the script early.

Rotterdam Face Road Test at DIOK

Last year’s finalists Rotterdam RC hit the road in round one to take on a traditionally tough DIOK RC outfit. With a powerful forward pack and strong home support, DIOK will look to catch Rotterdam cold. For Rotterdam, the mission is simple: get back to the final — and win it. That journey starts now.

Other Fixtures:

• ’t Gooi vs Hoek van Holland – Two competitive sides with playoff aspirations face off in what could be one of the tighter matches of the round.
• Castricum (Cas) vs Oysters – Both clubs will be keen to establish early rhythm and avoid a sluggish start to the season.

Round One Fixtures – Datum:

• Haagsche 1 vs BRC 1
• Dukes 1 vs Haarlem 1
• Eemland 1 vs AAC 1
• ’t Gooi 1 vs Hoek van Holland 1
• DIOK 1 vs Rotterdam RC 1
• Castricum 1 vs Oysters 1

The Ereklasse is back — and the race for the 2025/26 season title begins now. With every team starting from zero and the stakes already high, fans can expect passion, intensity, and plenty of surprises in the weeks to come.

Let the new season begin.