| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 |
| First season | 1996 |
| Ceased | 1997 |
| Country | South Africa Namibia Zimbabwe |
| Most titles | Free State / Western Province (1) |
| Sponsor(s) | Bankfin |
| Related competitions | Currie Cup |
The Bankfin Nite Series was a rugby union competition in South Africa. There were two editions of this competition, in 1996 and 1997. It was sponsored by Bankfin, who also sponsored the Currie Cup competitions. After two seasons, it was succeeded by the Vodacom Cup competition.[1]
In 1996, there were twelve competing teams – ten of the fourteen provincial unions, plus teams from Namibia and Zimbabwe. The four provincial unions that took part in the 1996 Super 12 season - Natal, Northern Transvaal, Transvaal and Western Province – did not play in the competition. Free State won the competition, beating Border 46–34 in the final.[1][2]
Namibia and Zimbabwe withdrew from the 1997 competition, while Western Province replaced defending champions Free State, who in turn replaced Western Province in the 1997 Super 12 season. Western Province won the competition, beating Western Cape rivals Boland Cavaliers 36–25 in the final.[1][3]