OnTap Magazine

16 | Autumn 2025 | ontapmag.co.za recalls: “One of the big inspirations for me was Fokof Lager. I love them as a band, and when they started Fokof [beer] I thought this is something I would love to do.” Steven met a gentleman by the name of Dane Raath through a mutual friend, who quickly put him and Malcolm in touch with Adrian Robinson, the owner of Saggy Stone Brewing Company. “Saggy stone was keen to be a brewing partner.” Steven explains. “They guided us in the whole process, as well as the marketing of the industry, which made our lives much easier, so that we could focus on the marketing side of the beer.” The original beer went through a lot of research and development, with the head brewer at Saggy Stone, Liam McElhinney taking the lead. Malcolm explained to me that they wanted a beer that is light in alcohol and easy drinking, but with slightly less carbonation to make the beer less filling. The first beer to launch in the Bomb Squad lineup was the Bomb Squad Lager, a 3.9% lager, with a very easy and crisp finish. The label was designed by Janneman Solms, who had done many wine labels, as well as the Cape Collective beer and wine range. One could say he had some experience and the Bomb Squad label even won some design awards. Stevenreflects:“Whatstartedasapassion project, turned into a full-time business.” And as full-time rugby players that could be problematic. As such, Dane Raath is their Director of Sales, helping them navigate the brand while they continue their playing careers. Soon after the lager launched, Bomb Squad launched a second, stronger beer. The 5% Pilsner has more bitterness, with a touch of sweet biscuit notes, all while still being crisp and easy drinking. The two players shared with me their philosophies of life and how rugby, in particular playing under the current structures have influenced their lives beyond rugby. And as such, how it also filtered into their approach to business. Steven credits rugby with some key life lessons. “Lots of the philosophy I learnt from Rassie [Erasmus] has spilt into how I approach the businesses I am involved with. Take ownership of your part of the business and ensure that everyone pulls in the same direction.” And Malcolm remarks that for him, “…taking advice from the right people at the right time,” plays a pivotal role in his approach. What is certain about Bomb Squad is that it isn’t just a brand of beer, but it is largely influenced by the two founders and the people in which they trust. “I must say, since getting injured, it hasbeensomeof themost fulfilling weeks in this business. Because I actually have time, so things happen faster,” Steven says with great enthusiasm. With plans for the potential expansion into the “beyond beer” space and although they have no firm plans (at time of writing) Steven did enjoy the stouts during his season playing for the Ulster Rugby Club. An underlying motivation becomes clear, when he says, “We want to get our brand out there outside of rugby, to show we aren’t just rugby players, but actually have interests outside of the game.” And with their supermarket presence growing and the potential of a growing product offering, this is reminiscent of the successful Wolfpack Lager in the United Kingdom, founded by two British rugby legends, Chris Wyles and Alistair Hargreaves. A key difference is that in South Africa we do not have such a friendly regulatory environment for craft beer, making the space much less crowded and thus more open to a well-respected brand like Bomb Squad to have a positive impact beyond just that of their own business. They can in fact expose the general beer drinker to the quality of craft beer and in doing so, bridge the gap. And as for life after rugby, this would be a very worthy legacy to leave behind.