Peregrine Capital celebrates the 100x mark in partnership with The Rugby Centurions

Reaching 100 is a defining milestone that resonates universally, whether in sport, life, or investment. It’s a mark of dedication, excellence, and lasting impact, making it the perfect representation of success. Whether it’s achieving 100 international rugby test caps, living 100 years, or delivering 100-fold returns in investments, these milestones embody an unwavering commitment to performance – the perfect synergy for an exciting new partnership. 

“Getting from 1 to 100 takes a lot – long-term focus, passion, consistency, tenacity, and a smart approach,” announced Jacques Conradie at their recent launch in Sandton of their latest partnership with the Rugby Centurions Foundation. 

As the only hedge fund manager in South Africa to have ever returned 100 times its initial investment to investors via its flagship High Growth and Pure Hedge funds, Peregrine Capital knows what it takes to achieve 100 times*. 

Since its inception on 1 February 2000, Peregrine Capital’s flagship High Growth Fund, which invests in the fund manager’s best investment ideas across the equity market and other asset classes while assuming moderate to high levels of risk, has delivered a remarkable 22.94% return (SA MA High Equity: 10.65% | FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX: 12.56%, as of July 31, 2025). That means R1m invested at the fund’s inception would be worth more than R190m today*.

In 2020, following two decades of market-beating performances, the High Growth Fund became the first hedge fund in South African history to achieve a 100x (10,000%) net return for investors*. 

“Our investment philosophy offers downside protection, with less reliance on market performance than standard unit trust funds, along with uncorrelated returns that provide diversification benefits in investment portfolios,” explains Peregrine Capital Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager, Jacques Conradie. 

The Peregrine Pure Hedge Fund has since joined this incredibly exclusive club, becoming the second fund in South Africa to pass the 100 times barrier, delivering a 104x return since inception. Impressively, the Pure Hedge Fund has never had a negative year since its inception in July 1998**. 

In sport, the number 100 is woven into the fabric of achievement, with 100 international rugby test caps the quintessential measure of skill, consistency and longevity. Few athletes reach this milestone as it demands a decade or more of playing at the highest level while withstanding injury, form slumps, and selection pressure. 

“Whether in sport or finance, a century signals something extraordinary, which is why we are incredibly proud and excited to announce a new partnership between Peregrine Capital and The Rugby Centurions Foundation,” continues Conradie. 

The foundation is a non-profit organisation that honours elite players who have reached 100 international test caps or more for their country. The partnership will not only celebrate their achievements but also contribute to a legacy by raising funds that the Rugby Centurions support, such as the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, which ensures support for seriously injured rugby players. 

“Much like the Centurions, who represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement with 100+ international test caps, Peregrine Capital’s flagship funds have surpassed the 100x milestone in investment returns, creating a powerful bond between these two extraordinary journeys,” adds Conradie. “This partnership reflects our shared belief in investing in performance and playing the long game.” 

John Smit commented, “The number 100 represents a clear threshold and very few do achieve it. It implies resilience, focus, professionalism, consistency, passion, discipline, and determination. These qualities are the bedrock that forms the foundation for a rugby player’s journey to reach 100 international test caps. We saw these shared values reflected in Peregrine Capital, too, which is why this partnership made sense to us.” 

Conradie says the commonality of these qualities was exactly why Peregrine Capital jumped at the opportunity. “Reaching 100 is a milestone that defines careers, creates legends, and commands respect. It’s not just a sign of success, it represents significance,” concludes Conradie. 

Through this partnership, Peregrine Capital will bring the Centurions’ legacy into the spotlight with exclusive events, marketing campaigns, and content that highlight the core values of endurance, performance, and determination. These very qualities define both legendary athletes and superior investors on the journey of what it takes to go from 1 to 100.

*100X refers to the Peregrine Capital High Growth QI Hedge Fund. R1m invested in the High Growth Fund at inception, is worth more than R100m today. The FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX generated R20,42 million while the SA Multi Asset – High Equity Category generated R13,21 million. (High Growth Fund annualised return: 22.94% | SA Multi Asset – High Equity Category annualised return: 10.65% | FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX annualised return: 12.56%, all since inception (February 2000)).   

**100X also refers to the Peregrine Capital Pure Hedge QI Hedge Fund. R1m invested in the Pure Hedge Fund at inception, is worth more than R100m today. The CPI generated R4,20 million while the SA Multi Asset – Low Equity Category generated R12,66 million. (Pure Hedge Fund annualised return: 18.74% | SA Multi Asset – Low Equity Category annualised return: 9.83% | CPI: 5.45%), all since inception (July 1998)).   

Fund performance:  Returns are quoted net of fees Fund performance provided as at 31 July 2025  

Fee class status: Class: A, distributing Performance fee: 20% subject to High Water Mark 

Peregrine Capital Proprietary Limited (“Peregrine Capital”) is an authorised financial services provider and is the investment manager of the Peregrine Capital High Growth QI Hedge Fund (“High Growth Fund”) and the Peregrine Capital Pure Hedge QI Hedge Fund (“Pure Hedge Fund”). Peregrine Capital Collective Investments (RF) Proprietary Limited, is an approved manager of collective investment schemes in terms of the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act, 2002. These portfolios are approved under CISCA as a Qualified Investor Hedge Fund. It is available only to Qualified Investors as defined by the FSCA and is not suitable for all investors. Net asset value figures (NAV to NAV) have been used for the performance calculations, as calculated by the manager at the valuation point defined in the deed, over all reporting periods. The performance is calculated for the portfolio. Individual investor performance may differ, as a result of initial fees, the actual investment date, the date of reinvestment and dividend withholding tax. Performance is based on a lump sum contribution and is shown net of all fund charges and expenses and includes the reinvestment of distributions. Actual annual figures are available to the investor, on request at info@peregrine.co.za. Investment performance calculations are available for verification upon request by any person. A schedule of fees, charges and maximum commission is also available on request from the manager. The rate of return is calculated on a total return basis, and the following elements may involve a reduction of the investor’s capital: interest rates, economic outlook, inflation, deflation, economic and political shocks or changes in economic policy. Annualisation is the conversion of a rate of any length of time into a rate that is reflected on an annual basis. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The High Growth Fund is a medium to high-risk investment. The Pure Hedge Fund is a low to medium risk investment. The value of participatory interests or the investment may go down as well as up. Collective investment schemes are traded at ruling prices and can engage in borrowing and scrip lending. The Portfolios may use derivatives, gearing and short selling, these techniques can increase volatility and the risk of loss.. The manager does not provide any guarantee either with respect to the capital or the return of a portfolio. The manager has a right to close the portfolio to new investors in order to manage it more efficiently in accordance with its mandate. Comparator indices/peer groups are for illustration only; they are not directly investable and do not reflect fund fees or trading costs.