The 2012 Currie Cup First Division was contested from 30 June to 13 October 2012.
The tournament (also known as the Absa Currie Cup First Division for sponsorship reasons) is the second tier of South Africa's premier domestic rugby union competition, featuring teams representing either entire provinces or substantial regions within provinces.
There were 8 participating teams in the 2012 Currie Cup First Division.
The winners of these semi-finals played each other in the final, at the home venue of the higher-placed team.
The winner over these two ties (determined via team tables, with all Currie Cup ranking regulations in effect) will qualify for the 2013 Currie Cup Premier Division, while the losing team will qualify for the 2013 Currie Cup First Division.