A GLUT OF GLORIOUS RUGBY
AFTER a tough year, rugby is set to return to the South African consciousness with full force in the next few weeks.
The Rainbow Cup, involving the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers and clubs from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, has been confirmed to start later this month, and after that, world rugby can look forward to the continuation of one of its oldest traditions when the British and Irish Lions visit these shores to face the Springboks in a highly anticipated tour.
Last year, with Covid-19 hitting the sporting world hard, a schedule so jampacked with local rugby seemed intangible, and that SA Rugby managed to host two local championships in SuperRugby Unlocked and Currie Cup, plus the recently concluded preparation series, in short order since October last year must be commended.
The biggest loser in 2020 was no doubt the cancellation of Varsity Rugby. In a limited time, the tournament has captured the imagination of the rugby-loving public, and for students around the country it has become a sporting spectacle not to be missed. Yes, it has still much to do to reach its full potential, and a broader audience, but already the Varsity Cup, Shield and Young Guns competitions have done their part to unearth talent.
The list of current Springboks who have cut their teeth in those matches is a who’s who of South African rugby. Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Trevor Nkanyane, Vincent Koch, Handre Pollard, Curwin Bosch and Seabelo Senatla – to name just a few – all played their part in Varsity Rugby, and with its resumption this year, who knows what future Test and Sevens stars will be unearthed this season.
It is easy to venture that in many respects Varsity Rugby has become one of the pillars when discovering new gems and raw talent in the country, alongside the Currie Cup. And it’s not only players, but coaches, too. In Varsity Rugby, SA Rugby has also discovered another pipeline to reinforce its transformation targets.
The tournament started this past Sunday with entertaining, high-scoring matches, if not technically or tactically perfect – that, you’d imagine, will improve as the season progresses. Nevertheless, it should be a joy for rugby lovers around the country to finally have it back.