Get behind UWC at Varsity Cup
NEWLY promoted UWC will become the first historically disadvantaged institution to play in the country’s premier university rugby competition, the Varsity Cup.
The Udubs were promoted to the Varsity Cup after beating the University of Fort Hare 39 –18 in the final of the Varsity Shield.
Promotion was a dream come true and the culmination of seven years of hard work to reach the Varsity Cup.
Rector and vice chancellor Tyrone Pretorius and Director of Sport Mandla Gagayi, have made an impassioned plea to the UWC community – including alumni, former rugby players and donors – to get behind Udubs as they make history this year.
Coached by 1995 Rugby World Cup player Chester Williams, the side narrowly missed promotion in 2016 when they lost the final and the promotional play-offs.
“The players have worked very hard, not just with rugby training but in their studies too, and they are now going to put their bodies on the line for this university. I want to urge the students to come out and support… to come to every home game and show their support for the team,” said Williams.
Assisted by fellow former Springbok Bolla Conradie in 2017, UWC won the Varsity Shield competition, remaining in the Shield for another year as promotion to the Varsity Cup only happens every second year.
Udubs dominated the Varsity Shield, losing only one of its games, trouncing Walter Sisulu University (FNB WSU) in the final, and also winning promotion by defeating their 2017 rivals, the University of Fort Hare, 39 –18.
Pretorius said UWC was committed to excellence, performing at the highest levels and nurturing talent.
“As a university community we should be exceptionally proud that we are the first historically disadvantaged institution to be competing at this elite level. We need to rally behind our boys and encourage and pick them up on days that they are not successful,” he said.
Gagayi said UWC Rugby was proof of UWC’s role of giving hope to those who never had opportunities before.