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UCT and the re-emergence of WP Club Rugby.

After a 2-year “forced” break of all grassroots sport in the Republic; players and coaches alike are eager for the commencement of the 2022 SLA club rugby season.

After President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the national lockdown in early 2020, all sporting activity was brought to an immediate halt. Communities across the globe were forced into their homes and had to adhere to strict protocols. This placed various sectors into precarious positions, one sector which took a major hit- grassroot sport.

Within the Western Cape, sport is viewed not only as a physical activity, instead it is an activity which brings people together and connects different communities. The Western Province Rugby Football Union introduced a structured format for the various clubs within the region to compete against one another, with the ultimate goal of being crowned the regions champions. Super League A is the premier club rugby competition within the region and hosts the likes of Villagers RFC, Hamiltons RFC, False Bay, Maties and UCT to name but a few.

As WP Rugby have recently released the official fixtures for the upcoming 2022 SLA campaign, it was greeted with much excitement and anticipation. Coaches and players alike, are eager for the official commencement of the club rugby season, reflected in the words of current UCT fly-half Taine Muirhead, “I am excited about the season ahead and the challenge that it presents, going against the top clubs in the Western Cape“. Other members of the UCT team shared similar sentiments, one being George Divondi, who has Craven Week experience and has represented the university in the u20 Varsity Cup competition, “I am definitely excited, given that we have not played in a very long time”.

Many players are eager for the upcoming season however, players are mindful of the fact that the various restrictions and protocols have altered the club rugby environment and sporting landscape as a whole. Divondi emphasised, “Many of us (players), including myself are somewhat nervous about the changes that Covid restrictions have brought to the game, but like any good sportsman, we will adapt and overcome“. Players are mindful that their sporting environment has altered, however enthusiasm is at an all-time high. Kyle Fredericks, who has been a member of the UCT set-up since early 2017 stated that his goal for the season ahead is, “To just have a bit of fun and enjoy the challenge of competing every Saturday“.

The various Covid restrictions have had a negative influence on the club rugby landscape within the Western Cape, however as certain rulings have since being passed and the SLA season has received the proverbial ‘greenlight’, many players and coaches are excited to once again have their Saturday’s filled with club rugby action.

Folau receives support from peers

Following the Israel Folau saga with Rugby Australia, many other rugby players have come out in support of the Wallabies star.

Courtesy of: extra.ie

Rugby Australia could find itself in a precarious position as one of the Wallabies’ rising talents stated that all Pacific Islanders “might as well be sacked” because of their religious beliefs.

With the Israel Folau saga still fresh in memory, Wallabies and Queensland Reds front rower- Taniela Tupou- took to social media in order to voice his support for Wallabies teammate, Israel Folau. Taniela Tupou voiced support for Israel Folau in one of his Facebook posts.

“Seriously ?????????? Might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same beliefs??????”

“I will never apologise for my faith and what I believe in, religion had nothing to do with rugby anyways????????”

Tupou, who is also known as the “Tongan Thor” , attached a link to an earlier post by fellow Wallabies rugby player, Samu Kerevi. Kerevi stated, “But to be clear I’m not apologising for my faith in Jesus Christ my saviour. God will always come first in my life and many other professional rugby players.”

Tupou’s “sack me or back Folau” injunction puts Rugby Australia under even more pressure, following the Israel Folau saga which initially put the governing body in an uncomfortable position.