Pukke, Maties battle moves to golf

Today’s final-round Varsity Cup clash between FNB Pukke and FNB Maties will matter for nothing when 24 former students – from both universities – go head-to-head in a golfing challenge in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

Twelve Pukke and twelve Maties alumni will oppose each other in a golf day (played according to a better-ball matchplay format) that is set to honour the services of former Stellenbosch first team coach Ian Kirkpatrick who recently turned 80. (Bragging rights are, naturally, also up for grabs!)

Having also coached the Springboks during his stellar coaching career, Kirkpatrick will be honoured for a lifetime of commitment to student rugby – along, of course, with his many, many achievements at the helm of the Maties.

Varsity Cup CEO Duitser Bosman told varsitycup.co.za: “It’s a fantastic way to keep the rivalry going between us ‘old timers’ who cannot play anymore!

“More importantly, however, it also gives us the opportunity to honour someone like Oom Kirky, who has done so much for South African rugby and, in particular, the student game in our country.”