Vice-chancellor salutes Ikey Tigers

This year, perhaps more than ever in the tournament’s three-year history, corporate UCT rallied behind its young players taking part in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

In addition to UCT putting a few extra pennies in the Rugby Club’s campaign kitty, university executives (including Professor Mike Meadows, chair of the Sports Council) also put in regular appearances – in club colours – at home games.

And on Friday, vice-chancellor, Dr Max Price, one of those who braved the cold at the games, celebrated the team’s Varsity Cup runners-up performance with a cocktail event at his official residence at Glenara, attended by players, support team and friends. Price also presented players with their hard-earned Varsity Cup medals.

UCT still lags well behind other university rugby clubs, especially when measured by its facilities, says head coach John Dobson. Its budget for the competition is also dwarfed by that of many of its rivals in the competition.

But there’s an about-face in the way the game is now viewed at UCT, he admits. And, if not for the moral and financial support from the university, the club may well not have been able to compete in this year’s Varsity Cup.

“The university’s acknowledgement of the players’ and club’s achievements over the past couple of months has been fantastic,” Dobson says. “And the vice-chancellor’s reception at his residence, that meant the world to us.”

Without a big-name sponsor, it’s unlikely that the club will have its dream facilities anytime soon. But, for now, it’s got plenty of support in its corner.

Story and picture by Morgan Morris – with thanks to uct.ac.za