By ROSS ROCHE
Exciting young up-andcoming rugby talent will be on show across East London from Monday when the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rugby Week kicks off in the city.
Twenty four universities from across the country will arrive in East London tomorrow and 28 teams will be taking to the field on Monday as the annual week of competitive varsity rugby action takes centre stage.
“Everything is finalised and in place and it is all systems go,” said USSA rugby week tournament director Richard Janse van Rensburg.
“We are ready for what should be an exhilarating week of university rugby.”
This year’s USSA Rugby Week is hosted by Walter Sisulu University (WSU) who have three teams taking part after the late withdrawal of Namibia, who had not confirmed if they would be attending by the deadline.
The WSU A side will be playing in the C division, B side in the B division and C side in the D division.
WSU were crowned champions of last year’s C division and they will be eager to put in another winning run, especially at their home tournament.
Other universities to bring two teams are the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and North West University.
UJ are the defending A division champions and they will be looking to retain their title.
Competing on the local front along with WSU will be Nelson Mandela University (NMMU) in the A division, the University of Fort Hare in the B division and Rhodes University in the C division.
“In all we are expecting around 900 players who will be taking part plus then each team’s technical team and coaches,” said Janse van Rensburg.
“We are, however, more than equipped and expect a very smooth week.”
Over the week games will take place at various venues around East London.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Buffalo City Stadium at 4pm on Monday, while other games will be played at the Old Selbornian and Buffalo Clubs, while on the third day games will be played at Hudson Park and Port Rex as well.
“It is so nice having everything in such close proximity. It makes the organisation of the tournament easy and also means spectators can catch as many games as they like,” said Janse van Rensburg.
Monday’s games will be played at Old Selbornians, Buffaloes and Buffalo City Stadium. On Wednesday the games are at Old Selbonians and Buffaloes and Friday’s games are at Old Selbornians, Hudson Park, Port Rex, with the final at Buffs.
There is no entry fee at any of the grounds and everyone is welcome.
Teams will begin arriving in East London from 10am tomorrow and registration will be taking place at the Osner Hotel.
A few teams will also look to get in a couple of training sessions ahead of Monday’s opening day action.
“We are really grateful to all the club teams and schools who have come aboard and allowed us the use of their facilities, and I believe that we are in for a very successful week of university rugby action,” said Janse van Rensburg.
Top varsity sides are in town to do battle
Exciting young up-andcoming rugby talent will be on show across East London from Monday when the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rugby Week kicks off in the city.
Twenty four universities from across the country will arrive in East London tomorrow and 28 teams will be taking to the field on Monday as the annual week of competitive varsity rugby action takes centre stage.
“Everything is finalised and in place and it is all systems go,” said USSA rugby week tournament director Richard Janse van Rensburg.
“We are ready for what should be an exhilarating week of university rugby.”
This year’s USSA Rugby Week is hosted by Walter Sisulu University (WSU) who have three teams taking part after the late withdrawal of Namibia, who had not confirmed if they would be attending by the deadline.
The WSU A side will be playing in the C division, B side in the B division and C side in the D division.
WSU were crowned champions of last year’s C division and they will be eager to put in another winning run, especially at their home tournament.
Other universities to bring two teams are the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and North West University.
UJ are the defending A division champions and they will be looking to retain their title.
Competing on the local front along with WSU will be Nelson Mandela University (NMMU) in the A division, the University of Fort Hare in the B division and Rhodes University in the C division.
“In all we are expecting around 900 players who will be taking part plus then each team’s technical team and coaches,” said Janse van Rensburg.
“We are, however, more than equipped and expect a very smooth week.”
Over the week games will take place at various venues around East London.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Buffalo City Stadium at 4pm on Monday, while other games will be played at the Old Selbornian and Buffalo Clubs, while on the third day games will be played at Hudson Park and Port Rex as well.
“It is so nice having everything in such close proximity. It makes the organisation of the tournament easy and also means spectators can catch as many games as they like,” said Janse van Rensburg.
Monday’s games will be played at Old Selbornians, Buffaloes and Buffalo City Stadium. On Wednesday the games are at Old Selbonians and Buffaloes and Friday’s games are at Old Selbornians, Hudson Park, Port Rex, with the final at Buffs.
There is no entry fee at any of the grounds and everyone is welcome.
Teams will begin arriving in East London from 10am tomorrow and registration will be taking place at the Osner Hotel.
A few teams will also look to get in a couple of training sessions ahead of Monday’s opening day action.
“We are really grateful to all the club teams and schools who have come aboard and allowed us the use of their facilities, and I believe that we are in for a very successful week of university rugby action,” said Janse van Rensburg.
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