Traditional student rugby is back
Historically, Wits University was the only university opponent for Alberton and the other clubs in the Pirates Grand Challenge.
ALBERTON – Long before the appearance of UJ (the then RAU) in the Pirates Grand Challenge competition in 1977, Wits University was the only university opponent for Alberton and the other clubs in the Pirates Grand Challenge.
This proud and popular tradition will be continued on Saturday, August 15, when the well-known blue and yellow Wits University jerseys will run out at A-Square-Forklift Alberton Rugby Club Stadium for Alberton’s first home game in the Bailey Cup competition.
The last time A-Square-Forklift played in the Bailey Cup, in 2007, they reached the semi-finals against Union at the Germiston Simmer. The Alberton u.19 team won the Bailey Cup that year and four Alberton teams finished amongst the top four in their leagues. Earlier in 2007 Alberton defeated Wits 10-7.
Wits was promoted to the Pirates Grand Challenge in 1913. Many Alberton players also played for Wits over the years including sevens Springbok Ruan Nel who played for Alberton in 2013.
With the Wits team bringing so much history and tradition to Alberton, this Bailey Cup encounter is one for the books.
