Top university rugby and netball set for UJ

The country’s top tertiary rugby and netball players are set to descend on the University of Johannesburg for two University Sport South Africa tournaments, from June 29 to July 3.

A total of 35 netball sides and 31 rugby teams will do battle in the annual competitions at the end of the month.

According to Michael Dick, UJ senior sports club manager, the national tournaments were important from both a hosting and competitive perspective.

Dick said UJ were hoping the home field and home court advantage would help to secure overall victory for the host teams.

Their rugby squad is in a strong position to challenge for the number one spot after placing second overall in last year’s tournament.

The new-look netball side will also be looking to improve on the fifth place claimed in 2014.

“Ussa holds many successful tournaments of this nature every year, all over the country, and it is an honour for UJ to be involved in these,” said Dick.

“We are working on making sure that everything runs as efficiently as possible.”

On average, participating universities are given between 18 months to two years to prepare for the responsibility of hosting an Ussa event.