Wits back in Varsity Cup

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) rugby team has secured automatic qualification to the 2017 Edition of Varsity Cup guaranteed for the next two years after an inspiring Varsity Shield campaign.

In a make-or-break Shield game on 28 March, the Witsies thrashed the University of the Western Cape by a margin of 60 – 3. This followed another massive win on 26 March, for Wits coach Hugo van As when his team beat the University of Fort Hare by 64 points to 13.

To end on top of the Shield log and secure a place in the Varsity Cup, the Witsies had to beat rugby legend Chester Williams’ UWC team by 39 points and secure a bonus point in the process.

With only eight minutes of game remaining at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, Wits captain Warren Gilbert and his team had their work cut out for them. Wits player Kwanele Ngema flew across the field in a moment of inspired magic to score a try followed shortly afterwards by another superb converted try from Gilbert, which proved decisive.

Gilbert added, “We as a team really believed we could do it, we knew if we stick to our processes and play to our strengths we will be in with a chance. For me it was a huge privilege to play my part in what was a successful season for Wits rugby so far.”

In the end, the Witsies earned a winning margin of 47 points which was sufficient to end top of the log and ensure automatic Varsity Cup qualification from 2017.

“We are ecstatic that after two tough years for the team, as well as a difficult season in the 2016 Varsity Shield tournament (due to the student protests), the Wits rugby team has performed brilliantly,” said Adrian Carter, Director of Wits Sport.

“Our sincere congratulations go out to the coaching staff, management, Alumni (WOBS) and off course, the players. We really have a group of special human beings coaching, leading and mentoring our lads,” Carter added.