Campus League Rugby is part of Stellenbosch University’s DNA … the yearly on-field rivalry between residences that had its tentative beginnings in 1949.
Doc Craven took the idea from St Andrew’s in Grahamstown (now Mkhanda) where he once taught and, over the decades, moulded it into a tradition that continues with passionate intensity 75 years on.
The aim was to give players who could not make the top teams a chance to play the game they loved at some competitive level. And what a competition it has become!
After stops and starts – and introducing rules to prevent on-field fighting! – the Interkoshuis Liga took off properly in 1955 with games being held on Friday afternoons.
Over the years, more and more teams entered, and in 1978 the then Stellenbosch Rugby Football Club became the largest in the world, mainly thanks to the 1 000 players in the Koshuis League, all of whom had to have club membership.
Today, Campus Rugby, as it now known, continues to evolve and grow in support from players and supporters. This year (2024) saw women’s teams take to the field for touch rugby, and almost 800 male students take up their positions on the field.
An average of 1 500 spectators braved the weather for each of the men’s games, and for both Derby Day and the final between Helderberg and Helshoogte, 3 000 supporters turned out to cheer on their champs.
In total during this year’s Campus League, 456 tries were scored, 260 conversions, 57 penalty kicks – and proving that the passionate rivalry continues were the 20 yellow cards and 3 red cards!
“It’s been a long season with a new competition format, team structure, and weekly spectator offerings of music, vendors and a beer tent,” said Drikus Hancke, Head of Rugby. “We enjoyed an increase in support, a decrease in forfeits and points differentials in games and an increase in player numbers. We are excited about what next season has in store for us.
“Huge thanks to our sponsor Adam Piper for his continued support of Campus Rugby and driving the #WePlayAsOne campaign. Thank you to SAB for their contribution throughout the year. Last, but not least, a big thank you to all the teams, coaches, players, supporters, suppliers and support staff for your support and dedication to Campus Rugby in 2024.”
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
1st League
Helderberg 1 – Helderberg 19 -17 Helshoogte
2nd League
Rubix Vikings 2 – Rubix 28 – 12 Elsenburg
3rd League
Academia 2 – Academia 12 – 7 Dagbreek
U20 Tournament
Dagreek U20 – Dagbreek 18 – 15 Elsenburg
10s Tournament
Huis Marais 10s – Huis Marais 10 – 0 Elsenburg