Stellenbosch University was buzzing this past weekend as Maties played host to the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rugby 7’s Tournament at home. The Danie Craven grounds were alive with energy, and our Maroon teams gave plenty to cheer about. The Opening Ceremony was held on Friday and set the tone for what became an energetic and spirit-filled championship.
“Rugby has always been more than a game. It builds character, forges friendships, and unites us in ways …” said Sean Surmom, Director: Maties Sport
Photos from the gathering show a packed crowd at the Danie Craven stands, with teams in full gear, the national and university flags waving, and a festive atmosphere underscored by music, cheers, and shared excitement.
For Maties, hosting the USSA Rugby 7’s was not only a competition but also preparation for the FISU World University 7’s Rugby Championships, which will take place in Stellenbosch in 2026.
On match day morning, Maties women kicked off with a strong statement: a commanding 31-0 win over VUT, a confident performance to open the tournament.
The men were in a tighter battle in their opener, narrowly losing 12-17 to UP-Tuks. Though they didn’t get the result they wanted, the effort showed determination and fight from the squad.
On day two, Maties faced NWU in a doubleheader for the Bowl and Plate trophies. The men’s 7’s team made a strong comeback in the Bowl final, defeating NWU Pukke with a score of 19-12 to claim the Bowl trophy. Additionally, the Maties women’s team secured the Plate trophy by winning the final against NWU Pukke with a score of 33-10.
USSA 7s in Stellenbosch was a weekend of strong performances, clear signs of growth, and pride in how Maties teams responded under pressure. While not every match ended in victory, the character and skill shown give plenty of reason to believe in what’s coming next.
The groundwork laid during this tournament is setting the stage for even greater achievements in 2026!
By Jamie Wyngaardt