After a series of intense matches, it was the North-West University Eagles who emerged triumphant, claiming victory in both categories and achieving a remarkably impressive double championship win.
The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) campus in Kimberley was buzzing with excitement as it hosted an action-packed weekend of rugby during the eagerly awaited USSA Sevens tournament.
Teams hailing from all corners of the country competed fiercely for the coveted titles in both men’s and women’s divisions. After a series of intense matches, it was the North-West University (NWU) Eagles who emerged triumphant, claiming victory in both categories and achieving a remarkably impressive double championship win.
The event kicked off with an air of anticipation as teams gathered at the Windhoek Draught Park Stadium in Kimberley. With teams lined up alphabetically and an electrifying Jersey Parade, the atmosphere was charged with excitement.
The official proceedings commenced shortly after, with a warm welcome from Nicole Morris, Dean of Students at SPU, followed by an inspiring address from SPU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Crouch, marking the tournament’s beginning.
In the women’s division final, the NWU women’s team showcased their dominance by overpowering the University of Pretoria (UP) with a resounding 26-0 victory. Meanwhile, in the men’s final, the NWU Eagles faced a formidable challenge from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) but ultimately triumphed with a score of 21-5.
In the women’s division quarter-finals, NWU defeated the University of Fort Hare 24-5, Maties dominated UWC with a 32-0 win, the University of KwaZulu-Natal edged past the University of Johannesburg 10-5, and UP-Tuks secured a 26-5 victory against Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The semi-finals witnessed a thrilling clash as the NWU Eagles narrowly defeated Maties 14-12, while UP-Tuks advanced with a comfortable 28-12 win against UKZN.
In the men’s division, the NWU Eagles outplayed Tuks 27-14 in the quarter-finals and secured a place in the final by defeating CUT 31-12 in the semi-final.
The quarter-finals saw Central University of Technology (CUT) besting Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) with a score of 19-7, UWC narrowly defeating Witwatersrand University (Wits) 17-14, and Maties securing a close 19-15 win against the University of the Free State (UFS). UWC earned their spot in the final by defeating Maties 26-0 in the semi-finals.
The 2023 USSA Sevens Rugby Tournament showcased exceptional rugby talent and fierce competition.
Congratulations are due to all the participating teams in this exhilarating tournament, with a special salute to the North-West Eagles for their remarkable achievements on the SA university rugby scene.
The USSA Sevens tournament at Sol Plaatje University will be etched into memory as a thrilling sporting spectacle that united the nation’s top university rugby talent in a weekend of unforgettable competition.
