The University of Cape Town’s Ikey Tigers rugby team have proven themselves yet again emerging victorious as this year’s World University Rugby Cup winners.
UCT’s squad achieved a winning streak, beating the University of British Columbia in Canada (40–0), Bordeaux University in France (52–0) and a combined New Zealand Universities team (33–14) in the group stages.
They brought the cup home with their final win against Bordeaux University with 17-3 at Kamiigusa Stadium, Tokyo. This is the second World University Rugby Cup win for the team. The university’s squad managed to win in 2015, when they beat Trinity College Dublin.
UCT Rugby Football Club director Johnny Biderman-Pam expressed his pride after the team’s win to UCT News.
“This Ikeys squad have come to Japan and made a huge statement on the international stage, setting the benchmark for university rugby the world over,” he said.
The team felt connected with the Springboks as they played their games in Japan with many saying the highlight of their tour was watching the Springboks play against New Zealand in their Rugby World Cup opening fixture at Yokohama Stadium.
Ikey Tigers captain Liam Greenhalgh told UCT News that the team was overwhelmed by the support they received from the community.
“From individual donations to messages of support on social media, it has all formed part of the success of this tour. It is this type of generosity and support that makes the Ikey Tigers community unique and so very special,” said Greenhalgh.
Picture/Source: UCTNews