2020 Varsity Cup Squad Blazer Handover

The ultimate honour at the UCT Rugby FC is when a player is awarded his highly prized Ikey formal blazer.

Every year a group of 45 players who have been selected by the First team head coach, start the long pre-season road of incredibly hard work in the gyms, on the beaches, on the Green Mile and in the mountains to achieve the ultimate goal of representing the Ikeys in the prestigious Varsity Cup.

Pre-season culminates in our Blazer Ceremony which is also the time that players and coaches are presented their First team UCT Ikey’s off-field kit.

The presentation this year was held at our Chairman and Vice President Greg Fury’s beautiful home overlooking the city centre and harbour on Friday evening, 31 January 2020

Firstly honorary Vice President John Le Roux spoke dearly about his time at the club and explained how the tradition of Quaiche would bring warmth and joy to all our players and supporters. Players and management were encouraged to speak to the squad, who sat in a circle on the lawn, and express what it meant to be an Ikey. They would then take a sip out of the Quaiche and pass it onto the next player or coach. This was an emotional experience and it was evident that everyone who spoke had feelings for the club and their fellow players and coaches that extended much further than just running out and playing rugby together, Tight links had been forged which would show both on and off the field.

The First team Manager, Raun Billet and head Coach Tom Dawson-Squib then presented each player with their blazer, travel bag and fashion wear. The following players were awarded their first caps: Gugu Nelani, Byron Bowes, James Macdonald, Byron Cranswick and Liam Kloosman.

Director of UCT Rugby FC commented “While it is sad to say goodbye to club stalwarts who have graduated and moved into their chosen careers, the joy of seeing new players reach their ultimate goals of representing the Ikeys at Varsity Cup says so much about those that have put in such hard work but more importantly it reminds us of those who have been in a similar position of nervousness and excitement for over 140 years before they placed the famous blue and white jersey over their heads for the very first time. The tradition and history of Varsity is what makes this most special club so unique.”

The evening ended with the Furys hosting a scrumptious dinner for the players.

It could not have been a better experience.

Thank you to our host Greg and Lara Fury, John Le Roux and Tom and his management and player team for bringing us all closer together.