Remember Raynn ‘the Rhino’ Bruce, the big unit prop / part time wing. He was the top varsity scoring prop of his time and also one of the few UCT men of that era who got a provincial look in.
Name / Nickname: Raynn “ the rhino” Bruce
Played at varsity when, what positions and for what teams:
I played at varsity from 1994 until 1999 representing the u20s and 1st XV , propping up the scrum on either side but found myself on the wing during matches. I was part of the Gus Enderstein era when Gus took over first team. Gus I must rate as one of the best coaches I have ever had the benefit of being coached by.
Where are you now and what are you doing?:
I have been living in London for over 8 years in Hampton with my wife and son, still playing rugby for London Scottish and working as Year Manager with JFS school.
Best varsity rugby memory?:
Coming back to Cape Town from provincial duty with the SWD Eagles on a Fri, I phoned Holla and asked for a game with the 3rds against Villagers on the Sat. I ended up playing for the 3rds, then played for the twos and finally played the 2nd half of the 1st team game against Villagers all on the Green mile.
“I was renowned for”:
Bulldozing runs and scoring too many tries for a prop.
Best thing about UCT rugby:
The people I met, the friends I made, the never say die attitude when we were facing Maties and the brand of rugby we played.
Any guys you are still in touch with?: Occasionally I hear from the Animal Roberts, Sven the swede , Bull and Wayne Baldie.
Do you follow the UCT Ikey Tigers and the Club?:
I do follow their results, especially in the varsity cup – am even trying to get my little boy an Ikey Tiger jersey . Who knows, maybe one day he will turn out in the blue and white of the tigers.
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