RUGBY
VARSIT Y CUP
FANS, PLANS AND
MANY HANDS THE RECIPE FOR RUGBY SUCCESS BY ROBIN ADAMS
T
HE YEAR PRECEDING
a Rugby World Cup is always a big one for players around the world, who strive to deliver their best performances because they want to be noticed by selectors. This is
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BLUE AND GOLD ISSUE 8 2022
pretty much top-of-mind for UWC’s rugby players in the Varsity Cup this season. With growing media interest and a significant spike in television viewership, it was their time to haal uit en wys. First-team coach Paul Treu explains what this means for his players. “It is such a great opportunity
for players to impress the franchise teams. Next year we have the World Cup, and these guys want to go all out and make an impression on those coaches and try and secure a professional contract, like some of our other players did last year.” THERE’S AN ADDED INCENTIVE THIS YEAR.
The return of supporters, albeit a reduced number, means players heard the roar of adoring fans in the stadiums again. “It’s one of the things we missed for the last two-and-a-half years,” says Treu. “Living and playing in a bubble was tough, with a quick turnaround in games and no spectators. And it is just awesome to be back at UWC in the Operation Room. “The guys have been looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd and have their fellow students cheer them on.”
