The University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rugby Tournament took place in Wellington, Cape Town, this year from 4 to 8 July. Rhodes' first team played a successful part in the tournament, winning two of their three matches.
The University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rugby Tournament took place in Wellington, Cape Town, this year from 4 to 8 July. Rhodes' first team played a successful part in the tournament, winning two of their three matches.
The first match on Monday, the fourth for the men in purple-and-white stripes, was played against an impressive Maties team who outscored Rhodes 47-8. Only Kaizer Tabane was able to run in a hard-fought try for Rhodes. Round two saw Rhodes demolish the University of KwaZulu-Natal 30 points to 6.
Despite their first loss, the third round the last day was played against the home team of the tournament, Cape Peninsula University of Technology. This match was a very good result for Rhodes, who took the match 26-16. The tournament was won by the University of Johannesburg this year.
If Rhodes achieves similar results in next year's USSA tournament, the team may be promoted to play a promotion relegation match versus the losing team in the Varsity Shield next year. Should Rhodes win such a relegation match – they only happen every two years – they will be promoted to play in the Varsity Shield Tournament for two years. Winners of the Varsity Shield play relegation matches to take part in the Varsity Cup, the country's coveted top University Rugby league.
