Rhodes University's Inter-res rugby has been a success throughout its existence, but now we can expect it to reach even greater heights as the male-only sport is about to change with an innovative new touch rugby team that includes men and women.
Rhodes University's Inter-res rugby has been a success throughout its existence, but now we can expect it to reach even greater heights as the male-only sport is about to change with an innovative new touch rugby team that includes men and women.
The project is spear-headed by Nandipha Mbangula, a first year history and psychology student. Mbangula started playing touch rugby when a coach came to her school and taught a few of her classmates and herself how to play and she fell in love with the game.
Mbangula was asked to pioneer the team by Rhodes Sports Administration.
“Elize Everton suggested that we start a touch rugby team. I started marketing the sport and received eager responses. I got responses from both females and males which was great," Mbangula said.
"Being mixed is important as it removes the stigma that touch rugby is a weaker version of rugby and tailor-made for females.
It is also great to see that the men that play in the team are willing to break away from that restricting perspective that touch rugby is a girls' sport.”
Mbangula said that their training is largely informal at the moment, but next year that should change.
“This year we are just learning the basics of the sport as some players have never been introduced to it. We currently meet every Monday and Wednesday to just have fun.
Looking into the future, however, which is next year, we are aiming at joining The Senior Inter Provincial Touch tournament. This will further promote it and hopefully one day it will become a recognised sport at the university."
