Not many professional sport clubs – especially those who ply their trade in the lower division of their respective codes – are able to survive anything close to a century.
Not many professional sport clubs – especially those who ply their trade in the lower division of their respective codes – are able to survive anything close to a century.
Founded in 1894 by black staff of St Andrew's College in Grahamstown, the Lily White Rugby football club has stood the test of time to become the second-oldest club in Grahamstown, at 120 years.
The club was founded by Reverend White, who would name the club after his daughter, Lily.
To celebrate the milestone, the club has invited all rugby clubs from the South Eastern Rugby District (SEDRU) to share the achievement with them in a tournament this weekend.
“Easter weekend is the time where clubs are given break from their normal fixtures, so we decided to take the opportunity of involving them in our celebration," club secretary Lizo Lenox Zake said.
“Since there was no tournament planned by the municipality this year, we wanted to keep the tradition of playing rugby around this time of the year. Even better that we also celebrate 120 years,” said Zake.
Zake said incentives and trophies still had to be discussed, but everything was set for a fun-filled rugby completion from tomorrow until Monday.
Lily White RFC stress the importance of developing leadership skills among their members and potential members from the community.
The club attributes its longevity to its members.
"They promote the game of rugby among our members with the spirit of brotherhood and good citizenship," Zake said.
SEDRU club teams from Port Elizabeth, Adelaide and Uitenhage will be among those participating.
