THE IIE’s Varsity College rugby team has made history, becoming the first Private Higher Education Institution to Compete in the Varsity Shield
In an enthralling game to decide the fate of two teams for promotion into the Varsity Shield or relegation, The IIE’s Varsity College rugby team, which travelled all the way from Durban, recently edged Rhodes University 12-10 at the Great Field, home to Rhodes’ rugby in Grahamstown.
This victory means that the IIE will be the 1st private Higher Education Institution to play in the Varsity Shield. “This is the culmination of years of planning and preparation as well as the excitement of finally being able to compete in the prestigious Varsity Shield and Cup competitions – the dream of any university rugby player,” said Carol Adam (National Sports Manager The IIE’s Varsity College).
After trailing 10 nil at halftime, The IIE’s Varsity College scored an unconverted try early in the second half. With minutes to go in the game IIE’s Varsity College scored another try to level the game and this time converted the try. With that winning kick, they gained promotion into the Varsity Shield for 2024.
“Going into the game we knew it was going to be a huge task. The magnitude of it brought about a lot of emotion and a little bit of pressure which manifested itself negatively but our team chemistry and the belief we had in one another helped us remain calm and get the job done,” said Abande Mthembu (The IIE’s Varsity College team captain and 1st year IIE Bachelor of Commerce The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North).
Source: The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay
(Picture: Elated players and management of The IIE’s Varsity College rugby team celebrate the ‘W’ and with it their promotion into the Varsity Shield after their nail-biting victory against Rhodes rugby team at the Great Field in Grahamstown. The IIE’s Varsity College beat Rhodes 12 – 10.)
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