There seems to be no end to the success of coach Riaan van der Merwe and his Tuks women’s sevens-rugby team.

The latest addition to their remarkable number of championship titles is the inaugural Varsity Women’s Sevens tournament in Johannesburg.

Tuks possibly played one of their best games of the season when they beat Fort Hare by 46-0 in the final. From the very first moment they took to the field, it was clear they are playing to become the first holders of this title.

The successful coach, who do not always receive the recognition he deserves for his contribution to the establishment and development of women’s rugby in general and women’s sevens-rugby in particular, said it was essential for his team to not only win the trophy for the University of Pretoria but also to showcase women’s sevens rugby.

“I believe we have succeeded in doing so. Before the final, I only asked one thing from the players. That was to be disciplined. Seemingly they listened because the team conceded only one penalty,” an elated Van der Merwe said.

Van der Merwe also praised his captain, Kemisetso Baloyi, for her leadership and contribution on the field. She indeed led by example, often being the one to make the vital tackle. Every time she had the ball in hand, it was a given that something was going to happen. She scored three brilliant tries in the final.

As far as Baloyi is concerned, she was just doing what was expected from her.

“Delta Drone Tuks winning the Varsity Tournament was a team effort. Every player stepped up. It was an honour for me to play for a team that made South African student sports history. We played the very first game in the women’s Varsity Tournament as well as being the first champions,” said Baloyi.

– The Tuks men’s sevens team ended up finishing third after beating Madibaz 36-5 in the playoffs.

UJ won the men’s tournament.  In the final, they dominated Maties to win 20-0.

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram