The South African Rugby Union last week missed out on a seminal moment in celebrating its rebirth as a non-racial sporting organisation, says well-known rugby historian Hendrik Snyders.
Snyders pointed out the missed opportunity by Saru as guest speaker at the launch of the inaugural Ebrahim Patel Community Cup Easter Rugby Tournament that will take place from 17 April to 21 April at the Outeniqua Park Stadium in George.
Eight club teams Bridgton (Oudtshoorn), Gardens (Uitenhage), Groot Brak, Harlequins (Port Elizabeth), Heidelberg, Robertson Town, Safcol United (Grabouw) and St. George’s (Strand) will do battle to be crowned the inaugural EPCC champion.
But at last week’s launch at Fancourt Golf Estate, Snyders pointed out that their in-deed was more to be celebrated ahead of the much anticipated on-field action from the eight invited teams that all have a unique story when it comes to their role in what is today a non-racial rugby landscape.
A Significant EPCC Launch
It however saddens Snyders to note that on the day of the launch, no one noted the significant date of 20 March.
And of the significance of the date in South African rugby history, Snyders said:
On this day the non-racial and unified South African Rugby Football Union was formed to end a century of racism [within the sport].
That is how important the date 20 March 1992 is. And on that day Ebrahim Patel led his executive into a room in Kimberley to meet with Doctor Danie Craven and his team.
And Mr Patel and leaders of other non-racial rugby organizations went there to do one thing – unify our rugby, stop racism in rugby and end the monopolization of the Springbok to one group of people.
Legends Honoured
The EPCC launch was also attended by stalwarts of non-racial rugby, Bernard Petersen, Irvine October, Ronnie Korkee and John Booysen who sadly never got the opportunity to represent their country as fully fledged Springboks because of the apartheid regime.
However, Snyders honoured them and those not present as the torch bearers, alongside the late Patel, for helping create a non-racial rugby society.
It is Ebrahim Patel that received the task to form a new, united rugby board for this country. So that the Springboks can return to Eden Park, Twickenham, Melbourne and all the other fancy places where the Springboks play today.
So, I say thank you to Irvine, Ronnie, Bernard, John and so many others – it is because of their sacrifice for non-racial rugby, represented by Ebrahim Patel, that gives us unity today.
Exciting EPCC Games Ahead
Meanwhile, an exciting first day of EPCC Easter Tournament action is expected on 17 April after the fixtures were announced with Safcol United and Bridgton doing battle in the opening game and Sanlam Boland Top 12 champions, Robertson Town takes on Western Province Super League A club, St. George’s in the final game of the day.
Day One Fixtures for the EPCC are:
Thursday 17 April
- 16:00: Safcol United v Bridgton;
- 17:35: Gardens v Groot Brak;
- 19:35: Heidelberg v Harlequins;
- 21:00: Robertson Town v St. George’s
