Photo Credit: Francois du Toit
Whilst we eagerly await the hopefully imminent return of school rugby after what feels like an eternity of silent rugby fields, one is constantly reminded of the many reasons why we miss this game - schoolboys at all levels playing for their schools with pride and passion, the camaraderie that is developed during tough battles on the field, the often high quality and exciting rugby that is played, but to name a few.
Sportsmanship can be added to this list as one of the most invaluable aspects of the game because it teaches and instils mutual respect. As the saying goes: money cannot buy love (or sportsmanship). It is usually displayed in a variety of forms at school, as well as senior rugby levels, such as opposing teams shaking hands after a game or forming a tunnel and clapping for the opposing team leaving the field after a game.
A more serious but heart-warming example is when players of the opposing team and spectators clap for an injured player when he or she is carried off the field.
Schools also often show sportsmanship by keeping silent whilst the other school sings its anthem.
There are many more examples but one that stands out was an incident in 2019 when the Affies u/16 F team played against St Albans’ u/16 B team. Shortly after the game kicked off confusion set in amongst the spectators.
This was caused by an Affie player, Xander Bekker wearing his Affie T-shirt and running around amongst the St Albans players. The immediate thought was that he forgot his jersey at home and therefore had to play in his T-shirt.
However, an element of surprise was also added to the confusion when the first scrum was called and the Affie player joined the St Albans scrum as 8th man.
After much deliberation amongst the spectators, things finally became clear when it was revealed that he was playing for the St Albans team because they were short of players.
The game was initially going to be cancelled due to the shortage of players, however, he volunteered to play for the opposing team so that the game could continue.
This incident stands out as a very unusual act of sportsmanship. How effective this Affie player’s contribution was to the St Albans team could be debated, because they eventually lost the game. However, it is clear that sportsmanship was ultimately the victor.
Article by Francois du Toit
If you have a similar story of hope, passion and sportsmanship in schoolboy rugby please mail your story and photos to francois@ruggas.co.za