Who is Wim Hollander...
In his playing days he was known as the Flying Dutchman, a testimony to his ruthless tackling.
Wim Hollander has a long standing relationship with the University of Johannesburg (the former RAU). He was a student at RAU from 1976 to 1981 and a staff member since 1983.
“I am the executive director of University of Johannesburg Sport. My job is to oversee the strategic positioning of UJ Sport in local, national and international sport. UJ Rugby is a progressive, vibrant, competitive and professional make-up that provides rugby opportunities to students on different levels of participation. It is a club that focus on players and coaches rather than management.”
Wim has many fond memories of his playing days for RAU. He played in 80 matches. His personal highlights are winning the Transvaal Premier League for the first time as RAU and beating Tuks for the first time as RAU. He also treasures his participation in the National Club Championships Final in Durban.
He also represented Transvaal (Golden Lions) over three seasons, playing in 28 games. The match against the touring British Lions in 1981 was his most memorable for Transvaal.
The best centre he ever played against was the Springbok Peter Whipp, who played his provincial rugby for Western Province.
his all time great list include players like Morné du Plessis, Moaner van Heerden, Johan Strauss, Boland Coetzee, Rob Louw, Gerald Bosch, Lee Barnard, Corrie Pypers, Tjokkie van der Merwe, Carel du Plessis and Michael du Plessis.
He is regular contact with De Klerk, Barnard and other former team mates Tommy Bosch, Boela van der Merwe, Martin Burger, Willie Oosthuizen and Connie Kruger.
He is exited about the FNB Varsity Cup competition, presented by Steinhoff International.
“It has enormous value for university sport in general. As the competition takes place within a very professional set-up it creates unbelievable opportunities for students to get exposure on a high level of competition.”
Wim says there is one most notable difference between modern day student players and those of yesteryear.
“Yesteryear’s students participated in rugby for the love of the game. Playing rugby formed part of their educational process in obtaining a qualification (job). Modern day students play rugby to obtain a job (rugby contract).”
Hollander can be contacted at whollander@uj.ac.za.