Alumni Q&A: Danny Palm
Former UCT flanker and first team captain Danny Palm is the perfect embodiment of a full-time student who played rugby at the highest level at his university, but yet also found time to complete his studies.
If that wasn't enough, Danny also spent time playing rugby in Australia, as well as studying and playing rugby at Oxford University - following in the footsteps of current UCTRFC President Dugald Macdonald and former Bok coach Nick Mallett; to name just two.
Now back in Cape Town, and married to Jan, Danny - who graduated from UCT with a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance and Economics (Hons) - is enjoying life back on the Green Mile!
We managed to track him down and ask him ten questions - about life, his time at UCT and Varsity Cup rugby:
(1) Dan - how are you? When did you play rugby at UCT and for which teams?
"It's fantastic to be back in Cape Town and even better to be supporting a winning team (it's four from four, right?). I started off playing in 2000 for the UCT U21A1s. We had a fantastic season and never lost a game, and had the likes of Brent Russell (former Springbok back) and Stephen Knoop (Leinster) playing for us. It was a definite highlight of my varsity days, considering we got two massive wins over Stellenbosch. From 2001 to 2003 I played for the First XV. Back then post-match recovery included an ice-cold beer or two and definitely not an ice-cold recovery bath! But I'm glad to see the tradition of the 'bum-funnel' has still been kept - we'll have to thank Kris van den Berg for introducing that to the club."
(2) You also played rugby abroad, right?
"Yes, straight after finishing my honours I travelled to play in the Serie A in Italy, then on to Brisbane to play for the University of Queensland. Playing in Oz was a real treat and we managed to make it all the way to the Grand Final but lost to a very strong Gold Coast Team. The fantastic thing about playing in Oz is the opportunity for club players to play alongside Wallabies as there is no Currie Cup competition in Australia. In our side we had the likes of Nathan Sharpe, Stephen Moore, Josh Valentine, James Horwill, Peter Hynes and Drew Mitchell just to name a few. Both opportunities to play abroad came about through my contacts at UCT which has really helped me see the world. In fact, UCT old boys were one of the driving forces for me to go and study at Oxford University."
(3) How was your time at Oxford? That Oxbridge match must surely be a highlight for you?
"My time at Oxford was just unbelievable. I remember every single day I would walk through the streets, past 500 year-old colleges and would have to constantly remind myself how lucky I was to experience everything Oxford has to have both academically and historically. In terms of the rugby, it is definitely the most unique experience one can have. From rugby tours to Japan, to playing top Premiership sides, the entire Oxford season is focused on the varsity game against Cambridge at Twickenham in front of 40,000 fans. The intensity and history around the game is second to none in the amateur form and I would strongly recommend to anyone wanting to go."
(4) How did your Oxford opportunity come about?
"A couple of UCT old boys who were also Oxford Blues (Neil Macdonald/Dugald Macdonald/Barry O'Mahony) were influential in convincing me to apply to study. I was also very lucky to have been awarded a scholarship which made life much easier."
(5) When did you return to South Africa - and why?
"I arrived back in 2009 after working in London for two years. South Africa, in particular Cape Town, is my home and I cannot see myself living anywhere other than Africa. There is so much opportunity here and, besides, why would I want to spend another second on the London Underground??!"
(6) What do you do for a living these days?
"I work as a Wealth Manager looking after the investment and lending needs of UHNW clients."
(7) Do you get back to UCT? More importantly - do you follow (and support) your team in the Varsity Cup?
"What a question??!! There is not another university I would dream of backing other than UCT. In fact, together with some fellow old boys we have recently started a UCT supporters club called the IKEY Foundation."
(8) That sounds interesting... tell us more about the Ikey Foundation?
"The IKEY Foundation is more than a supporters club, it is a collaborative effort by all past UCT players and current supporters to establish a fundraising drive to make UCT competitive in terms of the money side of rugby. It allows supporters of the club, through a monthly subscription amount, to access a wide range of benefits as well as attend off-field events which allow all IKEY fans to connect and get back in touch. Benefits include a loyalty programme where Foundation members will get discounts at various retailers, as well as special seating arrangements at games. For more information please visit www.ikeyfoundation.com or contact
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and/or
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."
(9) What are your thoughts on the Varsity Cup? Have you ever thought of doctoring your birth certificate?
"I think it's a fantastic initiative and it's been unbelievable how well it's been received. Like every old boy I could only wish we had something this special in my playing days."
(10) What is it about university rugby that makes it so special?
"It's very simple, at UCT you played with your mates. The guys you went to classes with, as well as the guys you went socialising with were the same guys in the 79th minute standing shoulder to shoulder with you defending that tryline for the win."
By Howard Kahn
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