Varsity Cup

Wynand still involved

The former Springbok captain, Wynand Claassen, is still heavily involved in the game that he loves dearly: rugby. Wynand played for Tukkies from 1969 to 1979 - captaining the first team during his last six years.

He represented the Blue Bulls in 61 games: four as captain before he moved to Durban to join Natal and captained the the team in each of his 65 games. He retired from playing the game in 1984 but was immediately appointed as national selector.

He returned to Pretoria and became a real stalwart at his Alma Mater. He coached Tukkies in 2001 before moving into the administration of the game. He became Chairman of the club and is currently the President of Tuks Rugby.

Wynand was the first Tuks player to be appointed as Springbok captain. He captained the Boks in 1981 and 1982.

Wynand is incredibly excited about the Varsity Cup. He states that university rugby was dying. Traditional intervarsities suffered when the game became professional, saying: "The Varsity Cup gave student rugby a very necessary injection and student rugby is vibrant again."

Claassen suggests that the organisers might look at a double round and even some overseas competition against universities in Nieu Zeeland, Australia and even England at the end of the season.

To be selected as Springbok captain must be the highlight of his career, but Wynand has fond memories if a game in 1976: Tuks v Maties at Loftus.

Fifty-two thousand spectators came to watch this epic battle between two universities. This crowd is still a record for a club game in South Africa. Maties had the upperhand for a number of years but on that day in 1976, Tukkies beat them 18-7. Claassen also recalls the Currie Cup Final of 1975 as something special. The fact that he lead Natal to a final is also special.

Wynand invites all former Tuks players to get involved at their Alma Mater again and to support the team on Monday nights. He can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Piet de Jager

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