Ikey Tigers censured for USSA no-show

The University of Cape Town RFC, aka the FNB Ikey Tigers, were Friday censured by the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International for their failure to take part in the 2009 USSA Rugby Week, which was recently held at the University of Johannesburg.

There is an agreement in place between SA Rugby and Varsity Cup that the eight participating universities are obliged to take part in the annual universities week, which is organised by University Sport South Africa (USSA).

However, the Ikey Tigers failed to send a team to the tournament in June for financial reasons.

A dispute was then declared between Varsity Cup and the Ikey Tigers which was resolved in Cape Town on Friday, August 7. The dispute was chaired by former Springbok front rower and advocate Willie Hills.

As a result, the Ikey Tigers have been suspended from the Varsity Cup tournament for one year - a judgement suspended for two years, whilst a R50,000 fine was also imposed upon the club.

"We understand the financial pressure clubs are under, especially in the recession, and are also aware that the success of the Varsity Cup means that teams have had to invest heavily in order to compete - but we have to adhere to the agreement with SA Rugby that all eight of our participating universities take part in the USSA week," said Varsity Cup MD Duitser Bosman.

"As such, whilst we are empathetic to the Ikey Tigers' position, they have transgressed the tournament regulations and Varsity Cup therefore had no choice but to take the appropriate action," he added.

UCT RFC General Manager Gavin Sheldon commented: "We are grateful to Varsity Cup for the manner in which they have addressed this issue and managed the entire process."

Sheldon added: "We have apologised for our transgression in not attending the tournament, as we would liked to have (been there), but we had very real fiscal pressures that meant it was not possible. We do, however, look forward to once again attending next year.

"We are also exceptionally thankful to Varsity Cup for this wonderful tournament, which has added so much to the South African rugby landscape, and have assured them of our ongoing support and co-operation moving forward."