With the launch of the film Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon which portrays the effect the 1995 Rugby World. Cup had on the reemergence of South Africa into the world of sport reminds us of the small but significant part the rugby clubs of north Glasgow played in that process

In March 1997 West,Glasgow Accies , GHK and Hillhead/Jordonhill hosted the Rainbow Tour of False Bay Rugby Club from Cape Town one of the first multi race teams to go on tour out of South Africa at the end of the Apartheid era The tour had the official endorsement of Nelson Mandela's. Office

The tour was the brainchild of Louis De Waal whose company operated the The Table Mountain Cable Car Louis had played for West in the early 70s when he was at University in Glasgow

Apart from the four tour matches the party included two travelling referees who benefited from the experience of officiating in Scotland

The team was based at the Pond Hotel and played at Hughenden Old and New Anniesland and Burnbrae The tour was a great success and in a small way our clubs played a minor but important part in a process that sees South Africa host the Soccer World Cup in 2

This article was originally posted on 15-Dec-2009, 08:29 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 15-Dec-2009, 11:58.