A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 10 October 1980

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" UP’s student newspaper Perdeby/PDBY  on the history of rugby at the University.

Rugby was one of the first team sports, (along with soccer) that was introduced to Transvaal University College (TUC) in 1909. When it first introduced to the college there was barely enough students to make up one time and by 1912 the student newspaper noted with concern, the lack of interest in the sport. Of the 17 students that was part of the 1912 club only twelve had a descent knowledge of the game. This changed however when dr LC de Villiers , a keen sportsman, became the first president of the club. Under his guidance the club grew form strength to strength. In 1951, Tukkie produced it first national rugby Spring bok player, Ernst Dinkelman and by 1980 Tukkies had over 64 rugby teams.

The University of Pretoria Archives (UPA) preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. The UPA has an extensive photo collection and clipping collection that focuses on staff and student accomplishments, this includes copies of the PDBY/Perdeby as featured here. Please contact us on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or to access our collection.