Gullivers' Soweto Big Pub
The Legacy: Lions 2009 South Africa
On the pitch the British & Irish Lions lost 2-1, but what of that passionate band of English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh supporters that followed the team? What impression did they make on South Africa and what impression did South Africa make on them?
At Soweto township in Johannesburg, 2,000 Gullivers tourists gathered for a unique festival of rugby hosted by Soweto rugby club prior to the final Lions Test. Here the true spirit of rugby was in evidence and the exclusive Gullivers' Big Pub was the highlight for many Gullivers tourists, supporters and staff alike.
Local children received a rousing reception as South African legends including Peter Muller and John Allen treated them to a coaching clinic and TAG tournament. The tournament was a culmination of a coaching programme over 20 sessions and involving 10 schools from Soweto.
Then it was the turn of the Gullivers Barbarians to take on Soweto Legends, supported by Oregan Hoskins, President of SARU, the Barbarians winning 25-5. Barbarians captain David Dickson was delighted: "That was an incredible experience. Rugby is a big family and it was a privilege to take part.”
On the day, Soweto cultural groups enjoyed their opportunity to show off their traditional African dancing and musical skills. Gareth Chilcott, Gullivers’ front man, said, “I’d been on the road for six weeks, yet that morning sums it all up for me. Of course the rugby’s important but the smiles and laughter at the clinic and the kids’ appreciation of the kit donations from Gullivers’ supporters brought a tear to the eye of even a hard old prop like me. We were really proud of what we contributed to Soweto rugby club. We came on a rugby tour, but we left behind us a tangible contribution to rugby here."
And for the grand finale: a massive convoy of over 40 coaches with police escort all the way to Ellis Park. Unique and unforgettable.
On the day, Lions supporters generously donated:
- 5 full sets of playing kit
- 35 red Gullivers fleeces
- 40 red Gullivers polo shirts
- 40 Gullivers caps
- 150 various rugby jerseys
- 25 rugby boots
- 1 small box casual clothing
- 60 rugby balls
- 20 marking cones
- 20 Gullivers windbreakers
- 5 backpacks
- Donations of R25,000 and pledges of over £500
Gullivers and South African partner, Edusport, donated:
- R54,000 for the upgrade of changing rooms before the big day
- A cheque for R40,000 for any cause of the club’s choosing
We would like thank everyone who supported us during the season - the hard work has paid off. Our U19s did us proud by winning the 2009 league and our 5 year strategic plan is now shaping up after this succesful year. And not forgetting our senior side, that played in a competitive league and lied on the 5th spot on the log, which means we are not too far in winning the senior league in the near future.
Thanks a million times.
Zola Ntlokoma, Club Secretary / Manager
Soweto Rugby Club
