It’s always interesting to see what transpires when you put different rugby personalities together in one room, says Kevin Musikanth, be it for a book launch, farewell or celebration.
Last night saw the launch of the 130 Years of IKEYS rugby booklet at Smuts hall.
A truly inspirational evening for us rugby romantics. An opportunity for young rugby minds to mingle and walk in the presence of giants of the game. The rugby history in that room was astounding, mind blowing really. The feeling of family comes to mind. One couldn’t help feeling slightly intimidated in the presence of men who have dedicated their lives in some way or another to this game and excelled at pretty much every possible level.
Whether it be the historian, Ivan Nurek, who knows the answer to the question that you have yet to ask, or the front row gathering around Prof Noakes where the likes of Butch Deuchar and Gareth Jones were discussing the new scrum laws…. with a certain sage!
And with Prof around, nobody dare touch a carbohydrate, except of course, a beer or a glass of red wine. That is allowed. It was indeed humorous to see Butch remove the already pint sized gourmet burger of its bread. While Doc still cannot understand why Butch, the taller man, insisted on using the over bind when they locked together playing for the Ikey u20’s back in the day. Communication and bonding at its sincerest level.
Bromance!
There is a distinct charm that those with history within the game have. It could be gentle wishes of support and luck from those that have seen the movie … O the rugged embrace from a former player that is only too happy to meet up with a friend from the past.
As various dignitaries are invited up by MC John Dobson to receive a handshake and a book from John Le Roux, messages are imparted for the walls of the hall to pass on to the statue of Cecil John Rhodes as he watches over our fields. It is impossible not to be completely humbled and put in awe by the sense of occasion and responsibility that comes into being for anyone intricately involved in the game and this passionate institution.
Rugby memories never die! It is the one thing that you can never change. While we create them every day, good or bad, the essence is that memories are all we really have at the end. Rugby is about respect, humility and most of all, a togetherness that I am certain does not exist in any other sport or pastime. There is something special about this game even though sometimes we simply cannot pin point it. There is a place for everyone. Perhaps that is what draws us to the sport? Despite our differences, rugby welcomes us.
The nuts and bolts of walking with rugby giants is that no matter what role you fulfil in this game, you only “own that” for a period of time. There will always have been someone before you that has created the legacy and there will always be someone after you in whatever role you are fortunate enough to occupy.
As Doc Moss gently walked up to receive his complimentary book there was an aura of respect. It would be impossible to count how many lives have been steered in the right direction by such a rugby icon. Just to have the privilege of rugby man like that putting his hand on your shoulder and wishing you well are such defining moments in life. How can one forget?
As formalities end I find myself on the balcony looking over the boys down on the field preparing for an away fixture while their hero’s mingle inside Smuts hall. Time goes quickly in rugby.
I turn to see legendary ref Jonathan Kaplan in a heated debate with mental toughness coach Tom Squibb Dawson, the value of rugby culture in a team being the topic. Does having a stance, a culture within a side really count? Like boxers they trade verbal blows. Still reeling from the body blow that was Dugald Macdonald belting out an Elvis number as he received his book, I join the conversation.
What do you think Kevin?
“You are both right” I say, sprinting inside to grab a chocolate brownie while Prof Noakes is not looking…
Kevin is currently the Director of Rugby at UCT and Wynberg High, the WP Amateur teams Assistant Coach, having previous been the Head Coach at False Bay RFC. Kevin owns and runs a Gym business called Body Excel which has been in operation since 1997.
