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Wagner doffs his cap at supporters

PUBLISHED: October 28, 2013


Western Province Rugby CEO Rob Wagner has thanked the Western Cape rugby public for their amazing support this past season.

Between them, the DHL Western Province Currie Cup and DHL Stormers teams lost just two matches – out of 15 – at home in 2013.

And speaking after Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup Final loss to the Sharks, Wagner said: “Saturday was obviously not the result we wanted for the thousands of supporters in Blue & White who filled DHL Newlands.

“In all my time at WP Rugby I have never experienced such an atmosphere at the stadium. The singing of the national anthem was absolutely amazing and I am so, so proud to be a part of the most wonderful supporters’ group.

“Our supporters are the very best in the country and they demonstrated this on Saturday by creating an unforgettable atmosphere at DHL Newlands. Their support over the past season has been fantastic across the board and we, at WP Rugby, are indeed privileged and extremely humbled to have this kind of support.

“I must express my deep gratitude to the supporters for being part of the family and for creating the unique DHL Newlands atmosphere,” added Wagner. “You are WP Rugby and DHL Newlands.”

Wagner went on to say that the final defeat would simply make this young Province team stronger, more determined and committed to securing more home play-off matches in the future.

The WP matchday 22 that featured in Saturday’s final boasted an average age of just 24,9, with new star Cheslin Kolbe turning 20 two days after the match in his debut season of senior rugby.

Despite the senior team’s loss in the final on Saturday, WP boasted a successful year at schools level, tasting success in the Under-13, Under-16 and Under-18 age-groups, and the union has also secured ten SA Schools players as part of next year’s intake at the WP Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch.

The WP Rugby CEO, meanwhile, also praised the WP Under-21 team for their cup-winning success at the weekend, having beaten a star-studded Blue Bulls team in the final of the 2013 Absa Provincial Under-21 tournament – also at DHL Newlands.

“The players do know that they are privileged to have the Faithful behind them,” said Wagner. “Thank you to everyone. You were simply super this season. WP Jou Lekker Ding. The Faithful, Jou Lekker Ding!”