With the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc across all industries, more evidently in the sporting fraternity, the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) saw it fit to introduce two new rugby competitions namely the Memorial and Shield Cups in memory of those in the club rugby and overall rugby community who have experienced hardships, especially those who have succumbed to the virus.

“The Executive Committee realised in 2021 that our regular competitions would experience delays and postponements due to the pandemic and therefore we decided that The Memorial Cup and Memorial Shield would be a fitting replacement for our clubs to participate in,” said GLRU Deputy President Stephen Meintjies.

The inaugural competitions saw Pukke seniors clinch the Memorial Cup and Khosa Rugby Club claim the juniors accolade in the Memorial Shield.

“Even though the Memorial Cup and Memorial Shield competitions are being inaugurated during a very sad period of worldwide suffering and death due the ravishing impact of COVID, the Cup and Shield competitions resulted in great competitiveness and enthusiasm between the respective clubs,” Meintjies concluded.