- For years, Wits rugby was the proverbial poorer cousin to the University of Johannesburg, but it's a dynamic that's changed dramatically.
- Under former Transvaal stalwart and experienced mentor, Hugo van As, the side has become one of the most accomplished outfits in the Varsity Cup.
- And he's done that with a very simple philosophy: rugby is about growing people.
When you give it some proper thought, it becomes quite clear why Hugo van As and Wits are such a good fit in the Varsity Cup.
As a player, Van As was a stalwart at centre for Transvaal, a distinctly un-fussy operator who just got on with the job in his 98 appearances.
It's an attitude that extends to his outlook as a highly experienced coach - humility and perspective is key to everything you do.
And while that doesn't sound particularly sexy in this era of ruthless professionalism, it's those two factors that underpin Wits' rise towards becoming one of the most accomplished outfits in the tournament.
If anything, that approach was merely reinforced after a 2021 campaign wrapped in high expectations - from outside quarters it must be said - began on a false note with a 25-48 loss to Tuks on Sunday night.
And don't bet against it still proving a winning recipe in this season's somewhat stranger edition.
Varsity rugby's skyrocketing social importance
When Wits claimed a maiden Varsity Shield title under then head coach Andrew Royle, they did so with much fanfare given that they toppled hot favourites the CUT Ixias in a close final.
Reality bit them badly after consequently gaining automatic promotion to the Cup, losing all 14 of their matches over the course of the 2013 and 2014 campaigns and slumping back into the second tier.
Appointed in 2015, Van As got Wits back into the big time by guiding them to a second Shield victory the following year, but wanted to ensure they stayed there.
His masterplan? Don't JUST focus on the rugby.
"It's actually really simple. All we ever really want to do is create a healthy overall environment," Van As told Sport24.
"We find ourselves in trying times, particularly in the last two years or so, where it's become apparent to many players that not all of them will work their way into the top flight.
"So we wanted to become a destination. We wanted players to say: 'I'm not going to be a prominent figure in the Lions' plans or perhaps another union. I then want to go to Wits.' If you create such an environment, it becomes mutually beneficial, to us and South African rugby in general.
"Balance is key to us. This generation of players, particularly those trying to establish themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic, is really being challenged. More than ever, the wheat is being separated from the chaff. Rugby is important, but growing as a person is just as vital."
Hugo van As
As SA Rugby's industry-wide Covid-19 savings plan of R1 billion starkly illustrated last year, the local game is essentially bordering on being unsustainable.
Too many players are vying for an ever-shrinking pool of available professional contracts.
It's also why institutions like Wits and their Varsity Cup counterparts' importance will skyrocket as the years progress, because they not only provide your passionate, if somewhat limited player, an opportunity to live the rugby dream, there's a real investment into their future... away from the game.
"You're giving a guy a professional environment to play the game in, to test yourself against some really fine opponents that are capable of competing in the top flight," said Van As.
"It gives those guys a morale boost and a sense of purpose. And if that's combined with a degree after three or four years, then, wow, you've developed men that are ready to take on this tough world.
"That's where the real pride lies."
Broader personal development isn't just confined to the players.
"We believe in investing in the lives of coaches and team managers too," said Van As.
One of the more notable beneficiaries is Joey Mongalo, now the highly-rated defensive guru of the Bulls.
Stuck in limbo after a charge of indecent assault in Australia back in 2019 was cast aside, he steadily worked his way back and joined Wits for last year's Varsity Cup campaign.
His influence was immediately apparent as the team went unbeaten in five matches before the campaign was suspended.
That glimpse was enough for Jake White to convince him to join his revolution at Loftus.
"We're so proud of a guy like Joey, who's doing so well now at the Bulls," said Van As.
"The fact he was part of our set-up for just a short period is such a source of pride."
'It's not punishment anymore'
However, so compellingly fruitful has the environment in Milpark become that Wits aren't exactly reliant on passionate stalwarts anymore.
In fact, they've become the destination of choice for the Lions' leading junior players, who are eager to add their raw class to Van As' well-drilled system.
A 2021 squad that features Sibusiso Sangweni, Mark Snyman, Morne Brandon, Banele Mthenjane, Ngia Selengbe, Travis Gordon and Emmanuel Tshituka attests to that.
"These gifted youngsters come to us and make a significant investment," said Van As.
"A guy like Travis is the Lions' Under-21 skipper and has a bright future, but he's an absolute passionate Witsie. That's what we want from the players of that pedigree.
"A lot of times in the past, professionally contracted youngsters viewed it as a punishment to join a university team or club. It was a bad dynamic for the players and a bad one for the local game in general."
With so-called dependables such as captain Constant Beckerling, Lindo Ncusane, Yanga Hlalu and Chris Humphries ever present, it's obvious that Van As' team is getting the best of both worlds.
"That grows the game. It's a mutual investment. I believe the 'big' upcoming names join us for a campaign or two and walk away inspired," said the Wits mentor.
"Constant and our 'local' guys add value through their dedication and hard work. The Lions stars are exposed to that and learn lessons. Conversely, our stalwarts improve their rugby by being exposed to some of the most talented players in the province, players that bring with them fantastic skills and habits and insights.
"We all benefit."
Perspective
Unsurprisingly though, Van As is quick to temper any overblown expectations for 2021, a prudent thing to do after they ran out of steam against Tuks on Sunday night.
"Of course we are aiming high. Everyone does," he said.
"But that's what makes it such a difficult tournament to participate in. Everyone is switched on and keen to impress. Our first bubble of fixtures is a difficult one, so there's simply no way you can take anything for granted."
Having reached the semi-finals in 2018, 2020 was shaping up as a breakthrough campaign - four wins and a draw from five - before the pandemic struck and rendering that achievement rather meaningless.
"That's the thing. I know the circumstances were unique, but still, we didn't exactly achieve anything," said Van As.
"It's a new year and the reality remains that for most teams, their player rosters change significantly. That's not always great for continuity, particularly if you want to win trophies.
"Yet it's the hand we've been dealt and I firmly believe that our strong environment can make up for something like that.
"We're here to win, but we're also here to become better people."