The Swifts Rugby Football Club in Uitenhage might be one of very few if not the only club in the country which was founded by a Reverend.

Revd. C.D. Jecks from the St Katharine’s Anglican Church, had the foresight and determination to strive for something he believed in and formed a rugby team amongst choir boys during 1891. It was named the Swifts Football Club and during 1894 they joined the Eastern Province Rugby Union. The original cup team consisted of players whose surnames are still well-known in town such as Gubb, Swift, Hendricks, Van Vuuren and Nelson.

A special thanksgiving service in celebration of the club will be held at St Katharine’s Church on Sunday, 19th February at 14:30. It will be followed by a gathering at the parish hall. All interested are most welcome to attend. For any further information phone 041 991 0913.