The University of the Western Cape has reason to celebrate. Herschel Jantjies, an alumnus, has been included in the Springbok team.

The Stellenbosch-born scrumhalf has been selected to bring the “x-factor” when the national team takes on the Wallabies at the weekend, according to a Business Day report.

Coach Rassie Erasmus was quoted as saying: “In terms of Herschel‚ we know exactly what we have with the likes of Ivan van Zyl‚ Embrose Papier and Louis Schreuder. All of them had a good run last year, but Herschel and Cobus [Reinach] both knocked the door down.

“When Herschel came up against one of the best guys in Super Rugby‚ he stood his ground and had some wonderfully consistent games. He’s slotted in really well and it’s helped that there’s a few Stormers guys in the Springbok squad.”

UWC rugby coach, Chester Williams, said Jantjies is “undoubtedly” one of the rising stars on the rugby scene.

“His hard work and determination have paid off and we look forward to seeing great things from him. We have started recruiting youngsters who want to pursue their academic career and play for UWC,” said Williams.

This year UWC made their debut in the Varsity Cup.

The University’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Tyrone Pretorius, congratulated Jantjies and highlighted some of UWC’s recent sporting achievements.

“The University of the Western Cape is a research led higher education institution, but it also offers the best in sport, and the announcement that we have produced another Springbok is testament to this,” said Professor Pretorius.

“In the space of just twelve months UWC has also produced its first Proteas player, Zubayr Hamza, watched with pride when Kurt-Lee Arendse became a Blitzbok, has seen Babalwa Latsha captaining the women's Springbok team and shared in the celebrations when Thembi Kgatlana was awarded the CAF Goal of the Year Award. Congratulations to all our alumni.”