Knysna United Rugby Club make history

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna United Rugby Club made history with the election of Delicia Tait as its first-ever female chairperson.

Tait's journey with the club began in 2022, when she volunteered to work at the tuck shop, and then offered a helping hand to ensure the smooth running of game days and events.

Her passion for the sport and desire to give back to her community eventually led her to join the club's board as secretary in 2024.

Greater success

Now, as the new chairperson, Tait is determined to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessors and lead the club to greater success.

"I've always had a love for the game, and when I came back to Knysna after spending 17 years in the Cape Town area, I decided I wanted to contribute to the community in a positive way," said Tait in an interview with the Knysna-Plett Herald.

Super A-league

One of Tait's main goals as chairperson is to push the club forward from the Super B-league to the elite Super A-league.

In order to achieve this ambitious goal, she plans to enrol three teams, laying the groundwork for sustained success and ensuring that the club remains a force to be reckoned with in local rugby.

"As the first woman to serve as chairperson for our local rugby club, I am honoured and excited to lead with a focus on inclusivity, growth, and community impact.

'Significant milestone'

"My role represents a significant milestone not only for the club but also for women in rugby, and I take this responsibility seriously," Tait said.

Her vision for the Knysna United Rugby Club extends far beyond the field. Tait envisions a future where the club thrives, not just through athletic success, but also through strong community engagement and an inclusive, supportive environment for everyone involved - from players to coaches to supporters.

'Collaborative efforts'

"I envision a future where our club thrives, both on and off the field, through collaborative efforts from fellow members and strong ties with the local community. Together, we will foster an environment where players, coaches, and supporters feel valued, inspired, and empowered."

Pre-season practices have been underway for three weeks, with the team gearing up for their first friendly match of the season.

This weekend, Knysna United will face the Dolphins in Kranshoek, kicking off what promises to be an exciting season for the club.

The newly elected board members of the Knysna United Rugby Club are, front, from the left: Somaya Jumat (vice-treasurer), Delicia Tait (chairperson), Gershwin Stevens (vice-chairperson) and Lucinda Booysen (additional member). Back: Selvyn Hannie (vice-secretary), Clayton Blou (secretary), Jowin Jacobs (treasurer), Jacob Williams (additional member), Renaldo Hunter (additional member), Kevin Messeur (additional member) and Nico Mckock (additional member).