As a result of the E.P. Rugby Union’s decision in the year 1978, that the first teams be minimised to 8 super league teams only, the following clubs amalgamated to from the GEMSA Collegians R.F.C. in 1979.
- Gemsa R.F.C.
- Young Victorians Lads R.F.C.
- Ambassadors R.F.C
The above teams in those years played excellent rugby and many of the players in their different ranks represented eastern Province and S.A.R.U.
GEMSA R.F.C.
Daniel Van Briesies, Matthew Plaaitjies, Peter Campher, Samson and C. Damons
Gemsa R.F.C being the only club in the Northern Areas that had facilities of their own in the world E.P.R.U. Unfortunately the Gemsa complex was sold in 1988 due to the withdrawal of the General Motors of S.A. factory in P.E. General Motors was the main sponsor for these facilities over the years; putting in almost R15, 000 per year to maintain the complex, a much needed facility for our community that is now being regarded as a white elephant.
Young Victorians Labs
A club basically with a membership that consisted of only Muslims. The club was only previously amalgamated by Young ideas, Victorians and P.E Lads; the last mentioned clubs produced outstanding players that also represented E.P.R.U. and S.A.R.U.
Names that bring back memories are Faried Abrahams, Armien Orkell,Tiefie Blaauw, Koenie Jacobs, Ofie Howard Zachariah Astrie, Bunny Raban, Ike Williams and Paul Goliath.
Ambassadors R.F.C
A club that exited in the old Hillskraal area of P.E who also produced fine players that represented E.P.R.U. and S.A.R.U. Names such as Kenneth Walters, Louis Daniels, Dan Philander, Karel Le Roux, Harold Tobias, Frank Armoed and “Ducktail”
As a result of a split in this club some of their members formed another union, now known as BERBOC. This the reason why they also amalgamate with the other two clubs to form the Gemsa Collegians R.F.C.
GEMSA Collegians R.F.C
At the first meeting held to amalgamate the club the official name of Collegians R.F.C was decided upon. But as a result of pressure from General Motors of S.A the clubs name was changed to GEMSA Collegians R.F.C. During 1979 and 1980 the club tried to find their feet, as a result the club almost went defunct. Mr. Johannes Campher, who always nurtured the junior players, brought his juniors up into the senior routes in 1981. The club than made their debut in that year, with excellent performance and displays. The second team became the winners of the league trophy. The super league team annexed the Section Cup in that year.
The successes were made possible because of the efforts of the well organised executive of officials like I. Jakoet, J. Campher and others.
Players that represented Eastern Province under the GEMSA Collegians R.D.C names are Paul Goliath, Sharkie Sydow, Luffie Kafaar, Cassiem Petersen and Kenneth Peters.