The ultimate Bok fan

Kicking other supporters into touch with his passion for Springbok memorabilia, Kloof resident Hymie Sybil talks rugby with Cate Clarke.

Entering his house, I’m in no doubt about which game scores the winning points here. “My interest in collecting rugby memorabilia started more than two decades years ago,” says Hymie, whose sporting treasure trove, said to be the biggest of its kind in the country, totals more than 6 000 items.

“Besides books and photographs, I also collect various printed matter including rugby team sheets, programmes, itinerary cards, tickets and media guides.”

Hymie kicks off by opening a dusty folder to reveal a farewell decorative menu card from the 1903 British Lions Tour of South Africa. “What makes this so rare is that it’s signed by all the players who took part in the tour,” he says. “It’s in mint condition. As far as I know this is one of a kind.”

Another piece of unusual Springbok history catches my eye. Hymie is quickly on the ball.

“This is the original sheet music of the Springbokken Waltz, dedicated to the South African rugby football team of 1906/07.”

The next leg of my tour is viewing the commemorative mugs, plates, badges, ties and various other unusual rugby trinkets, tucked between the rows and rows of floor to ceiling bookshelves. Hymie’s passion for collecting is not only about accumulating sporting memorabilia.

“The most fascinating part is doing the historical research. Everything has a unique story to tell.”

Opening a glass display cabinet, Hymie takes out one of the most valuable pieces in his collection. “This cap belonged to Frank Alexander, who played for the Springboks in their first Test in 1891 in Port Elizabeth,” Hymie explains. “They played against the British Isles and lost 0-4.”

Hymie keeps his eye on the ball through his many connections in the rugby world. “I stay in regular contact with the top UK dealer in rugby memorabilia. Bidding on the phone for items being auctioned outside South Africa is also very exciting.”

Although Hymie’s passion for his rugby collection is top of the log, he’s philosophical about the need to create a balance in his life. “I don’t want to become one dimensional and let rugby consume my life. Playing golf is another interest of mine.” Hymie smiles. “When I go on holiday collecting is definitely not part of my itinerary.”

With a final blow of the whistle it was time to leave. Starting with zero on the knowledge scoreboard, I’m happy to say after meeting Hymie I’ve gained big bonus points when it comes to interesting facts about the game of rugby.

Springbok Facts:

For 60 years, from 1896 until 1956, the Springboks never lost a Test series.

In 1932 Daisy de Melker, South Africa’s first convicted woman poisoner, killed her first two husbands and only son. She married SC de Melker shortly before she was arrested. He was a centre three-quarter in Paul Roos’s 1906/7 Springbok side which toured the United Kingdom and France.

The lightest Springbok ever was Billy Sendin – he went on the 1921 tour to Australia and New Zealand weighing in at just 60kg.

Ten sets of fathers and sons have played for South Africa, the most recent being Hennie and Andries Bekker.

Percy Montgomery is the first and only Bok so far to have played in 100 Tests. He retired in 2008 after a record 102 Tests and 893 points in the Springbok jersey.