FNB UFS looking to play exciting, expansive rugby in FNB Varsity Cup 2026

Two-time FNB Varsity Cup champions, the Shimlas, are counting down the days to the start of their 2026 campaign, which gets under way in Bloemfontein on Monday 16 February when they host the FNB Maties in a mouth-watering round-one clash.

Preparation for the season began as far back as last year, with the Shimlas putting in the hard yards during an intensive preseason. Their warm-up fixtures included familiar foes, the NWU Eagles, as the Free Staters looked to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the big kick-off.

There are, however, a few fresh faces in the squad this season. Several players have moved on to bigger opportunities, including earning places in the Cheetahs setup, opening the door for a new generation to step up and make their mark in the famous royal blue Shimlas jersey.

Flyhalf Bradley Giddy has been handed the captaincy for the 2026 season, a role that comes with plenty of responsibility. He will be backed by an experienced leadership core, including live-wire loose forward Henri van Heerden and the exciting outside back Siviwe Zondani.

There is a general feeling within the camp that this senior group is more settled, decisive, and assured in their decision-making – an area that at times let the side down last season.

Head coach André Tredoux says the squad is chomping at the bit with less than a week to go before they welcome the five-time champions to Shimla Park.

“All the boys are really excited to play some exciting student rugby this season,” said Tredoux. “There’s a good buzz in the group and we’re looking forward to what lies ahead.

“Bradley Giddy has been appointed as our captain, with Henri van Heerden and Siviwe Zondani providing strong senior leadership. Henri has been with the Shimlas for about five years now, so there’s a lot of experience in that leadership group.”

Tredoux also believes the introduction of the new tap or kick rule could play into the Shimlas’ hands.

“With the new tap kick law coming in, it’s going to be exciting, and we’re keen to explore what that brings to our game,” he said. “After last year, our decision-makers are a bit more mature, and that’s something we’re really pleased with heading into the Varsity Cup.”

The Shimlas mentor also welcomed a fixture list that sees most of their heavyweight clashes played at home, where the side traditionally thrives.

“We’ve got a good draw with four home games against some of the bigger universities,” Tredoux added. “We’re really looking forward to hosting them at Shimla Park and playing an exciting, expansive brand of rugby.”

Tickets and fixtures HERE.

Provisional squad (subject to change):

Cornelius Jacobus Bezuidenhout, Sibabalwe Booi, Wynand Johannes Botha, Aiden Christians, Hendrik Jacobus De Beer, Thomas Frederik Dreyer, Kirwin Curtley Du Preez, Keehan Nahum Etson, Bradley Pierre Giddy, Vice Hofmeyr, Henry James Jonker, Maynard Kleynhans, Daniel Christiaan Kriek, Alex Lategan, Hermanus Faasen Hercules Laubscher, Lilitha Lunge, Kungawo Mehlomakulu, Lukas Wilhelmus Meyer, Ongeziwe Olulodwa Mobo, Nkosephayo Sbusiso Ngema, Sandile Nzuza, Shaun Peter Ray, Liam Shamburg, Ryan Smith, Marno Gray Stopforth, Henri van Heerden, Adriaan Johannes Van Niekerk, Gunter Van Rensburg, Johannes Jacobus Venter, Alistaire Vermeulen, Christoffel Jacobus Visser, Eduan Vosloo, Marnus Gerbrand Winter, Siviwe Zondani, Arno Vd Merwe, Ferdi Vergottini, Thamsanqa Edward Mapinga, Kungawo Mbanga, Musa Teboho Moshoaliba, Ruan Smuts, Tasreeq Moerat, Benedictus Marion Claasen, Kubbobonke Gqetwa.