FNB Varsity Cup and Shield 2026 to Showcase Rugby’s Future Talent

The stage is set for another unforgettable season of Rugby That Rocks as the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield tournaments return in 2026 to once again cast the spotlight on South Africa’s most exciting student rugby talent.

The FNB Varsity Shield kicks off on Friday, 13 February 2026 and the FNB Varsity Cup follows with its opening round on Monday, 16 February 2026. From the first whistle, fans can expect fast-paced rugby and the best vibe on campus.

Varsity Cup and Shield remain the clearest pathways in South African rugby, where 61 former Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield players have gone on to represent the Springboks, every season adds new names to the story. In 2026, the search to discover “Who’s NXT” begins. It connects the proud legacy of Varsity Cup and Shield with a future which is still being written.

FNB Varsity Cup co-founder and CEO Francois Pienaar believes the theme captures the heart of what Varsity Rugby has always stood for.

“Varsity Cup has always been about opportunity and giving young players the platform to test themselves. It is about helping them grow and dream bigger,” said Pienaar.

“When we ask ‘Who’s NXT?’ we celebrate the journey from student rugby to the highest level of the game. We want to inspire the next generation to step forward with courage and embrace the challenge in front of them, believing that every great rugby story starts somewhere. For many, that journey begins with the Rugby That Rocks.”

As the season unfolds, fans will be invited to ask and answer the questions. Who’s NXT to inspire? Who’s NXT to lead? Who’s NXT to win?

The 2026 season opens with clear targets on the backs of the defending champions.

FNB UCT return as title holders after edging FNB Maties in a dramatic final. Expectations will be high and challengers will be lining up from round one. The Ikeys will need to show once more that they can handle the pressure of being the team to beat.

FNB UCT head coach Robbie Fleck says winning the 2025 title was not only about winning, but about how they won it.

“Our style has been our purpose. The way we play. The Ikey way. Once the players understood it and believed in the way we wanted to play, regardless of the result, we knew we were going to be there at the end and competing for that title.”

Despite several key players departing at the end of the season Fleck remains excited for the 2026 season and what comes next.

“We would like to go back-to-back and be the first UCT team to ever achieve that. Our campaign this year is to be braver in everything we do. A braver UCT team is an even more dangerous one.”

Meanwhile, FNB Varsity College enter the big league after lifting the FNB Varsity Shield trophy and earning promotion. The team will compete in the FNB Varsity Cup in 2026 under the new Emeris brand name. Their journey reflects the essence of “Who’s NXT.” It is a team stepping up with belief and hunger who will be looking to make an immediate impact.

FNB Emeris Club Manager, Malcolm Kennedy is embracing the opportunity.

“Winning the Varsity Shield in only our second season was an incredibly proud moment for Emeris. It validated the work that has gone in behind the scenes from our players and coaching staff to the broader support structures and showed that our program is built on strong foundations. For the team and the institution it was more than just a trophy, it was confirmation that we belong at the highest level of university rugby.”

Head Coach Jeremy McLaren echoed that sentiment:

“I’m really proud of what the players and management have achieved. Any university will always dream of being able to play in a FNB Varsity Cup campaign. It’s one of the top competitions in South Africa, so we are really, really happy to be the newbies. It means a lot to put our university on the map. We’re history makers and very excited to be part of it.”

The 2026 FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield promise another season of bold performances and breakthrough moments. The question is no longer whether the next stars will emerge. The question is who they will be. Get ready to witness the future of South African rugby. The next chapter starts now.

Who’s NXT?

Fixtures are live on the website HERE and ticket information will be available soon.