FNB Varsity Cup introduces new Tap or Kick rule
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The FNB Varsity Cup has once again pushed the boundaries of rugby innovation with the introduction of the exciting new Tap or Kick rule for the 2026 season.
Long regarded as the tournament that leads the way in shaping the modern game, the FNB Varsity Cup continues to experiment with laws designed to promote attacking rugby and produce pressure moments that create unforgettable fan experiences. Tap or Kick delivers exactly that.
What is Tap or Kick?
After scoring a try, the attacking team now has a choice:
Kick for the traditional two-point conversion, taking their total to seven points, or
Tap and launch an immediate attacking play from the 22-metre line for the chance to score an additional try worth five points.
If the Tap option is successful a team can walk away with a full 10 points from a single scoring sequence. It’s rugby’s version of a power play. High risk, big reward.
How it Works:
Once a try is scored, the team has 20 seconds to decide between Tap or Kick. If they choose Tap:
Play restarts from the 22-metre line in line with where the try was scored.
The defending team must retreat 10 metres.
The attacking side has 120 seconds to score.
No scrums, lineouts or drop goals are allowed during this period.
If the attacking team loses possession or infringes, the opportunity ends immediately.
If the defending team wins the ball and scores during that two-minute window, they earn five points themselves, adding another layer of drama.
Each team may use the Tap option twice per half — use it wisely or lose it.
The rule also introduces additional scoring variations:
A successful Tap following a Point Of Origin (POR) try results in a potential 12-point haul.
If a penalty try is awarded and the team chooses to Tap, the automatic conversion does not apply. The try is worth five points, with the opportunity to add five more via Tap.
By introducing Tap or Kick, the FNB Varsity Cup reinforces its reputation as the most forward-thinking university rugby competition in the country. It is not just about identifying tomorrow’s stars, it’s about shaping how the game is played tomorrow.
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