FNB Varsity Cup Players That Impressed - Round 1

The 2026 FNB Varsity Cup exploded into life with a breathtaking, high-scoring opening round that set the tone for the season ahead. FNB UP-Tuks stole the spotlight by toppling defending champions FNB UCT Ikeys 38-22 at Tuks Stadium, while FNB UFS Shimlas outgunned FNB Maties 50-39 in a 13-try thriller at Shimla Park.

At CUT Stadium, FNB NWU Eagles piled on the points in a 59-42 victory over FNB CUT, and in Johannesburg, FNB UJ delivered one of the most dominant performances of the round, cruising to a 61-41 win over newly promoted FNB Emeries. It was a statement start across the board - packed with tries, tempo, and attacking intent.

Here is our selection for standout players from round 1.

Andile Myeni - (FNB UP-Tuks)

FNB U-Tuks began their 2026 FNB Varsity Cup campaign with an emphatic victory over defending champions FNB UCT Ikeys. Winger Andile Myeni was head and shoulders above scoring a brace to guide his side to victory. Great defence in the second half tamed the visitors and kept them at bay. Myeni was instrumental to Tuks in attack and defence, his versatility gave the Tuks defence an edge over Ikeys.

“I’m extremely excited to play in front of this great crowed, we stay grounded after beating the defending champions. Coach has always been about family; we have great depth in the team. we did not it as losing players but more about opening opportunities for young ones.”

Maynard Kleynhans – (FNB UFS Shimlas)

The lock had a powerful game in the defence and also proved to be a real engine in the FNB UFS Shimlas pack. While Liam Shamburg was a contender, Kleynhans’ try where he ran like a racehorse tipped the scales of the game.

Malcolm Lamont – (FNB CUT).

The FNB CUT Ixias tighthead proved why he made his Toyota Cheetahs debut in 2025. He has a strong game and this powerful run to set up the try by Jade Muller is simply things legends are made of. Lamont, who is built like a loaded dynamite keg certainly has a big future lying ahead of him.

Zian Cilliers – (FNB UJ)

Cilliers was influential for his side and gave them quick ball and go forward momentum. The scrumhalf was everywhere, led his troops well, and controlled the tempo of the game well. He also played a hand in his team’s tries, and he will be crucial if the side is to go far in this year’s tournament.

Fixtures and tickets for round 2 HERE.