Players to watch in FNB Varsity Cup 2026

With the 2026 edition of FNB Varsity Cup kicking off on 16 February we cast the spotlight on the players ready to announce themselves and live up to the hype. Building on standout performances from past tournaments we've identified individuals from each team who are primed for a breakout season. Here are the players we believe are set to take the next step in their careers, play a key role in the team's success and stamp their authority on the tournament as the next generation of stars.

Ezekiel Ngobeni (FNB Maties)

The Maroon Machine skipper in 2025 was instrumental early on in their campaign winning multiple FNB Player That Rocks awards and scored a hattrick in their game against the Ikeys. His season was interrupted by injury, but the dynamic scrummie returned for the final and was nominated for both the FNB Overall Player That Rocks as well as FNB Back That Rocks award. Signed a contract with WP so expect him to feature heavily if FNB Maties compete for the title.

Tokelo Ntaopane (FNB CUT)

The Ixias hooker comes with the pedigree of having played in Grant Komo and Craven Week sides when he was at school at Bethlehem Voortrekker. Regarded as a rising star in Bloem he notably scored a hat-trick last year against the Witsies and picked up the FNB Player that Rocks award for his performance. Keep an eye on him to make a big impact once more with powerful close-range drives and mauls.

Edward Sigauke (FNB Emeris)

The Sharks Academy graduate was exceptional for FNB Emeris in 2025 ensuring their automatic promotion to the FNB Varsity Cup after they claimed the Shield trophy in decisive fashion. He was part of the Zimbabwean national team that qualified for the World Cup and was also nominated for FNB Back That Rocks for his performances in the Shield competition. Look for him to once more feature heavily and wreck defenders this season.

Luan Van Der Walt (FNB NWU)

The Eagles fullback had a stellar 2025 tournament scoring the second most tries of the season including a hat-trick and a memorable long range intercept to earn the FNB Player That Rocks award against Wits. He will no doubt be instrumental out wide if the Potchefstroom side want to make a run for the trophy they last lifted in 2023.

Munashe Dukuswa (FNB Tuks)

With Grant Komo and u19 provincial experience in his pedigree, Munashe Dukuswa was deadly on the wing for the Stripe Generation scoring several tries. The former champs will be looking to get in space as often as possible if they are to return to title contention.

Keagan Blanckenberg (FNB UCT)

The Ikeys vice captain started his career off in the backline scoring some memorable tries for Bishops before coming to FNB UCT where he thrived in a new role as hooker scoring a brace against Shimlas last year. He still hasnt lost the agilty and step so look out for him to be hovering in the backline adding extra pace out wide for the Ikeys.

Liam Shamburg (FNB UFS)

Nominated for Suzuki Rookie of the Year in 2025, Shamburg immediately made an impact for the Shimlas. The flanker who can shift to eigthman brought pure physicality every week. Smart, relentless and never looked out of place he notablably scored the fastest try of the season when he galloped through three defenders to score within 18 seconds of kick-off. If his debut season is anything to go by then you can bet that he will be coming in hot this year.

We can't wait to see how the 2026 season develops and which players will seize their moment on the big stage. Get to the games and witness who will define the campaign and establish themselves as the standout performers of the season.

Fixtures and tickets HERE.