Recap of FNB Varsity Cup 2025

On 16 February the 2026 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup is set to return, bringing with it the most entertaining and competitive student rugby on the planet. With the countdown underway we look back at the thrilling 2025 tournament which showcased South African rugby at its finest. The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers ended their 11-year title drought with a commanding 44-21 victory over rivals FNB Maties in an epic final at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Here are the highlights from the iconic 2025 season.

Round 1:

The season kicked-off with a bang as FNB Maties avenged their semi-final loss in 2024 with a nail-biting victory over the defending champs Shimlas. FNB CUT claimed crucial points away from home and newly promoted FNB UP-Tuks picked up a bonus point win on their return to the competition.

Round 2:

FNB UP-Tuks defeated fellow Gauteng neighbours FNB UJ at Tuks Stadium. In the Free State, FNB CUT and FNB Shimlas were victorious over FNB UCT Ikeys and FNB Wits respectively while FNB Maties stole the show in Potchefstroom over the FNB NWU Eagles.

Round 3:

A twelve try thriller in Bloemfontein was the highlight of FNB Varsity Cup round 3 where defending champions FNB UFS held on to narrowly beat a surging Orange Army. In Stellenbosch the FNB Maties demolished FNB CUT to top the log standings while on the FNB UCT Ikeys handed the Stripe Generation their first defeat of the season.

Round 4:

The halfway point of FNB Varsity Cup 2025 saw another thrilling round end with dramatic results as the FNB NWU Eagles stunned defending champions FNB UFS Shimlas in Potchefstroom while a wounded FNB UP-Tuks ran riot over FNB CUT in Bloemfontein. Meanwhile in Cape Town FNB UCT pulled of a statement victory by running in 10 tries against FNB Wits at the Green Mile. The night also saw a victory for FNB Maties beat the Orange Army to keep top spot on the log and remain unbeaten

Round 5:

The much-anticipated Cape derby went down to the wire in Stellenbosch and it was log leaders FNB Maties who clutched a try at the death to beat historical rivals FNB UCT in a thrilling clash. FNB UP-Tuks beat the FNB NWU Eagles to remain in contention for the playoffs while FNB UJ painted the city orange after upping the pressure in the second half against the Witsies to be crowned kings of Jozi.

Round 6:

With just one round remaining until the semi-finals, the 2025 season took another dramatic turn after FNB UP-Tuks stunned FNB Maties at Danie Craven Stadium on Monday to go top of the log. FNB UCT Ikeys geared closer to the play-off stages with an easy win over defending champs FNB UFS Shimlas on the Green Mile while FNB CUT escaped the relegation zone. The Eagles kept their hopes of a semi-final spot alive after crushing FNB UJ who dropped into 7th place.

Round 7:

The semi-finalists were decided in dramatic fashion as defending champs FNB UFS showed their pedigree by beating FNB Tuks in Pretoria. FNB Maties cruised past FNB Wits to claim top spot on the log and a home semi-final while the loss saw the Witsies stay bottom of the log to be automatically relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield. FNB UCT Ikeys triumphed over FNB UJ in a highly competitive and exciting match. The Cape side ended the group stage in 3rd.

Semi-finals:

FNB UCT advanced to their fourth consecutive final after defeating FNB UP-Tuks at Tuks Stadium with a decisive performance while log leaders FNB Maties earned a hard-fought victory over defending champions FNB UFS Shimlas at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Final:   

FNB UCT were crowned champion after a dramatic win against rivals FNB Maties.

FNB Players of tournament:

Suzuki Rookie of the Year:

Can FNB UCT be crowned back-to-back champions or will another team rise up and lift the 2026 trophy? Which players will emerge as the top stars and who will raise their hands and demand recognition at the highest level. On 16 February the search to discover “Who’s NXT” begins.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets coming soon.