Recap of FNB Varsity Shield 2025

With the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield tournament set to kick off on Friday, 13 February we set the stage by taking a look back at an unforgettable 2025 season where FNB Varsity College (now known as FNB Emeris) rose to the occasion and lifted the trophy after an emphatic victory over FNB Madibaz to earn a historic promotion to the FNB Varsity Cup.

Here are some of the most memorable moments from the epic 2025 season.

Round 1:

In the opening round of the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 season, newcomers FNB SPU clutched a dramatic late winner against FNB UKZN in a hotly contested try-fest in Kimberley while FNB Varsity College got a flying start over FNB Madibaz. Both Cape Town teams were victorious as FNB UWC outplayed FNB WSU at home while FNB CPUT roared on home turf.

Round 2:

FNB UKZN bounced back in style when the Impi hosted FNB WSU in their round 2 fixture at Howard College Stadium on Thursday. FNB Madibaz secured their first tournament maximum points after defeating UFH at Madibaz Stadium and in a nail-biting clash at Suzuki Stadium, FNB CPUT were the last men standing after narrowly beating FNB SPU while FNB UWC roared on the road against FNB Varsity College.  

Round 3:

A dramatic showdown at a rain-soaked Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley saw FNB Varsity College comeback from 21-0 down to beat hosts FNB SPU while FNB CPUT maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament, easing past FNB WSU at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London. FNB UWC remained undefeated and stayed top of the log after thrashing FNB UFH in Bellville, while FNB Madibaz and FNB Varsity College won on the road.

Round 4:

Drama as FNB Madibaz score 3 minutes after the hooter to snatch victory over former champs FNB UWC. Fans witnessed another thrilling finish at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London where FNB WSU held on for a tight 21-20 victory over FNB SPU. Meanwhile in Bellvile FNB CPUT put on a ruthless display over the Impi to win the match 49-24  while FNB Varsity College staged yet another comeback to beat the Blues in Alice.

Round 5:

FNB Varsity College caused the biggest upset of the night after handing log leaders FNB CPUT their first defeat of the season in emphatic fashion. The Comets moved up into top spot while in Bellville FNB UWC returned to winning ways after beating a gritty Impi side. FNB SPU snatched a late winner against FNB UFH while FNB Madibaz cruised past FNB WSU at Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

Round 6:

It went down to the wire in two dramatic games where the FNB CPUT Blue Wave beat Bellville rivals FNB UWC by just one point while in Alice the bottom of the log battle lived up to expectations as home side FNB UFH scored in the 83rd min to beat Easten Cape rivals FNB WSU.  The Comets remained top of the log after beating FNB UKZN while FNB Madibaz cruised past FNB SPU.

Round 7:

The FNB Varsity College Comets topped the log and secured automatic promotion into the FNB Varsity Cup with a win against FNB WSU who picked up a crucial bonus point to move out of relegation danger. FNB Madibaz secured a semi-final place after a victory over FNB CPUT and booked a spot in the FNB Varsity Cup promotion-relegation match while FNB UWC staged a stunning comeback to defeat the Gemmies in a nailbiter. The UKZN Impi finished bottom of the log.

Semi-finals:

The Comets outsclassed FNB CPUT in Durban while in Gqeberha FNB Madibaz booked their ticket to the final after dispatching FNB UWC with relative ease.

Final:

FNB Varsity college were crowned champions after a decisive 22-7 victory over FNB Madibaz.

FNB Players of the Tournament winners:

Suzuki Rookie of the Year:

2026 will see a new champion being crowned and if last year's tournament is anything to go by then expect fireworks from the very first round on 13 February as teams begin their campaigns to see Who’s NXT to lift the trophy and who will earn promotion.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets coming soon.