The Success Stories That Shaped FNB Varsity Cup 2025, Who’s NXT?

It's no secret that the FNB Varsity Cup tournament is one of South Africa’s most important breeding grounds for rugby talent. Year after year the competition offers student-athletes a high performance platform to test themselves against the best while providing a bridge between university rugby and the professional game.

As the countdown begins to the 2026 season we turn our attention to the success stories that emerged from the 2025 campaign. A number of standout performers used the FNB Varsity Cup stage to elevate their profiles, earn professional opportunities, and take the next step in their rugby journeys. Their progression is a clear reminder of the tournament's role in shaping the future of the game.

Here are just some of the standout performers who were recognised and rewarded with provincial or national contracts.

Zachary Porthen: FNB UCT Ikeys to the Springboks

Position: Prop

Accolade: Crowned 2025 champions with FNB UCT

The Ikeys prop become youngest Springbok prop ever after making his debut in the green and gold against Japan just months after winning the FNB Varsity Cup 2025 title. He also signed a contract with the Stormers prior to making two appearances for the Boks.

Alzeadon Felix: FNB UJ to the Junior Boks

Position: Flyhalf

Accolade: Voted as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year after the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup season

At just 19 years old the Orange Army flyhalf marshalled the UJ backline like a seasoned veteran and was often the start and finish for some of their most memorable tries. His performance in his debut season was rewarded by called up to represent the Junior Springboks against Scotland in their final pool match at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

Jacques Marais: FNB Emeris to the Sharks

Position: Hooker

Accolade: Scored 12 tries in FNB Varsity Shield 2025 to help FNB Emeris be automatically promoted to the FNB Varsity Cup this year. He was also nominated for the FNB Overall Player That Rocks award and then went on to make his debut for the Sharks against the Bulls in August 2025.

Ramón Uys: FNB UFS to the Cheetahs

Position: Flanker

Accolade: Standout performer for the Shimlas in the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup, earning back-to-back Player That Rocks awards in home games against FNB Wits and FNB UJ. He signed for the Cheetahs and joins older brother Pierre Uys who became a Shimlas legend after captaining the Free State University to FNB Varsity Cup glory in 2024.

Ntokozo Makhaza: FNB UCT to the Springboks and Cheetahs

Position: Wing

Accolade: All time top points scorer in FNB Varsity Cup history, back-to-back FNB Overall Player That Rocks winner in 2024 and 2025, scored 32 points in the final to help the Ikeys be crowned champions and then picked for the Springbok alignment camp. He is currently under contract with the Cheetahs.

Ntobeko Shezi: FNB NWU to the Griquas

Position: Prop

Accolade: The Eagles tighthead was a powerhouse and dominated the set pieces, driving his team forward with his force and relentless strength. He picked up several FNB Player That Rocks awards and his efforts were rewarded with a contract at the Griquas who went on to win the 2025 Currie Cup.

Grant De Jager: FNB Maties to the Blitzboks

Position: Wing/centre

Accolades: Won the Suzuki Rookie of the Year in 2023 and was a key player in the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup season helping Maties to reach the final. He signed for the Blitzboks in September.

Daimon O'Connell: FNB Tuks to the Blue Bulls

Accolade: The Stripe Generation scrummie was a notable performer on their return to the FNB Varsity Cup and when the tournament ended he signed for the Blue Bulls taking part in their Currie Cup campaign.

Luke Burger: FNB UCT to the Stormers

Position: Centre

Accolade: Made such an impression at the Ikeys during FNB Varsity Cup 2025 that he was signed by the Stormers during the tournament.

Notable mentions

FNB CUT - Juan Smith was selected to play for the Blitzboks in Dubai, Zac Bester to the Leopards.

FNB UJ - Sasko Ndlovu to the Cheetahs, Neil Hansen signed for the Kobe Steelers in Japan

FNB Maties - Carel Vd Merwe to Griquas, Ezekiel Ngobeni to Western Province and Joel Leotlela was selected to play for the Blitzboks 'A' team.

FNB Emeris - Edward Sigauke played for the Zimbabwe national team helping them win the Rugby Africa Men's Cup and qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

FNB UCT - Mhleli Khuzwayo to Western Province.

FNB NWU - Indiphile Tyeda and Naiden Jaarts to the Leopards.