Vote for the Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Shield 2026!

On Friday 10 April we find out who will be crowned the 2026 champions when FNB Wits take on FNB WSU in the final and during the build-up we once again cast the spotlight on the players who had the most impressive debut performances and have been nominated by the coaches for this year's Suzuki Rookie of the Year award.

To qualify as a rookie, a player must have made his Varsity Shield debut in 2026. The coaches of all 8 participating teams were asked to nominate three players who made the biggest impression this season and the three players with the most nominations overall are now being put to a public vote.

Here are the three players who received the most nominations from the coaches for the Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Shield 2026. The public can now cast their votes until Wednesday 8 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at the deadline.

Suzuki Rookie of the Year 2026

• Frederick Malgas (FNB UKZN)
• Melvin Diedericks (FNB UWC)
• Latica Nela (FNB Wits)

UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND THE RESULTS OF THE POLLS AS OF 9.30AM ON 8 APRIL WILL DECIDE THE WINNER.

The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline on Wednesday 8 April at 9.30am and will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final on the 10 April where they will receive a cash prize from Suzuki.