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.

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.

The stage is set for another unforgettable season of Rugby That Rocks as the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield tournaments return in 2026 to once again cast the spotlight on South Africa’s most exciting student rugby talent. The FNB Varsity Shield kicks off on Friday, 13 February 2026 and the FNB Varsity Cup follows with its opening round on Monday, 16 February 2026. From the first whistle, fans can expect fast-paced rugby and the best vibe on campus. Varsity Cup and Shield remain the clearest pathways in South African rugby, where 61 former Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield players have gone on to represent the Springboks, every season adds new names to the story. In 2026, the search to discover “Who’s NXT” begins. It connects the proud legacy of Varsity Cup and Shield with a future which is still being written. FNB Varsity Cup co-founder and CEO Francois Pienaar believes the theme captures the heart of what Varsity Rugby has always stood for. “Varsity Cup has always been about opportunity and giving young players the platform to test themselves. It is about helping them grow and dream bigger,” said Pienaar. “When we ask ‘Who’s NXT?’ we celebrate the journey from student rugby to the highest level of the game. We want to inspire the next generation to step forward with courage and embrace the challenge in front of them, believing that every great rugby story starts somewhere. For many, that journey begins with the Rugby That Rocks.” As the season unfolds, fans will be invited to ask and answer the questions. Who’s NXT to inspire? Who’s NXT to lead? Who’s NXT to win? The 2026 season opens with clear targets on the backs of the defending champions. FNB UCT return as title holders after edging FNB Maties in a dramatic final. Expectations will be high and challengers will be lining up from round one. The Ikeys will need to show once more that they can handle the pressure of being the team to beat. FNB UCT head coach Robbie Fleck says winning the 2025 title was not only about winning, but about how they won it. “Our style has been our purpose. The way we play. The Ikey way. Once the players understood it and believed in the way we wanted to play, regardless of the result, we knew we were going to be there at the end and competing for that title.” Despite several key players departing at the end of the season Fleck remains excited for the 2026 season and what comes next. “We would like to go back-to-back and be the first UCT team to ever achieve that. Our campaign this year is to be braver in everything we do. A braver UCT team is an even more dangerous one.” Meanwhile, FNB Varsity College enter the big league after lifting the FNB Varsity Shield trophy and earning promotion. The team will compete in the FNB Varsity Cup in 2026 under the new Emeris brand name. Their journey reflects the essence of “Who’s NXT.” It is a team stepping up with belief and hunger who will be looking to make an immediate impact. FNB Emeris Club Manager, Malcolm Kennedy is embracing the opportunity. “Winning the Varsity Shield in only our second season was an incredibly proud moment for Emeris. It validated the work that has gone in behind the scenes from our players and coaching staff to the broader support structures and showed that our program is built on strong foundations. For the team and the institution it was more than just a trophy, it was confirmation that we belong at the highest level of university rugby.” Head Coach Jeremy McLaren echoed that sentiment: “I’m really proud of what the players and management have achieved. Any university will always dream of being able to play in a FNB Varsity Cup campaign. It’s one of the top competitions in South Africa, so we are really, really happy to be the newbies. It means a lot to put our university on the map. We’re history makers and very excited to be part of it.” The 2026 FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield promise another season of bold performances and breakthrough moments. The question is no longer whether the next stars will emerge. The question is who they will be. Get ready to witness the future of South African rugby. The next chapter starts now. Who’s NXT? Fixtures are live on the website HERE  and ticket information will be available soon.

NEXT PREVIOUS Competition 02 Apr 2024 Meet Pokkel, the most mischevious Varsity Cup mascot Did you know that in 2019, Pokkel, the mischievous mascot of Stellenbosch University, caused quite a stir during the traditional Varsity Cup final post-game celebration? With just five minutes left on the clock, Pokkel couldn't contain his excitement and made a premature celebratory run across the field! As the game continued with an intense showdown unfolding, Pokkel dashed from in front of the grandstand, racing towards Maties' try line on the right side of the field. This unexpected sprint took place just beside where a scrum was being set up, catching everyone off guard. Security swiftly intervened, intercepting Pokkel on the other side of the field and escorting him off before play could be disrupted. Despite his spirited antics, the game resumed without a hitch, and the crowd was left buzzing with excitement. The following year Pokkel went viral yet again, this time after challenging a Maties security guard to a dance-off. While Pokkel may have gotten a bit carried away in the heat of the moment he always leaves a memorable impression on fans and players alike. Next time you're at a Varsity Cup final, keep an eye out for Pokkel – you never know when he might add a dash of excitement to the proceedings! BACK FAN ZONE VIEW ALL VIEW ALL Getting to Know the Mascots: UJ’s loveable Hoepie 23 April 2022 READ Competition Meet FNB UWC's mascot Cara The Caracal! 23 April 2022 READ CSI Varsity Cup Varsity Shield Young Guns Varsity Cup Women Tickets Teams Fan Zone News Videos Photo Gallery About © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions | VC Way |

Rugby that rocks 2026 VARSITY CUP VARSITY CUP VARSITY SHIELD VARSITY SHIELD YOUNG GUNS YOUNG GUNS VARSITY CUP WOMEN VARSITY CUP WOMEN LATEST NEWS READ READ 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 15:00 Loading Live Loading Loading - - BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg UPCOMING FIXTURES VIEW ALL VIEW ALL Coming soon RESULTS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg Pos Team PL W D L TS PD BP PTS - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LOGS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL RESULTS VIEW ALL 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg Coming soon UPCOMING FIXTURES VIEW ALL VIEW ALL 15:00 Loading Live Loading Loading - - BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Pos Team PL W D L TS PD BP PTS LOGS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL UPCOMING FIXTURES VIEW ALL VIEW ALL 15:00 Loading Live Loading Loading - - BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg Coming soon RESULTS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg LOGS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL Pos Team PL W D L TS PD BP PTS - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 - Loading 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 RESULTS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading - - Loading FIXTURES Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg Coming soon UPCOMING FIXTURES VIEW ALL VIEW ALL 15:00 Loading Live Loading Loading - - BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg LOGS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - Loading 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pos Team PL W D L TS PD BP PTS LATEST VIDEOS READ VIEW ALL FNB Varsity Cup final: FNB Maties vs FNB UCT - 14 April 2025 15 Apr 2025 FNB Varsity Shield final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Varsity College vs FNB Madibaz - 11 April 11 Apr 2025 FNB Varsity Cup Women Final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Maties vs FNB Tuks - 11 April 11 Apr 2025 FAN ZONE READ VIEW ALL Item Title CATEGORY 23 April 2022 READ Item Title CATEGORY 23 April 2022 READ Item Title CATEGORY 23 April 2022 READ TITLE SPONSOR SPONSORS PREFERRED SUPPLIERS Varsity Cup Varsity Shield Young Guns Varsity Cup Women Tickets Teams Fan Zone News Videos Photo Gallery About © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions | VC Way |

Fan Zone Meet Pokkel, the most mischevious Varsity Cup mascot 23 April 2022 Competition READ 2026 WIN Meet Pokkel, the most mischevious Varsity Cup mascot 23 April 2022 READ Competition Getting to Know the Mascots: UJ’s loveable Hoepie 23 April 2022 READ Competition Meet FNB UWC's mascot Cara The Caracal! 23 April 2022 READ CSI Varsity Cup Varsity Shield Young Guns Varsity Cup Women Tickets Teams Fan Zone News Videos Photo Gallery About © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions | VC Way |