As we approach the knockout stages of the FNB Varsity Shield 2026 where the top four teams will battle it out in the semi-finals on Friday 3 April, it’s once again time for coaches and the fans that rock to cast their votes for the players who have stood out the most throughout in this year's tournament. The FNB Varsity Shield coaches have already named their nominees and now the public gets to make the final call by voting for the winners of the 2026 FNB Overall Player That Rocks, as well as the FNB Back That Rocks and FNB Forward That Rocks awards. The voting process beagan with all the head coaches nominating their top three players in each category and they were not allowed to nominate a player from their own team. The nominations are weighted with first position being allocated three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes are then added up and the three players with the most points in each category are the nominees that you can vote for. You can cast your votes in the polls below from Friday 3 April until 9am on Wednesday 8 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at the deadline. They winners will be announced during the final on 10 April. Here are the top nominees for the FNB Overall Player of the Tournament award. The winner will receive acheque for R10 000 powered by FNBy. Here are the nominees for the FNB Forward That Rocks who will receive R7 500 from FNBy. Here are the nominees for the FNB Back That Rocks who will receive R7 500 from FNBy. Voting will close on Wednesday 8 April at 9am and the winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final on 10 April where they will receive their awards and a cheques powered by FNBy. Cast your vote in the polls above and let us know who you voted for in the comments!

FNB WSU are embracing a defining moment in their 2026 FNB Varsity Shield campaign as they prepare to host FNB UWC in a highly anticipated semi-final at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Friday .   Having secured a home semi-final, FNB WSU head into the clash with confidence and composure, buoyed by strong preparation and the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings. “Preparations are going well so far, and it’s also an advantage that we’re not travelling,” said Assistant Coach Phumlani Blaauw , highlighting the importance of  stability in a high pressure week . The squad’s mindset has remained steady with a focus on staying grounded ahead of the knockout encounter. “The mood is cool, calm and collected,” he added, reflecting a team that understands the magnitude of the occasion without being overwhelmed by it. A key driver behind WSU’s success this season has been unity within the group.  “The togetherness of the boys is what made me most proud - it's  what got us where we are,” he said. Despite having reached similar stages in previous seasons, FNB WSU are determined  to turn opportunity into achievement this time around. “We’ve been here many times before, but we still have nothing to show. This semi-final means  everything.” Facing a well-drilled FNB UWC side, All Blacks  are under no illusions about the challenge ahead. “They are a very well-coached team that should not be underestimated. They can speed up the game or slow it down.” For WSU, the path to victory lies in execution. Dominance at set pieces and  relentless work rate off the ball will be crucial, while the home crowd could  provide the extra edge. “It’s our first home semi-final, and we want to make it count for the institution.” By: Ntsika Mpumlwana

Exactly a year ago, FNB Wits got relegated from the FNB Varsity Cup after a poor season in South Africa’s premier varsity rugby competition. It was a tough and painful period for the Johannesburg side, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Fast forward a year later, and the Wits Blues have earned automatic promotion to the Varsity Cup and have a semifinal berth against FNB Madibaz at home. “Reaching the semifinal is a massive achievement, the boys are feeling good, calm and relaxed,” captain, Latica Nela said. “We don’t want to make the occasion bigger than it is. For us, it’s just another rugby game. We are focused, we want that home final, but we need to produce a solid performance this week.” Nela and his troops have undoubtedly been the best team in the competition. They’ve played an entertaining brand of rugby, entertained weekly, and scored a bucket-load of tries. The skipper says the bond in the team is second to none, and that translates to their performances on the park. “Besides the hard work the management and team have put in, the most important thing that has got us over the line is how close we are as a squad,” he revealed. “It’s unique, I haven’t been part of a squad like this. The boys look out for each other on and off the field, and we have good relationships. “That helps a lot, and it’s personal – we all have a common goal. We have become like a family in many ways, and we rely on each other so much.” The Wits Blues are unbeaten at home and will rely on their passionate supporters to come out in numbers on Friday. They’ll come up against a resilient Madibaz side looking to make history and upset the tournament favourites. Nela says they know what to expect. “Madibaz are a good side, but they are coming up to altitude, and we are going to use that to our advantage. “We want to make them chase and see if they can keep up with us. We will be ruthless, we want to dominate set pieces, kicking play and every facet of the game.” Kick off at the Wits Rugby Stadium is at 17:00.   By: Avuyile Sawula

FNB UWC captain Dantson Cloete has backed his side’s consistency and unity as they prepare for a crucial FNB Varsity Shield semi-final against FNB WSU at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Friday. UWC head into the knockout clash after finishing third in the round-robin stage with 25 points from seven matches, setting up what promises to be a tightly contested encounter against a strong WSU outfit. Cloete believes the foundation of their campaign has been built on collective effort and trust within the squad. “I think the biggest factor that’s contributed to our consistency has been our work rate and togetherness as a group. Since the beginning of the season we’ve really bought into a collective goal and we’ve held each other accountable, along with ourselves, on and off the pitch since then. The lads have been putting in the graft at training, and it’s translating into our displays. We’ve also built good trust in our systems and in each other, so even in tough moments, we stay composed and stick to what we know works,” said Cloete. With the pressure of a semi-final looming, the skipper emphasised the importance of maintaining focus on controllable factors. “As a group, we’ve spoken a lot about controlling what we can control. The pressure will always be there in big games, but we’re focusing on our standards and our preparation. If we get that right, the performance will take care of itself.” Cloete highlighted key areas that will determine the outcome of the match, particularly in a high-stakes knockout setting. “I think the big areas for us will be our physicality and accuracy. Semi-finals are always tight, so things like our set piece, discipline, and breakdown work will be crucial. We need to win the small battles, take our chances when they come, and stay switched on for the full 80 minutes.” As captain, Cloete is focused on guiding his team through the occasion. “As captain, it’s about leading by example and keeping the group focused on what we can control. I remind the boys of the hard work we’ve put in all season and that if we stick to our standards, the performance will follow. It’s also about creating energy in the group, keeping spirits high, and making sure everyone feels confident and accountable going into the game. In big games, it’s easy to get caught up in the occasion. My role is to keep everyone grounded, focused on the next job.” He also stressed the importance of discipline and smart decision-making in knockout rugby. “Discipline and decision-making are huge in knockout rugby. Small mistakes get punished at this level, so we’ve been focusing on controlling what we can, staying disciplined in contact, making smart choices with ball and territory, and not giving the opposition easy chances. If we get those basics right, it puts us in a strong position to take the game when opportunities come.”

The FNB Madibaz delivered the fight they had promised their supporters to scrap their way back from an alarming deficit into a comfortable victory over Sol Plaatje University in their FNB Varsity Shield match on Friday. That victory, 63-36 after having fallen behind 31-15 early in the second half, saw them finish fourth on the log and qualify for the semifinals.   That means they will have to overcome top-of-the-table Wits at home in Johannesburg on Friday to extend their season by one more match.   If they manage to do so against the team who thumped them 63-8 in their previous encounter it will surely be one of their finest-ever victories in the Shield.   Against SPU in Kimberley no one was more prominent in the Madibaz fightback than eighth man Ruwaan Zealand, 19, who was subsequently voted the Player that Rocks.   Coach David Manuel praised his side’s ability to respond under pressure before shifting the conversation to their upcoming semi.   “We have already started preparing for Wits and know they are a quality, well-coached side.”   The intention, it would seem, is to fight fire with fire.   “Our focus is on how to put them under pressure so that they feel stressed in their decision-making, which is what they did very well against us.”   He also emphasised the importance of capitalising on opportunities and maintaining discipline within their structures.   “We need to force errors and make sure we take advantage of those moments.”   This becomes a moot point if they did not stick to their systems and remained in the fight for the full 80 minutes, Manuel warned.   He believes the label of “underdogs” can only be to the Gqeberha side’s advantage.   “We don’t mind it as it takes a bit of pressure off when nobody is expecting us to win.”   For Zealand and his teammates the focus is on redemption – nothing more, nothing less.   “We’ve learnt a lot from our losses and mistakes this season and I think we’ve grown because of them,” the first-year public management student suggested.   “It’s going to be a tough game, especially away from home, but it’s a new opportunity. We are well prepared and ready to deliver a much better performance.”   His sentiments were echoed by the mentor, who underlined the importance of self-worth as a driving factor in making the 2026 final.   “It’s essential for us to show the pride we have in the Madibaz jersey and to play with integrity and character,” Manuel said.   “This is about proving to ourselves that we can rectify past mistakes and have the resolve to stay in the fight until the final whistle.”   Zealand played open cards about the fact that they had briefly lost their way against SPU before regrouping at the break.   “Our big focus was to stay calm as we realised how important the game was for us. In the second half we played for each other, stuck to our systems and came back strongly.”   The forward from Patensie, who made his Madibaz debut this season, credited the coaching staff for helping the team refocus.   “They identified what needed to be done,” he said.   Even though the panel recognised his individual brilliance on the night it ultimately came down to a collective effort.   “I felt proud, happy and grateful but it wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates,” the star of the Kimberley show, who brings more physicality than most to the table, said.   By: Jesica Slabbert

Dramatic scenes unfolded in FNB Varsity Cup round 7 as FNB NWU staged an epic comeback from 20-39 down to beat the Ikey Tigers in the dying moments. The Eagles secured a home semi-final and deny UCT a chance to defend their title. FNB Maties booked their place in the semi-finals with a 45-23 victory over the Ixias, a result that also confirmed Ixias’ automatic relegation to the Shield competition next season. FNB UP-Tuks remained top of the log with a dominant 51-22 victory over FNB UJ, but the Orange Army still advance after staying in fourth on the log after FNB Emeris closed out their season with a significant win over the Shimlas.   FNB UJ 22-51 FNB UP-Tuks  It was a matured, well-orchestrated and calculated performance that sealed a 51-22 victory for FNB UP-Tuks against FNB UJ at the UJ Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday. The side from Pretoria laid the foundation in the first half after scoring tries while they restricted UJ to just two. They started on the backfoot, however, after the hosts opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Tholithemba Sibisi on the left corner. JT Kapank extended his side’s lead to 8-0 after slotting over a penalty just outside the halfway line. Tuks hit back immediately after that, and they looked dangerous in attack. Winger, Andile Myeni linked up with Christiaan Volk who crashed over before Jacques Oberholzer crashed over to extend his side’s lead. Both scores were point of origin tries, and Tuks were far from done. Obi added his name to the scoresheet before eighth-man Akhona Kunene barged over to see his side lead 32-15 at the break.  The second stanza was a completely different ball game. It was low scoring but produced a tactical battle and edge of the seat stuff. The visitors extended their lead in the 56th minute through replacement scrumhalf, Akha Mjawule before UJ hit back after a well-worked team try which was finished off by Jeandre Uithaler. Tuks scored two late tries through Dillon Smith and Munashe Dukuswa to seal the win.    Highlights - FNB UJ vs FNB Tuks SCORERS:   FNB UJ: (15) 22 Tries:  Tholithemba Sibisi, Exauce Kevani, Jeandre Uithaler.    FNB UP-Tuks: (32) 51 Tries:  Christiaan Volk, Jacques Oberholzer, Dennis Obi, Akhona Kunene, Akha Mjawule, Dillon Smith, Munashe Dukuswa. FNB Player of the Match:  Divan du Toit (FNB UP-Tuks)   TEAMS: FNB UJ : Sifiso Magwaza, Ryan Marimo, Damian Baker, Jaythen Orange, Juan Fourie, Kamo Molefe, Josh du Toit, Toy Engelbercht, Berwyn Bosch, JT Kapank, Tholithemba Sibisi, Reuven Ferreira, Exauce Kevani, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Jeandre Uithaler.  FNB Tuks: MJ Nel, Jean Fourie, Barnard Nortjie, David Engongo, Duncan Blignaut, Guvandre Moses, Jacques Oberholzer, Akhona Kunene, Chad-Lee Valentine, Divan du Toit, Munashe Dukuswa, Christiaan Volk, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Andile Myeni, Dennis Obi.    FNB Maties 45-23 FNB CUT The hooker, CJ Erasmus, was the hat-trick hero for the FNB Maties in Bloemfontein as they secured an invaluable 45-23 victory over CUT Ixias. For the Ixias, the defeat brings a heartbreaking end to their FNB Varsity Cup dream, as they are relegated after failing to register a single win throughout the campaign. It didn’t take long for the five-time champions to get on the scoreboard at CUT Stadium, with Erasmus crashing over from a maul. Shortly afterwards, flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden-Smith extended the lead when Maties won a heel against the head at a CUT scrum. He pounced on the loose ball to dot down for an unconverted try. The Ixias responded with real intent. Hooker Malekela Malothane powered over from a maul to open their account, before flyhalf Devinto Vergotine sliced through to level matters. A penalty by Matthys Malan then edged the hosts into the lead. As half-time approached, the momentum swung again. Maties nudged ahead with a penalty try before Louis Fourie produced a moment of magic, scoring a point-of-origin try straight from the restart to give the visitors a commanding 26–15 lead at the break. The hosts came out firing in the second half. Malan added another penalty, and Hope Seyaga crossed from a lineout move to close the gap to just three points, setting up a tense contest. But once the Maroon Machine found their rhythm, they shifted through the gears. Erasmus peeled off the back of a maul to complete his brace on the hour mark, restoring some breathing room for Maties. Eight minutes later, he was at it again, powering over from yet another dominant maul to seal his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt. On the stroke of full-time, replacement tighthead prop Ammaar Burton added the finishing touches after sustained pressure, with fullback Elridge Jack slotting the conversion to compound the Ixias’ misery. FNB Maties now march confidently into the semi-finals, while for the Ixias it’s a season to forget as they drop down to the Varsity Shield following their relegation.   SCORERS   FNB CUT: (15) 23 Tries: Malekela Malothane, Devinto Vergotine, Hope Seyaga.   FNB Maties: (26) 45 Tries: CJ Erasmus X3, Christiaan van Heerden-Smith, Penalty Try, Louis Fourie (PoO), Ammaar Burton.     FNB Player of the Match: Tsebano Stemer (FNB CUT)   TEAMS   FNB CUT: Jade Muller, CJ Taljaard, Matthys Malan, Winton Abrahams, Ashwin Jones, Devinto Vergotine, Raydon Swartbooi, Hope Seyaga, Petrus Nel, Tsebano Stemer, Frans Oyama, Theron, Jean-Louis Theron, Sean Vermaak, Malekela Malothane, Jan-Hendrik Bessenger. FNB Maties: Elridge Jack, Louis Fourie, Ryan Manuel, Matthew Malherbe, Oluhle Ndaba, Christiaan van Heerden-Smith, Mckyle Volmoer, Ethan Snyman, Tjaart Joubert, Fortune Mpofu, Kevin Strydom, Zuko Poswa, Keanuh Michaels, CJ Erasmus, Jason Johnson.   FNB NWU Eagles 56-53 FNB UCT Ikeys A dramatic 56-53 victory over FNB UCT Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground to secure the FNB NWU Eagles a crucial home semi-final, capping one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season. What looked like a certain defeat at halftime turned into a powerful statement from the Purple Army, who overturned a 39-20 deficit in front of a charged Potchefstroom crowd. FNB UCT dominated the opening half, running in tries at will and exposing defensive gaps to take a commanding 39-20 lead into the break, leaving the Eagles with a mountain to climb. The home side responded immediately after halftime, crossing for a tri within the opening minute to spark belief. Although the Ikeys continued to strike and maintain pressure, the Eagles refused to fade, matching them score for score in a high-tempo second half. With momentum shifting and the home crowd lifting their side, NWU launched a relentless fightback. Tries from Logan Janeke, MJ Mostert and others kept the scoreboard ticking as the gap steadily closed in a thrilling end-to-end contest. Highlights: FNB NWU vs FNB UCT The decisive moment came in the dying minutes, when Mostert powered over for his second try of the match before the successful conversion sealed a stunning 56-53 win, sending the home supporters into celebration. The result confirms NWU’s place in a home semi-final and highlights their resilience under pressure, while UCT will rue a missed opportunity after letting a dominant first-half performance slip.   SCORERS   FNB NWU Eagles: (39) 56 Tries: Laun Van Der Walt, Logan Janeke X2, Jordan McLoughlin, Zack Serfontein, MJ Mostert X 2, Gary Otto.   FNB UCT Ikey: (20) 53 Tries: Alex Vermeulen, Monray Daars, Eric Basson, Kian Davis, Connor Jack Gordon, Amahle Mazibuko, Sechaba Mokoena.   FNB Player of the Match:  MJ Mostert (FNB NWU Eagles).   TEAMS   FNB NWU Eagles : Alethwa Buthelezi, Jordan McLoughlin, Jason Oosthuizen, Raniel Turner, Ricardo Fourie, Gujan du Bois, Zack Serfontein, Ruan van Willing, Leejay Peterson, Matthew Fortuin, Luyolo Doyi, Luan van der Walt, Stephen Krugel,Raniel Turner. FNB UCT Ikey: Mhleli Khuzwayo, Johan Lombard, Phiko Zuka, Enos Ndiao, Connor Jack Gordon, Isaiah Louw, Aidan De Costa, Aidan Norris, Monray Daars, Alex Vermeulen, Sino Brawen, Amahle Mazibuko, Kian Davis, Jack Banade, Setshaba Mokoena.   FNB Emeries 41-19 FNB UFS Shimlas The FNB Emeries put in a massive display in front of their home fans as they impressively defeated a strong FNB UFS Shimlas team by 41-19.  It was the Comets that found the score first as The Transporter, Edward Sigauke found some space and kicked himself a beautiful chip which he picked up and dotted down. Flyhalf Marx made no mistake from the boot to get in the conversion.  A few minutes later, FNB UFS Shimlas responded as their Hooker Jacobus Bezuidenhout finished off a beautiful driving maul.  The home team added the pressure as their captain Jacques Marais dotted down after a close lineout deep in the territory of the visitors extended his team lead by a further five points.   The visiting team, Shimlas, increased the tension as a Gunter Van Rensberg Point of Origin try was successfully converted by Wynand Botha taking the score to a nervy 14-12, twelve minutes away from halftime.  Just before halftime came, FNB Emeris were able to lift off nerves which were accumulating from the home fans as they successfully worked a tap power play route. Meno Benard managed to power himself over the try line. Thereafter, Comets right winger Jayden Fortuin displayed beautiful steps to dot down.  This was to be the last action of the half with the score at 22-14.  The second half came with an even better Comets team who were able to score three minutes into the half through Christian Els. FNB Emeris were enjoying the game’s momentum, resultantly, they managed to dot down once again after a beautifully worked team try which saw Thando Luthuli at the end of it with a Marx conversion.  For majority of the game, the ball was played in the half of the visitors, however, Shimlas managed to score their third try of the game after the home team lost concentration Ferdinand Vergottini finding a way through the backline of Emeris.   This was to be the last try of the visitors.  Right at the death came a contender for try of the season as Edward Sigauke managed to chase down a massive kick from deep in their halftime. He left the last man flying with some exquisite steps to run down and dot down a POR try.    SCORERS   FNB Emeris : (22) 41 Tries : Edward Sigauke X2, Jacques Marais, Thando Luthuli, Jayden Fortuin, Christian Els, Mmeno Benard.   FNB UFS Shimlas: (12)19 Tries: Jacobus Bezuidenhout, Gunter Van Rensberg, Ferdinand Vergottini.   FNB Player of the Match:  Jacques Marais (FNB Emeris)   TEAMS   FNB Emeris : Thabo Njapha, Andrew Davis, Nathi Ntuli, Garren Muller, Sphephelo Mbonambi, Thando Luthuli, Meno Barnard, Juan Steyl, Abande Mthembu, Fedrick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, Chris Horak, Nkazimulo Mzolo, Chijindu Okonta. FNB UFS: Musa Moshoaliba, Jacobus Bezuidenhout, Ongeziwe Mobo, Maynard Kleynhans, Juan Venter, Henri Van Heerden, Sandile Nzuza, Liam Shamburg, Alaistar-Cole Vermeulen,Wynand Botha, Siviwe Zondani, Freddie Dryer, James Jonker, Kirwin Du Perez, Gunter Van Rensberg.

The Stripe Generation head to city neighbours FNB UJ in the Gauteng derby. The clash is vital for both sides as FNB UP-Tuks are looking to secure their number spot heading into to the knockout stages while for the Orange Army this fixture can decide their fate in the competition. Tuks was victorious in five of their first six matches, topping the standings with three-points clear off FNB NWU Eagles the only side to win against Tuks this season. The Pretoria outfit showed relentless attack from both their forwards and backs. Andile Myeni was the maestro in defence cementing himself in the wing position. The durbanite hot stepper is determined that his side is gunning for glory. “I have experienced both highs and lows with Tuks, and I have seen how those moments helped shape this season. It has been good, but we stay humble and working hard so that relegation never happens again. So we can put the jersey back where it belongs,” said Myeni. “I have seen the team working hard, and we just want to keep improving every week.” As one of the senior players in Deway Swartbooi’s side, Myeni alludes his team for his remarkable performance in this campaign. “I have just focused on doing my role for the team. I have been supported well by my teammates and coaches. I have seen our brotherhood and standards keep us grounded. We always remind each other to stay humble and keep working,” he said. The Stripe Generation head to Johannesburg in high spirits after defeating FNB Emeris 27-24 in a closely contested affair in the penultimate round. “I have seen how important this game is for us. Being top of the log doesn’t mean much if we don’t perform, so we stay focused. If we stay disciplined and play for each other, we give ourselves a chance. Not being complacent.”   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The FNB UJ side will head into their final group stage match against FNB UP-Tuks looking to cause an upset and book a spot in the semifinals. The side from Johannesburg has shown massive improvements this season under head coach Therlow Pietersen after picking up some impressive results. Last week, they showed grit to beat FNB CUT in Bloemfontein and boost their chances of progressing to the next round. “I was impressed by the boy's ability to stay in the fight against CUT,” the coach said. “They were playing for a lot, but the boys refused to go away even though we missed opportunities in the first half. This week, we want to give ourselves chances and create opportunities. We also want to defend well and stay in moments. That’s what we’ve worked on this season, and the boys have grown really well.” The Jukskei Derby between UJ and Tuks always delivers fireworks, and both sides play an entertaining brand of rugby. Coach Pietersen expects a competitive battle. “It’s going to be a tough one, not just because of the opposition but also the permutations and where we stand and what’s at stake. The mental and emotional game will be key; we have to be strong and united as a group.” UJ are currently unbeaten at home and have made the UJ Stadium a fortress this season. The coach will be urging his boys to feed off the crowd. “The home crowd is massive for us,” he added. “Coming to UJ stadium in the past was never fun; it was always a hostile environment, and we want to pick up on that again and make it tough for teams to come play here. The love and support for the boys has been phenomenal. We know we contribute to the university by bringing joy and hope to students who could be going through difficulties of their own.” When asked what they will try to change or work on for this clash, Pietersen said they’ll keep it simple. The clash kicks off at 16:45.   By: Avuyile Sawula

FNB Wits stamped their authority on the FNB Varsity Shield with a dominant 46-15 victory over FNB UWC, securing automatic promotion back to the FNB Varsity Cup while both teams confirmed their semi-final spots. FNB WSU also secured a home semi-final after edging FNB UFH 15-13 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Meanwhile, FNB Madibaz sealed fourth place on the log with a spirited comeback win over Sol Plaatje University.   Here is our selection for standout players from round 7.   Chris Kachungunu (FNB Wits) Kachungunu was instrumental in driving FNB Wits’ dominance, crossing the try line twice at key moments in the game. His first try came just as FNB UWC were attempting to build momentum after halftime, effectively shutting down any hopes of a comeback. His second contribution further extended Wits’ control, ensuring the visitors stayed firmly on the front foot.   Siso France (FNB UKZN) So much growth and improvement from the young man. He was superb for his team. Quick, strong and ambitious play from him. Leading by example as the captain of Impi for majority of the game.   Ruwaan Zealand (FNB Madibaz) Ruwaan Zealand set the tone for his team with hard running and determined play. He was clearly the most influential for his side and gave the FNB Madibaz the impetus to turn the game on its head in the second half. He scored two tries and was a leader in terms of his ability to make yards with ball in hand and drive the forwards in term of the maul and ensure his team gets over the advantage line. Overall, he truly deserved the rock player that rocks for his performance on the evening. Sosulwe Mqonci (WSU) Sosulwe Mqonci delivered when it mattered most, scoring the decisive try in the 72nd minute under pressure. His composure and positioning in a crucial moment shifted momentum back in FNB WSU’s favour. Beyond the try, his involvement in attacking phases and ability to exploit space made him a constant threat, marking him as the standout performer in a tightly contested encounter

It’s do-or-die for the FNB UFS Shimlas on Monday when they take to the field in Durban against FNB Emeris in their final round-robin match of the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup. In effect, it’s a knockout clash for the two-time champions. Not only do they need to secure a bonus-point victory, but they’ll also be relying heavily on results elsewhere if they are to sneak into the semi-finals through the back door. If Monday’s thrilling 40–33 win against the FNB UCT Ikeys in Bloemfontein proved anything, it’s that this Shimlas side is prepared to fight until the final whistle and won’t go down without a scrap. Given the position they find themselves in, the approach is simple: back their ability, play with freedom, and enjoy the occasion - after all, that’s why they play the game. Live-wire flanker Ferdi Vergottini, who has dotted down for several tries this campaign, said the win over UCT has given the squad a timely confidence boost, but they won’t be underestimating Emeris. “The preparation during the week has been phenomenal. The non-playing group, management and coaches put in a massive effort to make sure we’re ready, so when Monday night comes, we can just focus on playing our rugby. We’ll definitely take confidence from the win, but there’s a clear understanding in the squad that it’s a new week and a new opportunity. We have to reset and go again. “Emeris is a strong side and we don’t underestimate them at all. For us, it’s about sticking to our processes, trusting what works, and playing our attacking brand of rugby.” The young loose forward added that the team cannot afford to get distracted by the various permutations required for qualification and instead must control what they can while enjoying their rugby. “It’s not always easy to ignore other results, but we’ve got to focus on ourselves. We can’t control what other teams do - we just need to go out, give our best, and trust the outcome. It’s been a season of highs and lows, no doubt, but we’ve got a fantastic coaching staff who keep guiding us. That’s rugby. Sometimes things click, sometimes they don’t, but we keep pushing forward. At the end of the day, we love this game. No matter the challenges, we know we can only go up from here.” Monday’s clash in Durban kicks off at 19:00.

The final round robin fixtures of the FNB Varsity Cup will unfold on Monday night with five teams hoping to book their place in the semi-finals. FNB Maties are one of those sides and currently find themselves in third as they head to FNB CUT who stare down the barrel of relegation. The Maroon Machine are on their best run in the competition thus far, winning each of their last three matches. A fourth win on the bounce would seal their spot in the last four and should results go their way, they might even finish in the top two. Maties flanker, Luan Botha, believes that their tightly contested Round Six victory over FNB NWU Eagles was a massive confidence booster heading into crunch time in the competition. “The belief has always been there throughout the campaign, and we’ve had a couple of really good weeks, the last two or three games. I don’t think it’s necessarily improved our belief in any way, I think it’s just a confirmation of our process – that it’s working,” said Botha. The 22-year-old admitted that Stellies will have their wits about them when they tackle CUT away from home, knowing that their hosts will be desperate for points. The Maties flanker said, “I think it’s important that we don’t underestimate them. We need to realize that they are still a proper team and that they are capable of not only causing an upset but beating us as well. I think they’ve done it [beating Maties] twice in the past five years.” Botha insisted that despite sitting at the foot of the standings, CUT need to be treated with respect on the field. “They are a good side and it’s important that we are then at our best, not only for them but also then heading into possible playoff opportunities. We won’t underestimate them at all” said the Maties loose forward.   By: Kieryn Thompson.

Louis Schreuder is part of an elite group of rugby players in South Africa. In total, there are 61 South African rugby players who have made the step up from playing FNB Varsity Cup or FNB Varsity Shield rugby to going all the way to represent the Springboks on the global stage and he is one of them.   Schreuder made the transition, but his path to the top was a little bit different to most players who make the leap to the professional game from the rung below at Varsity level.   Most players battle it out for a few years, balancing their studies in the hopes of getting noticed by a provincial side.   But Schreuder had his path mapped out for him, spotted as a schoolboy star playing for Paarl Gimnasium, he represented Western Province at age-group level and at various SA Junior sides.   His time playing varsity rugby was brief then, only running out twice for Maties’ junior side in 2010 before being called up to the SA under-20 side for the Junior World Cup - where he served as vice-captain.   Maties dominated the inaugural seasons of the competition, winning the first three editions of the tournament and starring in the final of five of the first six seasons.   Schreuder was registered as a Bachelor of commerce student for a brief period at Stellenbosch University, but it was always second fiddle with the aspirations of playing professional rugby remaining his long-term ambition.   But while Schreuder’s talent was apparent from a young age, not everyone shines at schoolboy rugby level. Others need a more time to become the best version they can be. This is the platform the Varsity Cup provides.   “Not all of us are early bloomers,” Schreuder said to FNB Varsity Cup.   “Some guys are a bit late developers, and I think Varsity Cup gives them that a bit of time to really mature and reach their full potential and then get spotted. The whole Varsity Cup product is something you want to be involved with and want to play in.”   Schreuder made his debut for Western Province in the Currie Cup in 2010, months before he was running out for Maties.   He went on to represent the Stormers the next month and had a few Currie Cup titles in his bag within the first four years of his time at the union as a senior professional.   Alongside him were several stars that made the step-up from Varsity Cup rugby to star alongside him in the blue and white hoops of Western Province.   Although, Schreuder’s affiliation largely lies with Maties, he credited the other side Western Cape’s ability to develop young talent with a large crop of players developing from FNB UCT Ikey Tigers’ squad.   “You can see the players, UCT in particular, they produced the last couple, not the last couple of years, but at least when I was at the Stormers,” Schreuder said.   “The likes of Doogz (Damian de Allende) and Demetri (Catrakilis), Oli Kebble and even Eben (Etzebeth). All of them played Varsity Cup got that exposure.   “If you’re really at a high level, there’s quite a difference between the level we’re at now, professional – or say, URC - and Varsity Cup.   “There is a big, big level jump. But I mean, the guys that do well at Varsity Cup, you can see them quite seamlessly fit in at the higher level.   “You can definitely see the guys that can make it. Varsity Cup giving those boys exposure is massive. It’s quite nice to see them develop from Varsity Cup to pro players and maybe even Springboks.”   Schreuder developed to become a Springbok, winning his sole cap for the national side in 2017 under Allister Coetzee, coming off the bench against Wales.   Schreuder’s journey has seen him make a full-circle moment back to the winelands where his currently playing for Boland, back to area where his rugby journey started.