From the very start of his university rugby journey, Siyamthanda Sakhela has showcased the resilience, composure, and leadership essential to excel in the highly competitive FNB Varsity Shield. Born in King William's Town, Sakhela began playing rugby at seven, inspired by family members who previously played the sport. What started as childhood passion has grown into a promising career. Having represented his provincial side, he is now in his second year representing the FNB UFH. Reflecting on UFH’s opening match against the FNB UWC, Sakhela described it as a tough encounter. A last-minute move to a closed and unfamiliar venue affected the team mentally. With several new players in the squad, execution faltered and FNB UFH struggled to build momentum, failing to penetrate the opposition’s 22-metre area. Costly mistakes ultimately led to a disappointing home defeat. Despite the setback, Sakhela insists morale remains high. The team has shifted focus to their upcoming clash against FNB Wits. Drawing inspiration from the South Africa national rugby union team, who once lost an opening match but went on to win the Rugby World Cup, he believes the season is still wide open. FNB UFH has prioritised conditioning, improved execution, a stronger kicking game and a more physical approach. With experienced seniors guiding hungry newcomers, Sakhela is confident the team will deliver a focused performance and give Wits a serious challenge away from home.   Log and upcoming fixtures HERE . By: Thembela Tangana

A new chapter has begun for FNB UKZN IMPI in the FNB Varsity Shield after seasons of frustration, near misses and disappointments in past years, particularly in the previous season where the KZN team battled and survived the relegation playoffs in order to keep their spot in the competition. FNB UKZN delivered a statement performance in their opening fixture of this year’s Shield campaign, securing a commanding 46-15 victory against FNB SPU, which sees them sitting proudly at the top of the summit after the first round of the round robin stages.  IMPI captain, Mthomboyolo Buzani, was pleased with his team’s efforts against the Gemmies and has urged his men to keep cool heads and to fix their eyes on keeping the standard high. “It was a very good start, we believed in each other, we believed in the plan, and we just believed in our system. The win was good, but I feel like we could have done more and now we just need to focus on keeping up with this standard and just improving every single game,” the FNB UKZN captain explained. With how things ended last year, not many would have predicted this kind of start to the season, especially when it comes to UKZN Impi. Buzani, on the other hand, has revealed that he believes his team is in the process of awakening the sleeping giant, and restoring the pride and culture of the IMPI. “We believe that we are awakening the giant, and yes, I don’t think the giant was sleeping I think the giant was always there it just needed certain impetus for it to fight back at times. “I think now we may have a proper chance of being who we were in this competition before the struggles of the past two, three years” said the determined UKZN IMPI’s number eight. Mthomboyolo Buzani further sung many praises to the young and fresh talents which have been added to his team, pointing out and applauding the leadership and character of the young IMPI players. “One thing about the new group of players is the fact that, character wise. They are very strong characters, good leadership, individually, and it just makes things easier for them to blend in with the senior guys that are already here." “Especially for me as a captain it has made my job a lot easier because the load has come off a bit because these guys are always willing to help in any aspect of the program, on and off the field. So, I’m really excited for them, they bring a lot of value to the team” concluded the IMPI skipper. By:   Mpendulo Letsoalo

Home ground advantage in the FNB Varsity Shield can either be a gift or a curse, but FNB Wits will be hoping it works in their favour on Friday night. The Wits Blues will return to action after playing out to a pulsating 27-27 draw with FNB WSU during round one in East London. The boys, led by coach Hugo van As, were far from their best and had to play second fiddle for most parts of the match. “We weren’t great for the first 40 to 50 minutes, but we started well, and allowed them back in the game,” van As shared. “They scored an intercept and a penalty try, and that put us under pressure. We had to fight our way back, and the team showed character and will.” Wits were among the teams that benefited from the new “Tap or kick” rule after using it when they scored one of their tries. However, it’s an innovative law that they’re still getting used to. “It’s an interesting one, in the Varsity Cup, a couple of teams used it, and others didn’t. You have to be sensible about when you want to use it. You have to understand that it takes a lot from the team, but in the same sense, we believe we are fit, and we can handle it." Their first home game of the season will see Wits welcome FNB UFH to town at the Wits Rugby Stadium. Van As has identified areas they need to improve on to give their supporters something to smile about. “We have to start better, and stay in the fight,” he added. “With the new power play rule, you can’t allow teams to get away because you’ll play catch-up. Starting a bit better and using our opportunities is key in the coming games.” When asked about the dangers that FNB UFH possess, the coach said: “I must be honest, from the little I have watched on them, they are a good side. “They’ve got a good attacking play, and transition – if we are cheap with possession, they will punish us, but we just need to make sure we tick our boxes, and we should be fine.” The clash will kick off at 19:00 at the Wits Rugby Stadium.   Log and upcoming fixtures HERE .   By: Avuyile Sawula

Following an influential performance in the opening round of the FNB Varsity Shield, Samukelisiwe Madonsela was quick to deflect individual praise, instead shifting the focus to FNB CPUT’s collective effort, preparation, and execution. Going into the fixture, his mindset was focused on executing the team’s preparation and playing his role in the overall strategy. Rather than focusing on headlines, Madonsela emphasised detail and discipline, the less visible aspects that often separate strong performances from average ones. Going forward in the campaign, he is planning on working on the finer details, making sure he is ready to give his all come game day, and that attention to detail was reflected in how FNB CPUT approached the game tactically. “The team executed the game plan really well now it’s just those smaller details we need to iron out as a team,” said Madonsela. “I just focus on what I need to do and remember that I’ve done whatever it is many times in practice before.” That ability to centre himself speaks to a maturity developed long before FNB Varsity Shield rugby. His journey began at a young age, laying the foundation for the player he is steadily evolving into today - one shaped by dedication, discipline, and a relentless drive to improve. “My rugby journey officially started in grade 6, when I played for my primary school’s first team,” he said. For Madonsela, wearing the FNB CPUT jersey carries meaning beyond the present moment. “It really means a lot,” he adds. “Great men and women have sacrificed a lot for us to get to this point so it’s always a special moment to represent those people.”   Log and upcoming fixtures HERE . By: Mihlali Maraule

FNB UWC captain Danston Cloete has made his team’s intentions clear, outlining a bold vision for the FNB Varsity Shield campaign and the journey beyond it. The skipper emphasised that their focus extends far further than short-term results, with the squad determined to build a legacy rooted in consistency, discipline, and championship ambition. “Our main goal is to qualify for the FNB Varsity Cup, but also to raise the standard of UWC rugby and compete consistently at Cup level,” said Cloete. “We want to be a team that is respected for our work ethic, our discipline and the way we represent the university on and off the field.” Cloete believes the foundation laid in preparation, combined with strong leadership and squad depth, positions FNB UWC not only to compete fiercely this season but to establish themselves as a dominant force in the competition. For the captain and his teammates, the goal is clear: set the standard now, challenge for top honours, and ensure the programme continues to rise long after the final whistle of the current campaign. “The standards we've as a team are built around accountability, consistency and brotherhood and sticking as family,” he said. “We want every player to take ownership of their role, arrive prepared and train and play with intent every single day. We build a strong team culture. We want to play for each other and trust each other and showcase resilience in tough moments if we stay connected as a team and keep in proving week by week the results will follow.” The University of the Western Cape BA Sport Science student, who is in his final year, added that his upbringing has played a significant role in shaping his leadership style. “I didn't come from a background where things were always easy, but I learned on an early stage the value of hard work, discipline and gratitude,” he explains. “Rugby become more than a sport for me it became a space where I learned responsibility, respect and how to work with people from different backgrounds. “Setting an example every day whether supporting a teammate when going rough times or maybe for a young boy or girl who is dreaming of this opportunity in the community. And I try to lead through my actions and not just words.”   Log and upcoming fixtures HERE .

From the coastline of Cape Town to the full-throttle collisions of FNB Varsity Shield rugby in the heart of the diamond City, Joshua Vomberg is not just stepping onto the scene he’s arriving with main-character energy. Born and bred in Milnerton, Vomber represents his roots hard. A proud product of Milnerton Primary School and Milnerton High School - he describes himself as a “Millies’s boy through and through.” But here’s the plot twist before the crunching tackles and dominant carries, Vomberg was clocking laps in the pool - swimming was his first love. Rugby became the obsession in Grade 9. “That’s when I started taking it seriously. I fell in love with the physicality,” he says. And once that fire was lit, there was no putting it out. Every rising star has that one coach who changes the game and allows a player to reach their true potential and for Joshua, that was Heinrich Martin “Bobby.” As his affectionately known Joshua mentioned that “He took me in at U16, pushed me to my limits and gave me the opportunities at a higher level. I wouldn’t be the player I am without him.” The step up from school rugby to FNB Varsity Shield tempo? It’s rapid. Blink and you miss it. “The biggest adjustment is the speed of the game,” he admits. But pressure doesn’t rattle him it fuels him. He mentioned that he thrives under pressure that for him It’s a privilege to play alongside experienced guys in this competition and the FNB SPU system. On the field, Vomberg wants to be known for his non-stop work rate, heavyweight physicality and a sharp rugby brain drawing inspiration from warriors like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Henry Pollock. Looking ahead in three years times, he sees a pro contract and at top-tier rugby franchise with locally or aboard and one day the ultimate call-up to the South Africa national rugby union team. Log and upcoming fixtures HERE . By: Bradford Petersen

New FNB Madibaz captain Eddie Kruger leads his side into the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield campaign with a clear ambition - to guide the team toward promotion and secure a place in the prestigious FNB Varsity Cup competition.   They missed promotion by the narrowest of margins last year when FNB UJ, who finished seventh on the Cup log, sealed their fate with a pick-up try a mere six minutes from time.   The team from Mandela University earnt their shot at qualifying and the Shield playoffs after an impressive campaign that saw them finish second in the final standings.   They went one step further by winning their semifinal before becoming undone in the final.   The 22-year-old midfielder who succeeds Leon van der Merwe and believes the example set by the latter will stand him in good stead as he enters his fifth and final season with the Gqeberha team.   “My game has developed a lot over the years,” he reflected on a journey that started in 2022 with the Young Guns.   After showing early promise, he was drafted into the first XV for the team’s FNB Varsity Cup encounter against FNB UFS Shimlas that same year.   “I feel far more comfortable now in understanding how a system should be played and my role within it,” he said.   His skills have no doubt improved since that debut but, more importantly, he has learnt how to serve his team on and off the field by weaving a thread of common sense into his leadership style.   The Madibaz have gone all in during the pre-season, even sacrificing time with family and friends.   “It’s been tough but also really enjoyable. We’ve got some young, exciting players coming through and there’s definitely a bright future for Madibaz rugby.”   Eddie - a nickname he prefers over Edward was born and bred in the Friendly City and learnt much about himself and the sport he loves while at Pearson High.   These days the honours student in development studies, who stands 1.85m tall in his togs and weighs in at 83kg, admits he is getting better at balancing the demands of academics and elite sport as he matures.   Kruger says being entrusted with the captaincy is humbling and deeply meaningful and that the job is rooted in service rather than status.   “It’s an honour and a privilege to lead this team. My philosophy is simple - a leader plays for those around him,” he said.   “It’s about being willing to fight for and with your teammates.   “Playing with Leon and being led by him was truly a blessing. His will to fight to the very end was inspirational and beyond rugby.”   Log and upcoming fixtures HERE .     By: Jesica Slabbert

The 2026 FNB Varsity Cup exploded into life with a breathtaking, high-scoring opening round that set the tone for the season ahead. FNB UP-Tuks stole the spotlight by toppling defending champions FNB UCT Ikeys 38-22 at Tuks Stadium, while FNB UFS Shimlas outgunned FNB Maties 50-39 in a 13-try thriller at Shimla Park. At CUT Stadium, FNB NWU Eagles piled on the points in a 59-42 victory over FNB CUT, and in Johannesburg, FNB UJ delivered one of the most dominant performances of the round, cruising to a 61-41 win over newly promoted FNB Emeries. It was a statement start across the board - packed with tries, tempo, and attacking intent.   Here is our selection for standout players from round 1. Andile Myeni - (FNB UP-Tuks)   FNB U-Tuks began their 2026 FNB Varsity Cup campaign with an emphatic victory over defending champions FNB UCT Ikeys. Winger Andile Myeni was head and shoulders above scoring a brace to guide his side to victory. Great defence in the second half tamed the visitors and kept them at bay. Myeni was instrumental to Tuks in attack and defence, his versatility gave the Tuks defence an edge over Ikeys. “I’m extremely excited to play in front of this great crowed, we stay grounded after beating the defending champions. Coach has always been about family; we have great depth in the team. we did not it as losing players but more about opening opportunities for young ones.”   Maynard Kleynhans – (FNB UFS Shimlas)   The lock had a powerful game in the defence and also proved to be a real engine in the FNB UFS Shimlas pack. While Liam Shamburg was a contender, Kleynhans’ try where he ran like a racehorse tipped the scales of the game.   Malcolm Lamont – (FNB CUT). The FNB CUT Ixias tighthead proved why he made his Toyota Cheetahs debut in 2025. He has a strong game and this powerful run to set up the try by Jade Muller is simply things legends are made of. Lamont, who is built like a loaded dynamite keg certainly has a big future lying ahead of him.   Zian Cilliers – (FNB UJ)   Cilliers was influential for his side and gave them quick ball and go forward momentum. The scrumhalf was everywhere, led his troops well, and controlled the tempo of the game well. He also played a hand in his team’s tries, and he will be crucial if the side is to go far in this year’s tournament. Fixtures and tickets for round 2 HERE .

The opening round of the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup delivered a wave of high-scoring, dominant performances across the board, highlighted by FNB UP-Tuks stunning defending champions FNB UCT Ikeys 38-22 at Tuks Stadium. FNB UFS Shimlas launched their campaign in emphatic fashion, overpowering FNB Maties 50-39 in a high-tempo thriller that produced 13 tries at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. At CUT Stadium, FNB NWU Eagles claimed all the points in a high-scoring clash, defeating the home side FNB CUT 59-42 in an attacking spectacle. While in Johannesburg, FNB UJ ran rampant in their opening fixture, sealing a comprehensive 61-41 victory over newly promoted FNB Emeris in a dominant display.   FNB UFS Shimlas 50-39 FNB Maties   The FNB UFS Shimlas drew first blood in the 2026 Varsity Cup with a thrilling bonus-point 50-39 victory over the FNB Maties at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. The high-scoring clash marked a historic moment in the tournament’s history, with the first-ever powerplay (tap) tries being scored. That honour, however, went to the visitors from the Cape Winelands. Shimlas burst out of the blocks, racing into a commanding 21–0 lead within the first 25 minutes. Winger Kirwin du Preez, centre Wynand Botha, and hooker Jaco Bezuidenhout all crossed the whitewash as the hosts stamped their authority early on. Just minutes before half-time, Maties clawed their way back with a second try. Instead of opting for a routine conversion, they backed themselves and went for the quick tap, which paid off handsomely as CJ Marx crashed over to score the tournament’s first-ever powerplay try. Shimlas went into the break holding a slender 21–17 lead after a momentum-swinging end to the half. Maties came out firing in the second stanza, with Christiaan van Heerden Smith and Armand Combrinck dotting down to swing the pressure onto the home side. But Shimlas responded in style. The impressive lock Maynard Kleynhans showed surprising pace, beating defenders down the touchline like   a winger to score in the corner. Liam Shamburg then added his name to the scoresheet in a standout performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Captain Bradley Giddy kept his composure under pressure, slotting two long-range kicks to stretch the lead and put the game seemingly out of reach for the five-time champions. Yet Maties refused to roll over. Replacement hooker CJ Erasmus powered over on the stroke of full-time, and in another successful powerplay move, lock Zuko Poswa grabbed an additional five points to keep the scoreboard ticking. In the end, FNB UFS Shimlas had done enough to secure a memorable opening-night victory in front of their passionate home crowd. The evening was also a poignant one in Bloemfontein, as the Shimlas paid tribute to two recently departed legends of the game - Oom Tat Botha and former Springbok hooker Wessel Lightfoot - making the victory even more meaningful on a special night at Shimla Park. Watch the highlights HERE .   SCORERS FNB UFS Shimlas: (21) 50 Tries: Kirwin du Preez (POR), Wynard Botha (POR), Jaco Bezuidenhout X2, Maynard Kleynhans (POR), Liam Shamburg.   FNB Maties: (17) 39 Tries: Fortune Mpofu, Rynhardt van der Linden, CJ Marx (powerplay), Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Armand Combrinck, CJ Erasmus, Zuko Poswa.   FNB Player of the Match: Liam Shamburg (FNB UFS Shimlas)   TEAMS FNB UFS Shimlas: Shaun Ray, Kirwin du Preez, Wynand Botha, Freddie Dreyer, Siviwe Zondani, Bradley Giddy (captain), Alastair-Cole Vermeulen, Liam Shamburg, Sandile Nzuza, Henri van Heerden, Maynard Kleynhans, Arno Van der Merwe, Ongeziwe Mobo, Jacobus Bezuidenhout, Ox Ngema. FNB Maties: Elridge Jack, Rynhardt van der Linden, Ryan Manuel, CJ Marx, Huhgo Van Zitters, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Ezekiel Ngobeni (captain), Ethan Snyman, Luan Botha, Fortune Mpofu, Luke Swartz, Zuko Poswa, Keanuh Michaels, Armand Combrinck, Janlu Basson.   FNB UP-Tuks 38-22 FNB UCT Ikeys FNB UP-Tuks produced a stirring comeback to secure an emphatic 38-22 victory over the defending champions as the FNB Varsity Cup burst into life at a packed Tuks Stadium. The Pretoria side rose to the occasion against FNB UCT Ikeys, overturning an early deficit in a high-intensity, action-packed encounter. Sloppy start from the home side as they conceded an early try. Winger Lezane Davis dotting down for Ikeys inside the first minute for a point of origin try. The home side responded quickly through captain Dillon Smith also with a point of origin try, newly signed flyhalf Divan Du Toit completing the extras. Feisty opening minutes with end-to-end action. The visitors were just getting started as they continued keeping Tuks at bay. Their efforts were swiftly rewarded with winger Jack Benade scoring another point of origin try. FNB UP-Tuks looked dangerous on transition, coming within inches of scoring twice in the space of two minutes as they piled pressure on the defence. The Stripe Generation grabbing the lead for the first time through winger Andile Myeni’s back-to-back tries. Individual brilliance from Myeni as he cut through FNB UCT Ikeys defence like a sharp knife. The winger wasted no time in completing his brace with a cheeky piece of play. Du Toit with a cross-field kick that finds Myeni out wide as FNB Tuks takes all the points. Deway Swartbooi’s troops were not done as they extended their lead to 11 points through Abel Pretorius. The big flank powers over from a driving maul. FNB Tuks leading 28-17 at the interval. The two sides returned from the break composed and focused on their game plans. The home side maintained their healthy lead, while the Ikeys struggled to find cohesion. In the 68th minute, FNB Tuks extended their advantage through centre Kobus Janse van Rensburg, but the visitors quickly responded with a try from Aiden Norris five minutes later. The remainder of the half remained scrappy until fullback Hopewell Ntshangase dived in the corner to seal Tuks’ 38-22 victory. Watch the highlights HERE .   SCORERS   FNB UP-Tuks: (28) 38 Tries: Dillon Smith (POR), Andile Myeni X2, Abel Pretorius, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Hopewell Ntshangase.   FNB UCT Ikeys:  (17) 22 Tries: Lezane Davis, Jack Benade, Aidan Norris.   FNB Player of the Match: Divan Du Toit  (FNB UP-Tuks)   TEAMS FNB UP-Tuks: MJ Nel, Ruan van Blommestein, Jayd Austin, Oelof De Meyer, David Engongo, Abel Pretorius, Akhona Kunene, Dillon Smith (C), Chad-Lee Valentine, Divan Du Toit, Munashe Dukuswa, Christiaan Vlok, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Andile Myeni, Hopewell Ntshangase. FNB UCT Ikeys: Mathew Beckett, Nic Van Schalkwyk, Zuka Phiko, Ndiao Enos ©, Gordon Connor Jack, Nyali Xola, De Costa Aiden, Louw Isaiah, Daars Monray, Vermeulen Alex, Davis Lezane, Kritzinger Luke, Davis Kian, Benade Jack, Mokoena Setshaba.   FNB UJ 61-41 FNB Emeris   A clinical second-half performance secured a comprehensive victory for FNB UJ against FNB Emeris in the opening round of the 2026FNB Varsity Cup at the UJ Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday. The home side showed flare, tenacity, and grit to down the newcomers in front of a sold-out crowd. The first half was evenly matched, but the FNB Emeris led 21-19 courtesy of a brace by electric winger, Nkazimulo Mzolo and a try by Jacques Marais. The hosts were equally competitive and gave their supporters something to cheer about. Ughan Africa opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Reuven Ferreira struck in the 26th minute. Captain, Thabang Mphafi, showed why he’s the trusted leader and sliced his way past the FNB Emeris defence for his side’s third. The second half was all about FNB UJ, and they went up a notch, playing an exciting brand of rugby. Flyhalf Nicallen Gabrielsen dotted over, converted his own try, and slotted over a penalty to snatch the lead for his side. FNB UJ’s forwards were phenomenal, and as a result, they scored three tries from a rolling maul through Kamo Molefe, Ryan Marimo, and the reliable Josh Du Toit. The FNB showed positive signs late on with back-to-back tries by Juan Orde Steyl and Edward Sigauke after opting for the tap instead of a conversion. Steyl scored his second in the 80th minute, but the hosts closed the game off with two tries scored by Tholithemba Sobisi and Du Toit before JT Kapank scored a late penalty to seal the win. Watch the highlights HERE .   SCORERS   FNB UJ: (19) 61 Tries: Ughan Africa, Reuven Ferreira, Thabang Mphafi, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Kamo Molefe, Ryan Marimo, Josh Du Toit X2, Tholithemba Sobisi.   FNB Emeris: (21) 41 Tries: Jacques Marais X2, Nkazimulo Mzolo X2, Juan Orde Steyl X2, Edward Sigauke.   FNB Player of the Match: Zian Cilliers  (FNB UJ)   TEAMS FNB UJ: Sifiso Magwaza, Ryan Marimo, Bian Janse van Rensburg, Thabo Mashigo, Juan Fourie, Toy Engelbercht, Josh Du Toit, Thabang Mphafi ©, Zian Cilliers, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Reuven Ferreira, Exauce Kevani, Ughan Africa, JT Kapank. FNB Emeris: Christoff Etzebeth, Jacques Marais ©, Nathi Ntuli, Sphephelo Mbonambi, Kuhle Mthimkhulu, Andrew Davis, Sinelifa Ncwana, Juan Orde Steyl, Abande Mthembu, Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, Chris Horak, Nkazimulo Mzolo, Chijindu Okota.   FNB CUT 42-59 FNB NWU Eagles It was an absolute try-fest in Bloemfontein as a powerful second-half surge saw the FNB NWU Eagles claim a hard-fought 59-42 victory to kick-off their 2026 Varsity Cup campaign in style against FNB CUT. While the forwards laid the platform with some serious hard graft up front, it was winger Therlow Prins who stole the headlines with a scintillating hat-trick. Every time he touched the ball, something special seemed to happen. The first half at a packed CUT Park was frenetic, with end-to-end action keeping supporters on the edge of their seats. The visitors from Potchefstroom struck first, hooker Jordan McLoughlin rumbling over from a driving maul to open the scoring. The Ixias hit back almost immediately. Jade Muller dotted down, and Kehan Myburgh added the extras to level matters. From there, it became a shoot-out. Prins crossed for the FNB NWU Eagles, but Winton Abrahams responded for the Bloemfontein outfit with a well-worked Point of Origin try. Another seven-point effort, this time from Raydon Swartblooi, followed by a powerplay score from Malcolm Lamont, saw CUT surge into a commanding 31-14 lead and swing the momentum firmly in their favour. FNB NWU Eagles, however, refused to go away. Luyolo Doyi got them back into the contest before captain Stephan Krugel crashed over during the powerplay. A Myburgh penalty ensured FNB CUT took a 34-24 advantage into the break. The second half told a different story. FNB NWU Eagles came out firing, with McLoughlin completing his brace to spark the comeback. The Eagles then struck twice in quick succession to edge ahead, silencing the home crowd. Emlyhn Jacobs kept FNB CUT in the fight with a crucial try, but the two-time champions began to assert their authority. Guhan du Bois crossed as the visitors tightened their grip on proceedings, before Hanro Venter dotted down to seal an impressive win for the men from the North West. FNB CUT may not have been able to close it out, but there were plenty of positives for the Bloemfontein side. The team that took the field on Monday night looked a far cry from the outfit that struggled in the previous two seasons of the Varsity Cup. On this showing, they will trouble more than a few teams in 2026.   Watch the highlights HERE . SCORERS   FNB CUT: (34) 42 Tries: Jade Muller, Winton Abrahams, Raydon Swartbooi, Malcolm Lamont, Emlyhn Jacobs.   FNB NWU Eagles: (24) 59 Tries: Jordan Mcloughlin X2, Therlow Prins X3, Luyolo Doyi, Stephan Krugel, Guhan Du Bois, Hanro Venter.   FNB Player of the Match: Kehan Myburgh  (FNB CUT)   TEAMS FNB CUT: Devinto Vergotine, Jade Muller, Matthys Corneluis Malan, Kutlo Seyoko, Kehan Myburgh, Raydon Swartbooi, Hope Seyaga, Oyama Frans, Jordan Davids, Durandt Van Aswegen, Jean Louis Theron, Malcolm Lamont, Tokelo Ntaopane (captain), Jan- Hendrik Bessenger. FNB NWU Eagles: Luan Van der Walt, Luyolo Doyi, Matthew Fortuin, Aiden De Villiers, Therlow Prins, MJ Mostert, Njabulo Dladla, Sean Roulston, Tian Van Zyl, Ricardo Fourie, Stephan Krugel (captain), Raniel Turner, Jason Oosthuizen, Jordan Mcloughlin, Alethwa Buthelezi.   Log and upcoming fixtures: HERE

Bloemfontein witnessed a landmark moment in South African sport on Monday night as a solar-powered airship soared above the stadium during the opening clash of the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup between FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB Maties. In a first for a rugby match in South Africa, the Cloudline Sc-240 airship took to the skies, circling the venue and delivering a striking aerial presence that elevated an already electric atmosphere. The pioneering aircraft provided a powerful visual spectacle for fans in attendance and viewers watching around the country, marking a bold new chapter in sports event innovation. Developed by Stellenbosch-based company Cloudline, the Sc-240 is the world’s first commercially available solar-powered airship in its class. Powered by solar-recharged batteries and lifted by helium, the airship can remain airborne for more than 10 hours with zero carbon emissions. Its appearance at the FNB Varsity Cup opener showcased not only cutting-edge technology, but proudly South African engineering on a national stage. As Shimlas and Maties battled it out on the field, the silent presence of the airship above symbolised the forward-thinking spirit of the tournament itself. The FNB Varsity Cup has long been recognised as a platform for innovation in university rugby, and Monday night reinforced that reputation with a first-of-its-kind aerial activation. Beyond its impact as an advertising and broadcast platform, the Sc-240 represents a broader shift towards sustainable aerial solutions. With the ability to carry payloads of up to 40 kilograms and operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional aerial systems, the airship opens new possibilities for environmental monitoring, disaster response and resource surveying. For the thousands of fans packed into the stadium, however, the focus was simple: history was unfolding above their heads. The successful flight over the Bloemfontein venue signals the beginning of an exciting new dimension in live sporting experiences in South Africa. As the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup campaign gathers momentum, Monday night’s airship display will be remembered as the moment innovation quite literally took flight.

The 2026 FNB Varsity Shield kicked off in style, with FNB UKZN Impi dominating Sol Plaatje University 46-15 in Durban, while FNB CPUT stunned last season’s runners-up Madibaz 30-20 in Bellville. FNB UWC also made a strong start, defeating FNB UFH 38-12, as FNB Wits produced a remarkable comeback from 24-5 down to secure a 27-27 draw at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London.   Here is our selection for standout players from round 1. Samukelisiwe Madonsela (FNB CPUT) Winger, Samukelisiwe Madonsela stood out for his decisive impact on the game. His two well-timed tries shifted momentum in the favour of FNB CPUT, especially when the team was under early pressure. Beyond scoring, he showed strong positional awareness, composure and work rate on both attack and defence, reflecting FNB CPUT attitude, Madonsela’s performance was influential in securing the victory.   Jordan Ramsay (FNB UKZN) Jordan Ramsay powered the FNB UKZN forward pack with a dominant display, scoring a brace of tries before the second strategy break to inspire his side to a commanding victory over FNB SPU in Round 1 of the FNB Varsity Cup.   Marciano Forbes (FNB UWC) Marciano Forbes delivered a standout performance to earn the Player of the Match award, showcasing immense strength, tireless work rate, and attacking flair as his side secured a 38-12 victory over FNB UFH. The dynamic forward crossed for two crucial tries, both of which proved pivotal in shaping the outcome of the contest.   Lukhangele Tshayi (FNB WSU) While the scoreboard reflected a collective team effort, Lukhangele Tshayi stood out with his composure and attacking spark. His ability to control territory vary the attacking shape and break the defensive line at crucial moments made him a constant threat. Check out highlights from the FNB Varsity Shield round 1 HERE .

The FNB Emeris Comets start their new life in the FNB Varsity Cup when they take on FNB UJ at the UJ Stadium on Monday evening starting at 19: 00. It 's been a rapid rise to the country's premier university rugby competition for the Comets who won the FNB Varsity Shield in 2025 and gained promotion to the top table after two strong seasons in the second division. As the first KwaZulu-Natal based tertiary institution in the Varsity Cup, the Comets have already made history before they step on the pitch on Monday. The Comets will go into the new season with a number of new faces, however they will rely heavily on a group of players that got them into the Cup competition. Jacques Marais and AB Mthembu will lead the side and have been instrumental in getting the Comets into the Varsity Cup. Head coach Jeremy McLaren says that the preparation has gone as well as it could as they prepare for what's going to be a difficult opening match in the competition. "The last 15 weeks have definitely given us some time to get through our processes and I think we are ready to go," McLaren said. "The guys are eager to get going and we'll be able to see where we are after this opening match." It's a different start for the Comets who will be on the road for their opening two matches of the tournament. "We had two home games to start both of our Varsity Shield campaigns, so this is going to be a challenge playing away in our first two matches this year. UJ is a well-respected team with good coaches so I think that the reality is that we don't have too much to go on but that means that our focus has to be on our processes. We are wary of the x-factor players that UJ have got but we've also got those players which will make it a good game," McLaren added. With very little Varsity Cup experience amongst the group, McLaren's message to his side was that he wanted his players to show confidence in their ability. "I want the guys to go out there and express themselves," the coach mentioned. "I don't want them to come off the field and regret anything. I've given them the licence to give it a go and we'll see what happens." "We might not have a lot of experience playing at this level but we've prepared at the highest level possible." There will be a number of debutants for the Emeris Comets on Monday with six players in the starting line-up earning their first cap for Emeris. By Nick Tatham