With promotion already secured after toping the log, the FNB Wits Blues capped off a perfect season by claiming the FNB Varsity Shield 2026 trophy in emphatic fashion in front of a packed Wits stadium. The home side ran in 8 tries to beat FNB WSU 44-18 and remain unbeaten in this year's tournament. FNB Wits went into the match as favourites, and they lived up to those expectations, beating their counterparts 44-18. The Blues had already secured automatic promotion before the final, while WSU finished in second place on the log. In the semifinals, the boys from Johannesburg thumped FNB Madibaz 68-10, and WSU edged FNB UWC 42-32 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. The final had it all, from drama to suspense and it was WSU who had a bright start after scoring a penalty early on through fullback Isiphe Mbini. That early blow sparked the hosts to life, and what followed was pure dominance. They scored three tries within 20 minutes through Lindani Dweba, Latica Nela and loose forward, Liam Santos. Christopher Kachungunu and Tirhani Masondo joined the scoring action before the visitors hit back with two tries, thanks to Ahlule Zokoza. At the halfway point, Wits led 27-13.  The hosts upped the intensity in the second half and scored two quick tries through Masondo and Dweba to extend their lead to 39-13. Wits continued dominating the clash, and Kachungunu sealed his brace after the 60-minute mark. The WSU-All Blacks, however, had the last say when captain, Lukhangele Tshayi, sliced through the Wits defence to score a consolation try for his side.   FNB Varsity Shield 2026 Final HIGHL;IIGHTS SCORERS:   FNB Wits: (27) 44 Tries:  Lindani Dweba X2, Latica Nela, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu X2, Tirhani Masondo X2.   FNB WSU: (13) 18 Tries:  Ahlule Zokoza x2, Lukhangele Tshayi.   FNB Player of the Match : Christopher Kachungunu (FNB Wits)   TEAMS:   FNB Wits : Ronan Dutton, Bonga Nxumalo, Meyer Opperman, Lian Terblanche, Hayden Munnery, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu, Jamaal Feldman, Sherwin Buys, Rekkie Gerber, Lindani Dweba, Tirhani Masondo, Kamohelo Ncunca, Dustyn Holmes, Latica Nela. FNB WSU : Mihlali Nohoyeka, Mangaliso Zixesha, Yoyisa Mahobe, Luvo zZindela, Azasakhe Phuwani, Siya Ncapay, Khanaye Mbakaza, Sipho Hobosch, Thembela Folo, Lukhangele Tshayi, Sosulwe Mqonci, Bulelani Nondlwana, Axola Mtalana, Ahlule Zokoza, Isiphe Mbini.

With the semi-finals taking place this Monday, 6 April we will soon find out which FNB Varsity Cup teams will advance and fight it out to see who will be crowned champions, but before we get there it's that time of the tournament where we focus on the outstanding players who made their debut this season and have been nominated for the Suzuki Rookie of the Year  award! To qualify as a rookie, a player must have made his debut in the 2026 Varsity Cup tournament. The coaches of all 8 teams were asked to nominate three players who made the biggest impact in their debut this season. The nomination process is weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes were then added up and the three players with the most points 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 Cup 2025. The public can now cast their votes from Monday 6 April until 9.30 am on Friday 10 April and the winner will be the nominee with the most votes at the deadline. UPDATE: Voting has closed. No more votes will be taken into account after the 9.30am deadline on Friday 10 April. UPDATE: Voting has closed. No more votes will be taken into account after the 9.30am deadline on Friday 10 April. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the FNB Varsity Cup final on the 13 April and will receive a cash prize from Suzuki. #WhosNXT

With the FNB Varsity Cup 2026 playoffs currently underway it's that time of the season where we acknowledge and vote for the top players of the year. The FNB Varsity Cup coaches have nominated and now the public can weigh in and vote for who wins the 2026 overall FNB Varsity Cup Player That Rocks award, the FNB Back That Rocks and FNB Forward That Rocks award winners. As in previous years all eight FNB Varsity Cup head coaches were asked to nominate three players in each category and were not allowed to nominate a player from their own university. The nomination process is weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes were then added up and the three players with the most points in each category are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winner in each of the categories. You can cast your votes below from Monday 6 April until 8am on Friday 10 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at the deadline. Here are the top nominees for the FNB Overall Player of the Tournament award. The winner will receive a cheque for R10 000 powered by FNBy. UPDATE: Voting has officially closed. The players with the most votes as 9am on Friday 10 April will be announced at the final. Here are the nominees for the FNB Back That Rocks who will receive R7 500 from FNBy. Here are the nominees for the FNB Forward That Rocks who will receive R7 500 from FNBy. UPDATE: Voting has officially closed. The players with the most votes as 9am on Friday 10 April will be announced at the final. Voting closed on Friday 10 April at 9am and the winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Cup final on 13 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.

The Shimlas Young Guns snatched a dramatic late victory over the Tuks YG to book their place in the FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns final, where they will face FNB UCT Ikeys Young Guns who delivered a powerful performance to defeat the UJ YG and secure their spot in the final on 13 April. FNB UFS YG 46-40 FNB UP-Tuks YG The UFS Young Guns have booked their place in the FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns final after clinching a dramatic 46-40 victory right at the death over FNB UP-Tuks YG at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. It was a contest that went right down to the wire, and had UFS come up short, there would have been a real sense of injustice given their effort in the semi-final. The hosts opened the scoring early on when captain and fullback Heinze Stockenstrom calmly slotted a penalty, but Tuks responded soon after through a well-taken try by Jepy Tipoy. UFS struck back with intent, as quick thinking from loosehead prop Sibabalwe Booi saw him take a quick tap and crash over for their first try. A Joshua Dampies penalty then levelled matters before Stockenstrom edged UFS back in front. With around ten minutes left in the first half, Tuks hit their stride, building momentum as Danré Pike crossed twice and Caylum Schooney added another. However, on the stroke of half-time, Anrich Schaffer finished in the corner for the hosts, cutting the deficit to 27–21 in favour of Tuks at the break. UFS came out firing after the restart, with replacement scrumhalf Bernard Wessels immediately making his presence felt as he darted over for the first of his two tries. Tuks, however, refused to lie down, with Milani Madide responding to keep the visitors in front. Wessels then completed his brace minutes later, setting up a grandstand finish. What followed was a tense kicking duel between Stockenstrom and Dampies, with the scoreboard ticking over to 40–39 in favour of Tuks with less than two minutes remaining. Then came the decisive moment. As Tuks attempted to exit their 22, lock Renier Grobler charged down the kick and won the foot race to score the match-winning try on the stroke of full-time- sparking wild celebrations among the Shimla Park faithful. UFS held the upper hand in the scrums throughout and showed impressive defensive steel for large parts of the match. Tuks, meanwhile, were brilliant in the lineout, with Tipoy particularly influential. The introduction of Wessels injected real energy into the UFS game, but ultimately it was their belief, resilience and fighting spirit that carried them through in a pulsating encounter where momentum swung relentlessly.   SCORERS   FNB UFS YG: (21) 46 Tries: Sibabalwe Booi, Anrich Scheffer, Bernard Wessels X2, Renier Grobler.     FNB UP-Tuks YG: (27) 40 Tries: Jepy Tipoy, Danre Pike 2, Caylum Schooney, Milani Madide.   FNB UFS YG: Heinz Stockenstrom (captain), Anrich Scheffer, Duncan Basson, Nkululeko Sithole, Siya Khambule, Darius Erwee, Venkile Kunga, Franco Oberholzer, Mokgaotsi Mosiane, Mo Gcina, Renier Grobler, Jayden Auld, Ruan Smuts, Jan Coetzee, Sibabalwe Booi. FNB UP-Tuks YG: Caylum Schooney, Milani Madide, Jason Ocks, Gerrit Wessels, Tumelo Mohale (captain), Joshua Dampies, Gustav Shaffner, Khanyisa Stamper, Cyril Cherayi, Juan-Pierre Pieterse, Divan Botha, Jepy Tipoy, Luchwayito Mbaliswana, Danre Pike, Indiphile Mlotshwa.   FNB UCT YG 50-31 FNB UJ YG The FNB UCT YG shrugged off a slow start at home to FNB UJ YG to reach the FNB Young Guns Final of the FNB Varsity Cup YG on Monday 13 April. The hosts went behind early in the first half and needed to battle their way back from trailing 17-7 after half an hour in at the Green Mile. The Ikey Tigers made uncharacteristic, unforced errors that handed UJ the lead, however, the hosts were able to score a try before the break and take that momentum into the second half. UCT’s try before half-time seemed to have sparked life into the dressing room as they fired out of the break with three tries in the space of seven-minutes. UJ did well to hit back and keep themselves in the contest, but that flurry was quickly snuffed out. The Ikey Tigers turned the screw after the hour mark with two more scores and a penalty try to outscore UJ with six tries to two in the second half, earning them a spot in the final with a 50-31 win.   SCORERS FNB UCT YG: (14) 50 Tries:  Meyer Prinsloo, Tyrone Gombe, Unaye Mndau, Nel Jan Jan, Meyer Prinsloo, Dominic Sesink Clee, Steph Van der Merwe, PENALTY TRY.   FNB UJ: (17) 31 Tries:  Thristan Maree, Thristan Maree, Sinenhlanhla Ndlovu, Kganya Molapo, Langelihle Mncwango.    FNB Player of the Match : Tyrone Gombe (FNB UCT YG)    TEAMS FNB UCT YG: Isa Davids, Sango Zangqa, Gareth Mc Kinon, Dominique Kamangu, Ethan Combrink, Steph Van der Merwe, David Kamunga, Dominic Sesink Clee, Tyrone Gombe (C), Nathan Potgieter, Caleb Jeneker, Olunje Mehlomakulu, Hadebe Amahle, Nel Jan Jan, Meyer Prinsloo, James Kobrowisky, Unaye Mndau, Anele Cele, Tjeripo Karuhumba, Simanye Mlakalaka, Thabiso Mbembele, Seth Bradford, Jonathan Caveney. FNB UJ YG :  Andre Poulton, Ayanda Funeka, Juan Van Der Merwe, Jacques Van Tonder, Zandre Naude, Kganya Molapo (C), Nkos'enhle Mafu, Grady (V) Ngui, Talent Sithole, Matthew Abbey, Lindelani Nkambule, Sinenhlanhla Ndlovu, Likhona Kepe, Thristan Maree, Praise Matsila, Langelihle Mncwango, Akhona Maseko, Mufunwa Masibigiri, Chifu Banda, MJ de Jager, Amukelani Ntuli, Pieter Moller, Indibabale Mboniswa. The FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns final will take place on Monday 13 April, 3pm at Tuks Stadium as a curtain raiser to the Cup final.

FNB UP-Tuks produced a clinical display to outclass local rivals FNB UJ in the Gauteng derby, sealing a home final in the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup. In the other semi-final, FNB NWU Eagles surged ahead after the break, dismantling FNB Maties 50–10 at Fanie du Toit Sports Ground to book their place in the title decider.   Here is our selection for standout players from semi-final.   Akha Mjawule (FNB UP-Tuks) Called up as a back-up scrumhalf to the injured Chad-Lee Valentine, Akha Mjawule’s dream continue rise above the ceiling with another outstanding performance. The Khayelitsha born terrorised UJ defence and produced a performance to remember guiding Tuks to a home final for the first time since 2022. “We knew they were going to come hard as they are still hurting from last week’s match. First half we started but we told ourselves we are not going to give, and we will finish what we started. I am very happy for the accolade, but it is because of my team, we have been working hard together since last year December and now the hard work is paying.” said Mjawule. Ricardo Fourie (FNB NWU Eagles) FNB NWU Eagles player number six Ricardo Fourie earns the Player That Rocks honour for a standout performance in the home semi-final. He crossed for one try, created several scoring opportunities, and was instrumental at the breakdown, consistently protecting possession and winning it back for his side. His all-round impact and work rate made him a key figure in the Eagles’ dominant display.   Tickets to the FNB Varsity Cup final HERE .

FNB Wits head coach Hugo Van As says his side is gunning to finish their 2026 FNB Varsity Shield campaign on a perfect note when they host FNB WSU in the final on Friday in Johannesburg. The Wits Blues will enter the title-deciding clash having already secured automatic promotion to next year’s Varsity Cup. They finished the round-robin stages on top of the log with six wins and a draw in seven outings. Thereafter, Wits thumped FNB Madibaz 68-10 in the last four to book their spot in the final. “Qualifying for the final was important for us,” said Van As. “In the semifinal against Madibaz, we had to grind it out even though the scoreboard said something different. “There are a couple of errors and mistakes that we made, and we struggled with some stuff a bit. However, the team scored a lot of tries, which is good.” Wits have played some entertaining rugby all season long, which has been described as “champagne rugby”. Their backline, particularly the back three featuring Lindani Dweba, Dustyn Holmes, and skipper Latica Nela, has been on fire, scoring tries for fun. The coach says it’s the type of rugby they pride themselves on playing. “We’ve always been a team that stands for trying to use the ball and scoring tries, but I must be honest, the boys have gone to the next level. I don’t want to say it's easier, but it’s not as challenging as the Varsity Cup in terms of the defence lines, maybe that’s why we’ve been able to play like this. “I’m not taking anything away from them, though. They have worked hard, and our attack coach has done well.” Wits will look to use their home ground advantage in the final, but it won’t be smooth sailing, and WSU will provide a massive challenge. The side from the Eastern Cape is brimming with confidence after beating FNB UWC in their semifinal last week. “From our end, there are a lot of things we can improve. We have to stay humble and respect that WSU is a proper side. They are the only team we have drawn with this year, so we respect them. If you give them too much freedom, they will punish you. Our goal is to go out there, express ourselves and make it a special Varsity Shield campaign.” The final kicks off at 18:30 at the Wits Rugby Stadium.     By: Avuyile Sawula

FNB WSU head coach has emphasised composure, discipline and execution as his side prepares for a high-stakes FNB Varsity Shield final against FNB Wits following an evenly contested draw between the two teams earlier in the season. FNB WSU head into the final with confidence built on consistent preparation and a clear understanding of the challenge ahead. “The team has been preparing well… we are aware of the challenge ahead and taking nothing for granted,” he said. Their first meeting with Wits ended in a thrilling 27–27 draw, a match that showcased attacking intent from both sides. “It was a high-tempo attacking spectacle with eight tries scored. Wits showed their ability to adapt and respond to our strong start,” the coach reflected. Since that encounter WSU have focused on refining key areas of their game. Set-piece dominance has been a central pillar with the pack working to establish a solid platform through scrums and mauls. Combined with an increased work rate off the ball and a more structured attacking approach, WSU believe they are better equipped for the demands of a final. “We’ve prioritised development and cohesion over short-term gains. The unity and togetherness of the squad has been crucial,” he added. The coach also acknowledged Wits’ strengths, pointing to their discipline, work rate and ability to execute under pressure. However, he remains confident that WSU can gain the upper hand through their forward dominance and control of the set pieces. With the final approaching the message to the squad has remained consistent: stay grounded and trust the process. “The players are calm, composed, and   focused on execution.” Victory would mark a historic moment for WSU and the Border region as the team looks to translate a season of growth into Varsity Shield success. By: Ntsika Mpumlwana

FNB UP-Tuks Women once again showed their resilience, fighting back to claim a narrow 32-31 win and remain at the summit of the FNB Varsity Cup Women standings. The FNB UFH Baby Blues rose to the occasion with a crucial victory over FNB UJ to book their place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, in Pietermaritzburg, FNB UKZN Women delivered a commanding home performance to comfortably overcome FNB Maties Women.   Here is our selection for standout players from round 5.   Ox Xholi (FNB UP-Tuks Women) The log leaders FNB UP-Tuks Women found themselves wandering in the last round of the group stages colliding with UWC. The Stripe Generation went to halftime down by 19 points. Ox Xholi was the substitute Lizanne Jacobs needed to turn the deficit around. Powerful in the scrums and outstanding ball carries, Xholi gave the home side the confidence and dominance they needed to remain unbeaten. Outstanding at breakdowns, Xholi became the X-factor the Tuks side needed. Setting up Abigail de Jager with a powerful carry who dotted down for a POR. Xholi wasn’t done turning the tables around for Tuks as she went on to score a try herself. Xholi was at the thick of things ensuring Tuks remain in contest.   Thokozani Sikela (FNB UFH Women) Thokozani Sikela delivered an outstanding all-round performance. Her contribution was marked by bone-crunching tackles, exceptional ball handling, strong carries, and unwavering work rate. Demonstrating true leadership and composure, she inspired her team and played a pivotal role in the victory.   Sphesihle Fihlela (FNB UKZN Women) She was the standout performer in FNB UKZN Women’s dominant 46-7 victory, delivering an all-round display that proved decisive. Her accuracy from the tee ensured UKZN maximised their scoring opportunities, while her try capped off a performance filled with composure and control. Beyond her points tally, Fihlela dictated the tempo of the game, linking play effectively and maintaining pressure on the opposition throughout. Her calm decision-making and consistency under pressure allowed UKZN to build and sustain their commanding lead, making her influence felt in every phase of play. It was a performance that not only highlighted her individual quality but also underlined her importance to the team, fully justifying her recognition as FNB Player of the Match.

FNB UCT Ikeys suffered an agonizing defeat in Round Seven that saw their reign as FNB Varsity Cup kings come to an end at the hands of the NWU Eagles in Potchefstroom. It looked like the defending champions were going to defy the odds and hand the Eagles their first defeat at home and sneak past FNB UJ into fourth place. It was not to be in 2026 after the men from Potch pulled off a remarkable second half comeback ensuring that a new champions will be crowned this year. Ikeys captain Enos Ndiao revealed that heading into the campaign with the goal of going back-to-back was always going to be challenging. “We had a big task of wanting to be braver this season and we knew we had to in order to try and create history in our own club – going back-to-back as champions which no UCT team has ever done, it was a daunting task. Specifically, the backend of the campaign was something we knew would be tough, you know, facing Maties, Shimlas and then Pukke” said Ndiao. The UCT skipper admitted that they knew there was a target on their backs heading into 2026. “We knew on top of that [going back-to-back] every team wanted to beat us as defending champions. So for us, it really, truly was a campaign in which we were fighting an uphill battle”. Reflecting on the campaign, the Ikeys captain acknowledged that they just weren’t able to get the rub of the green at critical moments. “I think there were so many moments that we sort of understood, you know, the way that sport goes and the vitality and crucial understanding of moments in rugby which we just couldn’t win with no fault to anyone else but ourselves” said the UCT lock.   By: Kieryn Thompson

FNB WSU secured their spot in the FNB Varsity Shield final after overturning the deficit with a strong second-half display to beat FNB UWC 42-32 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday. In the other semi-final, newly promoted FNB Wits showcased their dominance with an emphatic 68-10 victory over FNB Madibaz, setting up an exciting final showdown between the two sides.   Here is our selection for standout players from semi final.   Liam Santos (FNB Wits) The Wits loose forward played an integral role in a curial match. He scored two tries and led the forward pack well. Santos continued his prolific run with the side and will certainly be a player to watch in the final next week.   Ahlule Zokoza (FNB WSU)  Ahlule Zokoza delivered a standout performance on the wing providing a constant attacking threat and finishing ability when it mattered most. His pace and awareness allowed him to exploit space out wide while his involvement in key attacking phases contributed significantly to WSU’s second-half resurgence. Zokoza’s impact in high-pressure moments particularly in the closing stages made him a decisive figure in WSU’s victory and a deserving FNB Player That Rocks.

UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AS OF 9PM ON 18 APRIL. With the Varsity Cup final upon us it's time that we focus the spotlight on the players who raised their hand and impressed with their debut performances. As the breeding ground for future rugby stars the tournament once again showcased the raw talent and determination of young players eager to make their mark. The prestigious Suzuki Rookie of the Year accolade will once again honour the most promising debut player of Varsity Cup 2024, recognizing their exceptional skill, dedication and potential to become a future rugby sensation. To qualify as a rookie, a player must have made his debut in 2024 and not taken the field previously in a Varsity Cup game. The coaches of all the Cup teams were asked to nominate outstanding players who made their debut this season and the three players with the most nominations 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 Cup 2024. Voting is now open to the public. Vote below for the player you think is the most deserving of this year's Suzuki Rookie Of The Year award. UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AND SCREENSHOTS OF THE RESULTS TAKEN AT 9PM ON 18 APRIL WILL BE USED TO DECLARE A WINNER. You can cast your vote from Tuesday, 16 April until Thursday 18 April at 9pm. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the FNB Varsity Cup final on the 22 April. The winner will receive R4 000 from Suzuki.

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. UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND THE RESULTS OF THE POLLS AS OF 9. 30 AM 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.