The 2024 FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield competitions are ready to once again showcase the best of student rugby the country has to offer. The Varsity Cup competition kicks off on Monday 19 February when FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB UCT Ikeys take to the field in Cape Town (16:45).  The clash between FNB WSU and FNB UKZN in Mdantsane at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium (19:00) on Thursday 22 February sees the start of the Varsity Shield competition. After back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles last year by the Springboks in France, all eyes will be on the future stars of South African rugby for the next two months.  And with more than 50 players having made the giant leap from Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield to the Springboks, including multiple World Cup winners, it is no wonder that Varsity Cup founder and 1995 Rugby World Cup winning captain Francois Pienaar says he is proud of the achievements so far. "The competitiveness we've witnessed in Varsity Cup and Shield promises the graduation of even more stars to the Springboks, affirming that the system works as a perfect bridge between high school and provincial rugby. “I’m also excited by developments in the Shield competition with the addition of a Varsity College team highlighting the importance of promotion and relegation. And then building on the success of last year’s first FNB Varsity Cup Women, this year FNB UWC will be joining, reflecting the significant growth of women's rugby. “In essence, these developments amplify the Varsity Cup and Shield's role as the ultimate platform for aspiring rugby players, fostering talent and diversity whilst playing cracking rugby!" There are a few notable changes from the 2023 competition and a few additional highlights for 2024. These include that the majority of Shield matches will take place on Fridays with only a handful on Thursdays. There is furthermore great excitement around mascots that will be a key feature of this year’s tournament. According to Pienaar, this will add a certain “vibrancy and spirit to the matches.” When it comes to being eager and rearing to go, FNB NWU Eagles cannot wait to defend their Varsity Cup title after they narrowly beat FNB UCT Ikeys (27-25) in last year’s final on home turf in Potchefstroom. If they manage to do so, they will add a third trophy to their cabinet. Fresh of a five-day training camp on the banks of the Vaal River, NWU head coach Burger van der Westhuizen says while it was fantastic to go into this year’s competition as defending champions, they are under no illusion as to what lies ahead in 2024. “What happened last year, happened last year and we are starting this year on a clean slate. The Varsity Cup is probably the best university competition in the world and looking at the teams who will compete this year, it is once again going to be extremely tough. Any team can win or lose on any given Monday. I am happy with our preparations so far as all the guys have put in the hard yards to be ready for the couple of months.” This year the Varsity Cup will be contested without former powerhouse FNB UP-Tuks for the first time in the competition’s history. Champions in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2022, the Pretoria-based team failed to win a single match last year and will now play in the Varsity Shield. Tuks’ loss was FNB UWC’s gain after the Capetonians were crowned the 2023 Varsity Shield champions following victory over FNB CPUT in the final. UWC head coach Paul Treu says climbing the ladder to the Varsity Cup is a daunting task, but not a challenge they are going to shy away from. “We are grateful to be back in the main competition, as a university we believe that is where we belong. Our first goal is going to be to stay in the Varsity Cup and then to prevent the up-and-down from one year you are in the Cup, and then the next you are back in the Shield. So, we need to create some form of consistency in our performances and to stay in the Cup for longer than what other people may think.” For all the 2024 FIXTURES click HERE. For TICKETS click HERE.

FNB Madibaz rugby coach David Manuel is placing a lot of emphasis on the type of legacy they want to leave after the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. The Nelson Mandela University squad open their campaign with an away game in Cape Town against FNB CPUT on Friday 23 February. The team’s mentor, now in his third year with the university, says they “connected on a deep level” over the past three-and-a-half weeks during their training camp. “That sort of positive vibe and cohesion is what you want as a coach. We’ve used the time to review our culture and the standards we want to set ourselves.” He says this year’s theme is “lineage” as it represents where each player comes from and how it adds value to the squad. “We want to honour the lineage of the players who have gone before us and work as a unit to leave the jersey in a better place.” That said, the Varsity Shield will be an enormous challenge to the team from Gqeberha. “We are quite aware now that every team will be better this year, and that means we also need to be better.” Manuel mentions FNB UP-Tuks, who were relegated from the Varsity Cup last season, who will bring “a different physical challenge” to the party with their big forwards who seek to dominate up front. “We have also tried to up our game in that department. To be competitive, we have to be able to match them.” Manuel says they have been able to maintain some continuity in the 2024 squad, which will be captained by loose forward Leon van der Merwe. Several exciting players have also been brought into the setup. S’bulelo Roji, previously from Walter Sisulu University, comes in as a tighthead prop while Dewald Gerber, who played for Outeniqua High in George and South Western Districts schools, will slot in at lock. Then there is flyhalf Raashied Conrad, a product of SACS in Cape Town, who is renowned for his running and goal-kicking skills. PROVISIONAL SQUAD (Subject to change) lwaba Liyema, Elam Bobelo, Bahle Cengani, Bryce Sven Collins, Christopher Kachungunu, Dewald Gerber, Elton Xakile, Endinako Kuse, Enrique Franks, Henry Edward Kruger, Jade Baaitjies, Kehan Myburgh, Kyle Erasmus, Leon Van Der Merwe, Lwando Davane, Mekyle Solomon, MJ Strydom, Mpumelelo Solani Mavuso, Mugsin Banzi, Mvelo Fipaza, Mvuleni Imibongo, Mzwakhe Kevin Hlupheko, Qurin Cupido, Raashied Conrad, Reece Cambier, S'bulelo Roji, Siba Mqeni, Thando Nogayi, Tlhalefo Moleko, Troy Delport, Lyle Meintjies, Reese Masimla, Olwethu Sean Chigumbu, Anda Matshoba, Ethan Vitelinghum, Riaan Vraagom, Dewet Goddels.

With pre-season preparations for the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup starting to wrap up, FNB Wits coach Hugo van As has expressed his delight with the efforts put in by his team. They get their campaign underway on Monday 19 February with an away game against FNB UWC in Cape Town. “Pre-season has been going great, obviously the month of November was challenging with exams but we can’t complain, the team’s attitude to learn and to work hard has been fantastic,” says Van As. He adds Wits has high expectations for the season and will be looking to push it to the top. “We are training and preparing to do well in the 2024 edition of the Varsity Cup. The group has high expectations and is dreaming of having an unforgettable Varsity Cup season, because which team is preparing not to win this great competition?” Van As is excited about the new talent that has joined the squad, which includes the skipper from rivals FNB UJ, Kelvin Kanenungo, and Junior Boks scrumhalf Hasheem Pead. “We have lost a couple of players to other universities, a few have finished up and entered the working environment, while a few of our youngsters have come through the ranks and will add massively to our squad this year. We have a few new players that have joined us, in former UJ captain Kelvin Kanenungo and prop Elisha Kwitonda, Tiraque Applolles. Hasheem Pead is also an exciting addition, he is currently in the Junior Boks set-up.” According to Van As there is more than one player to look out for. “Our captain Ngia Selengbe will always be special, Setshaba Mokoena, Lindo Ncusane, Cal Smid, Liyema Matoylweni and Mark Snyman are the old heads in the group. But I must be honest, Wits has never been about the stars but collectively our whole squad is key and so important for us.” PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Elisha Kwitonda, Jason Cloete, Ronan Dutton, Marno Grobbler, Dagan Meuwese, De Wet Lottering, Sibusiso Shongwe, Liam Whithead, Reno Hirst, Henk Gouws, Lood Prins, George Devenish, Armin Weideman, Kelvin Kanenungo, De Wet Fourie, Cal Smid, Luca Ribbans, Joshua Ferriera, Lindokuhle Ncusane, Kevin Tshituka, Wernich Aucamp, Drew Bennet, Kabelo Mohkheti, Tireque Apolles, Mark Snyman, Alec Mcintyre, Ngia Selengbe, Liyema Matoylweni, Dustyn Holmes, Kevon Chirwa, Charmly Siyabonga Mndhluli, Setshaba Mokoena, Tirahni Masondo, Caleb Lombaard, Hashim Pead by S’fiso Nyawo

It is unchartered territory for FNB UP-Tuks in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition after a dismal performance in last year’s Varsity Cup competition saw the defending champions winless at the end of the round robin stages and being automatically relegated for the first time in their history. The Stripe Generation are now looking to redeem themselves and head coach Deway Swartbooi believes the Pretoria outfit is up for the challenge in their quest to return to the elite Varsity Cup. “It’s been a real challenge, we lost some experienced players so we will miss that but in the same breath, it is also a great opportunity for the new Stripe Generation to stick up their hand and become a Tuks legend. Playing in Varsity Shield will be tough and unknown to us but the boys are up for the challenge and going to take it one game at a time.” Though they experienced their worst campaign ever last year and lost most of their key players, Swartbooi is pleased with the returning troops, one of them being the experienced flyhalf Walter Visser. “A couple of the boys are returning for their last dance, Kyle Cyster, Walter Visser, Zander Reyenders and Ethan Burger.” The Stripe Generation is set to begin their season away against FNB UFH at the Davidson Stadium in Alice on Friday 23 February. Swartbooi has sent a warning to his opponents regarding his new recruits. “You will have to wait and see the new pool of players coming through. The preparations have been going well … but only time will tell when we play our first Varsity Shield match.” PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Nico Du Randt, JL Van Rensburg, Abel Pretorius, Jean Fourie, Jayd Austin, Xavier Schoeman, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Andile Myeni, Jonathan Smit, Kurt-Leigh Cookson, Patrick Hoban, Dillon Smith, Haydn Kemp, Andre Smith, Cayno February, Dian Marais, Adrian Joubert, Oelof de Meyer, Jayden Sam, Johan Louw, Pieter Rossouw, Buhle Planga, Munashe Dukuswa, Esam Zamubuntu, Bayanda Ngubane, Ruan van Blommestein, Chad-Lee Valentine, Barnard Nortje, JP Wentzel, Euan Groenewald, Roald Hattingh, Kamohelo Tlome, JW Marè, MJ Nel, Rivaldo De Kock, Marco Venter, Edwin Till, Daimon O’Connell, Allister Williams, Jandre Burger, Tharquinn Manuel, Walter Visser, Odwa Moletsane, Zander Reynders, Keane Galant, Ambesa Zenzile, GC Fourie, Ethan Burger, Dian Coetzee, Kyle Cyster, Juandré Jooste, Hilton Gie, Menzie Mndebele, Hlomla Marenene. by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB TUT are excited about the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield season with a new head coach and a group of hungry lads. According to head coach Flash Malinga, the Pretoria West side is ready to compete for the title this year. “It was impressive to watch the boys play last year, one or two results might have changed the season completely but we are looking to build up and take it from there. I think one should go into the season aiming to win the season and not just reach the semis or knock-outs.” TUT tackles the season with a combined squad of new players and experienced players. Malinga is delighted with his troops regardless of their experience in Varsity rugby and believes there are a couple of players to look out for. “There are a number of boys that have joined us this year, but instead of hand-picking them I would say look out for the team even though a team is made up of individuals. We have a few players returning that played last year and we expect pure leadership, they need to guide the youngsters and equip them with what the TUT rugby culture is about.” The Vikings begin their campaign with an away game on Friday 23 February against debutants FNB Varsity College. According to Malinga it will be an interesting encounter. “We have Varsity College coached by Jeremy [McLaren], it will an interesting one as we will be away from home. We expect a good team and they will bring a number of KZN boys. At this stage we are focusing on our pre-season matches so we can be well prepared for our first game.” PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Lawrence Nong, Jandre Van Zyl, Mxolisi Nzama, Clinton Ngomane, Thato Mopedi, Thapelo Mokoa, Kgomotso Maribana, Knowledge Chaira, Lutho Tom, Lwazi Dlamini, Athenkosi Jack, Godfrey Sebekolodi, Buhlebuyeza Ndunakazi, Luke Van Aardt, Chegofatso Kgophane, Olwethu Prence, Dwayne Zeeland, Ayabonga Zakwe, Jamie Felix, Tandai Chikohwa, Puseletso Tselane, Joshua Robinson, Mauritz Maritz, Vuyani Vanqa, Junior Malaza, Kananelo Malejoane, Lutendo Netshoizwi, Nhlanhla Shabalala, Samkele Mkhabela, Thato Thuleli, Clayton Charles, Sean-B Kagiso Tshego, Shandon Botha, Lesedi Philips. by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB CPUT head coach Alastair Theys says they welcome change and are embracing the new cycle of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. “When I took the job a few seasons ago, we had two boxes that we wanted to tick. The first one was to gain promotion and subsequently compete in the [Western Province] Super League A competition. We believe this league is key to checking off our next box which is to gain promotion to the [FNB Varsity] Cup competition.” The Bellville-based side joined Varsity Shield in 2017 and has arguably been the most successful side since, playing in four finals and winning in 2019 and 2021. “We had a recruitment drive the past couple of months because the majority of the players left the university. We only have about 12 guys remaining from last year's squad which means we have a relatively young squad,” says Theys. “We face another challenging aspect of university sports; we do not offer sporting bursaries like our fellow Western Cape university counterparts. The top crop players tend to go to the three bigger universities.” Despite these challenges, Theys believes his management staff have created and developed a healthy culture and environment that promotes inclusivity. “The past few seasons have been a rollercoaster, it has been challenging, but luckily for us, we have formulated a good environment which has helped us reach four finals and bodes well for consistency.” Theys feels confident in his squad and values the backing from the university. “Knowing the university is backing you gives you that added boost. I am talking about senior management, students, the sports department, and the SRC [Student Representative Council]. [This] gives the players a sense of pride and a sense of belonging. "It is a very interesting year for us, a young squad competing, a new road but on the same journey, which hopefully will take us where we want to be in the next few years.” CPUT start their 2024 Varsity Shield campaign on Friday 23 February against FNB Madibaz at home in Cape Town. PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Emihle Akho Benya, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Milokuhle Ntusikazi, Athi Sali, Preveen Rahul Padiachiey, Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Lathitha Sange Ratsibe, Xolani Brendon Ximba, Oyintando Honour Maseti, Wiehan Kruger, Keewan Titus, Timothy Matthew Shortles, Iwaan Bloys, Linton Shawn Maritz, Keenan Williams, Jayric Jaden Steenkamp, Samukelisiwe Sandile Madonsela, Lungelo Lethukuthula Kubheka, Duke Somila Shasha, Lindisipho Lihle Kula, Lwando Woji, Ayabulela Zono, Danielle Israel Padiachy, Nkosephayo Sbusiso Ngema, Keene Munnick, Stephan Lorenzo Jansen, Clyde Nicyle Frieslaar, Emihle Thina Jaxa, Stephanus Marthunus Andrews, Shadwill Chad Engelbrecht, Armondo Hoogbaard, Jason January, Jesse-Owen Denation, Keran Jayson Valentyn, Yaseen Arends, Sipho Hobosch, Yolisa Kasi. by Lyndon Julies

With the 2024 edition of the FNB Varsity Shield kicking off on 22 February it's only fitting that we set the stage by looking back at how last year's epic tournament played out where FNB UWC went undefeated to lift the trophy and secure promotion back into the Varsity Cup competition. For the first time in the tournaments history 8 teams competed for top honours with UFH starting the campaign as the defending champions. UWC and Madibaz were both relegated the previous year so the heat was on right at the start with fans eager to see which team would top the log and gain automatic promotion. The early rounds saw CPUT, Madibaz and UWC dominate while the title holders UFH struggled to gain momentum and repeat the form they showed in 2023. An epic showdown at the end of the group stages between first and second on the log turned into a promotion decider where UWC took the honours by beating Madibaz 45-31. In the semi-finals UWC continued their unbeated title run by scalping defending champs UFH in front of a packed out home crowd while CPUT put in an epic performance against Madibaz to set up an all Cape final where UWC claimed their third FNB Varsity Shield title after a closely contested 24-18 victory to be crowned the 2023 champions. Having finished second on the log Madibaz were still in with a shot at promotion in a playoff game against CUT who finished 7th in the Cup competition. It was not to be for the Gqeberha side who were emphatically beaten by the Ixias in Bloem. The season was in for another dramatic end as bottom of the log Rhodes university faced-off against Varsity College in the other promotion relegation game. A kick in the dying minutes to win it saw Varsity College promoted to the FNB Varsity Shield for the first time in their history. FNB Players of the Tournament 2023: Suzuki Rookie of the Year: For all the 2023 season highlights click HERE. For the 2024 fixtures click HERE.

Defending champions FNB NWU Eagles are looking to play an attractive brand of rugby while maintaining a winning culture in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup competition. Head coach Burger van der Westhuizen says they are tackling this year with the same attitude that saw them lift the trophy last year. "If you had a successful campaign, you want to continue using the same approach and keep using the same things that worked for you.” Despite the departure of several experienced players, he however has confidence in the newbies. “We had about 33 players and lost 21. Luckily for us, there are still some experienced players left in the squad so we’re looking at a brand new team, a brand new philosophy, and a brand new culture and the guys are working hard to achieve our objectives.” Despite being the reigning champions, Van der Westhuizen says the team doesn’t feel any additional pressure. “It’s now 2024 and last year was 2023, so whatever happened last year was very good but this is a new group of players who are really hungry to go out there and perform. We obviously want to compete and be in the semi-final and final so the best thing is to keep the pressure thing away from the players.” The Eagles play more away games this campaign and according to Van der Westhuizen there needs to be adjustments in preparations to handle fatigue and travel issues. “We are only playing three games at home, so during our preparation all our practice games were away so we can get the guys to understand the principle of travelling, sleeping enough, and eating correctly. We lose a couple of training sessions when we play in the Western Cape because of travelling so going there is an immense thing. Therefore we need to be very clever and wise to combat fatigue.” NWU open their title defence on Monday 19 February against FNB Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Andries du Preez, Aphelele Madaka, Arminn Posthumus, Calcin Clack, Charles Williams, Christiaan Vlok, Chyle van Zyl, Didi Sekati, Divan du Toit, Franco Marais, Gerhard Ackerman, Hanro Venter, Heinz Bertram, Hennie du Randt, Herman Agenbag, Jaco du Toit, Jason Jansen, Joubert Schoeman, Keano Windvogel, Lloyd Ngobeni, Logan Janeke, Luan van der Walt, Lukas Klopper, Marvelous Mashimbyi, Matome Manyama, Matthew Fortuin, Michael Peiterse, Mpho Khubeka, Naiden Jaarts, Nico Liversage, Ntobeko Shezi, Schalk van Schalkwyk, Isrome Phatudi, Sean Roulston, Shaun Baxter, Tiaan Hechter, Tian van Zyl, Zinedine Robinson, Stephan Krugel. by Lesiba Dikhoba

FNB Varsity Cup proudly welcomes exciting local skin-care brand Rooibos Man as a preferred partner for the upcoming season. Rooibos Man skin care, which features the power of South Africa’s natural plant extracts, brings a unique touch of wellness to the tournament. The brand's commitment to promoting healthy skin aligns seamlessly with the rigorous demands on the field, emphasising the importance of self-care and well-being in the competitive sports arena. Rooibos Man Skin care's involvement goes beyond traditional sponsorship, as the brand will actively contribute to the grooming needs of the participating teams and players, with self-care packs of face wash, face scrub and moisturisers with SPF15. Rooibos Man is no stranger to the world of sports, having partnered with athletes like Shakes Soyizwapi, Phepsi Buthelezi and Ntuthuko Mchunu. They are also partners of the number 1 rugby podcast in South Africa, Behind The Ruck, started by ex-Springbok players Juan De Jongh and Rudy Paige. “I feel like a 5-star man since using this 5-star product,” says Juan De Jongh. “I’m obsessed with the product! I’ve never taken much interest in my skin but since using it, I now can’t go a day without using it!” added Rudy Paige, “we are both proudly South African brands, and the collaboration is a no-brainer”. “We’re pleased to partner with FNB Varsity Cup. It’s a fantastic tournament that has become a real South African icon - just like our Rooibos skin care – which is formulated to take care of skin no matter what life throws at it, on and off the field,” says CEO Rob Tiffin. "FNB Varsity Cup offers an ideal opportunity to showcase our new range of men’s skin care." FNB Varsity Cup fans can look forward to exhilarating rugby as well as Rooibos Man campus and match day activations that are unique to the varsity experience. For more about Rooibos Man skin care, visit https://rooibosman.africanextracts.com/

FNB CUT Ixias are looking to the future as they continue to fine-tune for the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. The Ixias enter a new area as Randall Modiba takes the reigns as new coach and while they want to build on what was put in place in the past, they do prefer to view that as history. Modiba brings experience to Bloemfontein after previously having coached the Boland Cavaliers in the professional ranks. The Ixias have managed to retain the bulk of their players from their previous campaign and Modiba feels that his squad is a lot more mature this season and they will take the lessons from the past. “Last year is history but I think that the players are much more mature and they learnt a lot of good lessons and they've grown. It's important to build on that and just get the team to the next level. That's the understanding and buy-in that all the players have, so they know exactly what is expected of them.” Following preseason games against the SWD Eagles, Cheetahs and an upcoming match against the Griquas, Modiba feels they will be in a good place when they tackle FNB UJ in their first game on Monday 19 February at home. “The standards are up there and the boys are working really hard and I must give that to them. They understand what it is all about, it's more than just participating and playing rugby. There is a bigger purpose and a bigger inspiration that we are striving towards. “In terms of our preparation on-field, we've managed to get some combinations going, get some continuity going and build some momentum to be in a good place when we start our first game on the 19th.” PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Jan-Hendrik Bessenger, Francois Bester, Zachary Bester, Floris JJ Brand, JP Burger, Janco Cloete, Liam De Wet, Liam Delport, Septimus Derkesen, Tiaan Drotske, LJ Franzsen, Adielson Gouveia, Barend Jansen van Rensburg, Neo Kemeng, Malekela Malothane, Tsepo Malumane, Asekho Marubelela, Irwin Meyer, Mamello Moshoaliba, Zongamele Ngxiya, Sisipho Nofuya, Janco Pretorius, George Price, Liam Prinsloo, Chris Rheeder, Luvuyo Selebalo, Juan Smith, Tsebano Stemer, Kevin Strydom, Raydon Swartbooi, Trevino Swartz, D Van Der Berg, JT Van der Walt, Tiaan Van Wyk, Bernard Venter, Devinto Vergotine, FP Victor, Nataniel Young.

Although he is looking forward to this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, FNB Maties coach Kabamba Floors says it remains a challenge to try and get the team back to the top as champions. They last won the title in 2019. “In terms of university sports, it is the biggest competition out there. As a coach, your success gets measured by trying to take your team all the way. And that is why we see winning last year's Western Province Super League A competition as a stepping stone to achieving greater things with this group of players that we have assembled. It was a great opportunity for developing players.” Managing the team with the movement of players in and out of the system for various reasons also is a factor, says Floors. “Remember we lost quite a few players with Jurie Mathee (flyhalf), Thomas Bursey (scrumhalf), and Simon Miller (flank) at the Stormers and Western Province. Waqar Solaan (centre) is at Griquas, while Juan Beukes (lock) has made the move to Ireland (Dublin University). “We managed to gain some experience by signing a few more experienced players, like Juan Mostert (flyhalf) from the Bulls and Ryan Manuel (centre) from the Sharks, and two more post-grad students from other universities.” According to Floors a lot of boxes were ticked in Maties’ warmup match against 2023 Boland Grand Challenge champions Safcol United. “A lot of our attacking plays came off, and our defence was good, although we conceded the three tries against the run of play. We played the game in the right areas of the field in terms of our decision-making. It was also a great opportunity for us to work on some of the combinations and see how they fit together in a game situation.” Maties take on defending champions FNB NWU Eagles on Monday 19 February at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch in their opening encounter of the 2024 competition. Provinsial squad (subject to change): Janlu Basson, Prince Mulea, Mohammed Adams, Barend Joubert, Ammaar Burton, Arno Gustafson, Vernon Matongo, Corne Weilbach, Willem Van Den Hever, Siya Ngubelanga, Dimpho Letloenyane, Francios Breytenbach, CJ Erasmus, Thys Kitshoff, Edrich Viljoen, Slabbert Maartens, Matthew Gray, Luan Botha, Zuko Posma, Eric Basson, Roland Van Den Heever, Matthew Cordy, Tjaart Joubert, Fortune Mpofu, DeWet Marais, Louw Nel, Josh Hannekom, Ethan Snyman, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Mckyle Vraagom, Milano Waterboer, Dempers Meyer, Juan Mostert, Cade Croy, MC Van Heerden-Smith, Eldridge Jack, Aydon Topley, Grant De Jager, Brendan Venter, CJ Marx, Ryan Manual, Ethan Regue, Jean-Marc Trichard, Matthew Van Schalkwyk, Paschal Ekeji, Brett Arnolds, Maselino Poee, Siwe Bowe, LJ Du Preez, Meyr Retief, Leighton Cloete. by Francois de Wet

FNB UWC are ready for a triumphant return to the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup following a dominant display in last year’s FNB Varsity Shield competition that saw them lift the trophy. Assistant coach Lionel Langenhoven gives some insight into the team's preparations and aspirations. "Returning to the Varsity Cup competition was in itself a big achievement for us all. We know that it is a different ball game and that our approach on and off the field needs to improve. The way we are going to play will have some adjustments because the standard and the level of quality opposition will demand a huge challenge." In terms of recruitment, Langenhoven says their efforts have been focused on filling the gap left by departing players. Coaching UWC holds a special place for Langenhoven, who has been involved with the team for close to a decade. According to him, the impact coaches can have on students' lives, makes the experience truly rewarding. "The investment in some very talented youngsters bodes well for the future. Being involved for close to 10 years at this iconic university speaks volumes. I have been through so many special moments that change the community of UWC and surrounding areas." As they aim for success in the highly competitive Varsity Cup, Langenhoven acknowledges the unpredictability of the competition. "Winning the Varsity Cup competition I am sure is every team's goal. It is going to take 1000% commitment and endurance to reach that goal. So our aim firstly will be to play and perform to the best of our abilities and make sure we stay in the competition. "Among the backs, we have guys like Conwill Conradie and captain Tasriq Mynhardt while among the forwards, there are players like Romauld Ntumba and Carel vd Merwe." With determination, a mix of experienced and new talent, and a passionate coaching staff, UWC is set to make their mark in this year’s Varsity Cup. They are starting their campaign on Monday 19 February against FNB Wits at the UWC Sports Stadium. PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Tasriq Mynhardt, Slade Jacobs, Will Vraagom, Hlomla Ncana, Jean Van Schalkwyk, Bevan Simons, Zhaun Brynard, Emile Silvis, Bryan Breda, Denver van Wyk, Elkan Willemse, Nhamulo Shilubane, Aaron Swartz, Conwill Conradie, Wian van der Sandt, Ridge Gaffley, Romauld Nsombamanya, Zinzan Magerman, Tyrone Maritz, Mandongana, Almore Kuilders, Michael Makoni, Louan Dde Lange, Carel Van Der Merwe, Michail Kasfikis, Brent Afrika, Lelethu Layita, Franco Ceasar, Keanuh Micheals, Shaquile Adams, James Coetzee, Joshua Eras, Ruben Swanepoel, Hlonela Qelile, Haniel du Toit, Liam Payne by Lyndon Julius