The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers spoiled the FNB Maties 150th anniversary party at Danie Craven Stadium on Monday as the two old foes battled it out for the silverware in the FNB Varsity Cup 2025 final. The Cape side ended their 11-year drought after defeating Maties 44-21 in front of a packed Danie Craven stadium in Stellenbosch.   FNB Maties 21-44 FNB UCT Ikey   The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers ended their 11-year title drought with a commanding 44-21 victory over rivals FNB Maties in an enthralling FNB Varsity Cup 2025 Final at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Having lost the last two finals, it was third time lucky for the Cape side, who delivered a clinical performance to deny Maties a fairytale win in their 150th anniversary year. Despite their pedigree and home advantage, the Maroon Machine were undone by costly errors and a relentless Ikeys attack. The opening half was all about Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza, who scored two tries - including a point-of-origin stunner - and added two conversions and a penalty to give UCT a 19-11 lead at the break. Maties responded through a Ryan Manuel try and two penalties from Christiaan Van Heerden Smith. After the break, Maties edged closer with a penalty, but Makhaza’s deadly boot kept Ikeys in control. At 22-14 with 20 minutes to go, the game was still in the balance - until Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort pounced on a Maties mistake to stretch the lead. Although Maties’ Joel Leotlela offered a glimmer of hope with a try, Ikeys scrumhalf Monray Daars sealed the deal with a late five-pointer. Makhaza capped a sensational performance, scoring 32 points and tormenting the Maties at every turn with his deadly boot. Coach Robbie Fleck’s charges lifted their first FNB Varsity Cup trophy since 2014, while Kabamba Floors’ side were left to rue missed chances in a match, they never quite controlled.   SCORERS FNB Maties : 21 (11) Tries: Ryan Manuel, Joel Leotlela.   FNB Ikeys : 44 (19) Tries:  Ntokozo Makhaza (2), Duran Koevort, Monray Daars.   FNB Player that Rocks:  Keagan Blanckenberg (FNB UCT Ikey)   TEAMS FNB Maties : Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel Van Der Merwe, Fortune Mpofu, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Ezekiel Ngobeni (c), Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Grant De Jager, CJ Marx, Ryan Manuel, Joel Leotlela, Elridge Jack. FNB UCT Ikeys : Matthew Beckett, Keagan Blanckenberg, Zachary Porthen, Enos Ndiao, Danio Botha, Siphomezo Dyonase (C), Connor Jack Gordon, Xola Nyali, Monray Daars, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Luke Burger, Thomas Nel, Rethabile Louw, Duran Rayn Koevort.

Maties have defended their title and once again claimed top honours in the FNB Varsity Cup Cheerleaders That Rock  competition. The 2025 edition of the competition brought together high-energy performances, fierce university pride, and passionate fan engagement – with Maties coming out on top for the second year in a row.  Judged officially by SAMCA  (South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association), this year’s competition assessed each cheer squad on a detailed set of criteria including visual appeal, crowd effectiveness, skill execution, crowd-leading tools, and overall impression. Public voting also played a role, contributing 5% to the total score.  Maties dazzled the judges with a powerful combination of technical skill and dynamic crowd interaction, setting themselves apart once again with an outstanding performance both at campus launch and matchday events.  CUT took a strong second place for the second year running, showcasing impressive consistency in visuals and crowd energy, while UCT rounded out the top three with another solid performance, maintaining their status as one of the most spirited squads in the competition.  Despite SPU topping the public voting leaderboard at one stage, their score contribution remained at 5%, aligning with the official judging process.  Congratulations to Maties, CUT, and UCT for finishing in the top three – and well done to all participating squads for elevating the energy, entertainment, and excellence of this year’s Varsity Cup season.

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND THE RESULTS OF THE POLL WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE JUDGES. The entries are in, the pom-poms have been fluffed, and now it’s your  turn to shine — because voting is officially OPEN for the 2025 Cheerleaders That Rock  competition! The top 3 teams will win cash prizes: 1st Place: R10 000 2nd Place: R5 000 3rd place is R2 000 This nationwide competition celebrates the incredible energy, talent, and spirit of cheerleading squads from the universities competing in the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield—and now, the spotlight is on you  to help decide who takes the crown. While public voting is a key part of the excitement, it’s important to note that it makes up only a percentage of the overall score. The final decision is a mix of public support and professional judging, done in partnership with the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) to ensure fairness and credibility. Below are the university cheerleading teams who submitted an official entry. Watch their entries and then vote in the poll for the squad you think should be the winner! Make sure to click 'See All Options' to view the full list. UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AND SCREENSHOTS OF THE RESULTS TAKEN AT 12PM ON 14 APRIL WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE JUDGES TO DECLARE A WINNER. NO VOTES TAKEN AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. Since Varsity Cup and Shield games are hosted across 16 universities around the country, the competition remains entirely virtual for now. This format allows us to include all participating teams regardless of their location, and ensures a consistent judging process while the competition grows. How It Works: Each team submitted their fiercest cheer video, and now those are being reviewed by a SAMCA judge. Your vote + their score = the team that takes the crown. 👑 UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AND SCREENSHOTS OF THE RESULTS TAKEN AT 12PM ON 14 APRIL WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE JUDGES TO DECLARE A WINNER. 🗓️ Winners announced: 14 April 2025 — during the FNB Varsity Cup Final! So go on, rep your uni and support the squad that really rocks the sidelines. 🎉Let’s hear it in the comments as well... Who’s got the most spirit?

The FNB Varsity Cup 2025 Final will see old foes squaring off in Stellenbosch as FNB Maties host FNB UCT Ikeys. Stellies were victorious by 31-24 when they locked horns in a close encounter in round five. UCT will be appearing in their third straight final, hoping it’ll be ‘third time lucky’ after coming up short in the past. Coach Robbie Fleck admitted his team are relishing the prospect of a Western Cape derby showdown. “There’s no bigger game for our guys if they can’t host a final – is to play a final against Maties at the Danie Craven. That in itself, is obviously a huge excitement for the group.” Fleck will be relying on his team’s past experiences to help get them over the line in 2025, “This is our third final in a row now and there’s been a number of players who’ve been part of those finals and I guess we’ve got to treat it like another game and go through our processes and focus on us and enjoy the week”. The Ikey Tigers coach believes that the hard work his team produces on the training ground will lead them to their desired destination at the Danie Craven Stadium. “We know that all finals are played at another intensity altogether, but you know, we going to get it right at training and we mainly focus on our style. That’s the key thing for us is that we play a certain brand and that’s part of the Ikey way and it’s part of any Ikey Tigers’ DNA,” said Fleck. The UCT coach expects a memorable finale to unfold and admitted that his team will look to be on the front foot against their old foe. Fleck explained, “It was an excellent game of rugby last time out. We played really well, and it was a close game in the end. We were able to put them under pressure, probably for the first time this year and we would like to think that we’ll do the same”. Starting XV : Matthew Beckett, Keagan Blanckenberg, Zachary Porthen, Enos Ndiao, Danio Botha, Siphomezo Dyonase (captain), Connor Jack Gordon, Xola Nyali, Monray Daars, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Luke Burger, Thomas Nel, Rethabile Louw, Duran Rayn Koevort. Replacements : Johan Lombard, Mhleli Khuzwayo, J.K Okonkwo, Keenan Mills, Aden Da Costa, Josh Miller, Kian Davis, Aidan Norris. Tickets and where to watch HERE . By: Kieryn Thompson.

The stage is set for an epic showdown as arch-rivals FNB Maties and FNB Ikeys collide in the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup final at a sold-out Danie Craven Stadium on Monday, 14 April. With pride, history, and silverware on the line, the Maroon Machine will look to crown their 150th anniversary in style, while the Ikey Tigers aim to spoil the party with an upset for the ages. Maties, the tournament frontrunners with 30 points from six wins in seven games, come in as favourites—not only for their consistency but also their psychological edge after edging UCT 31-24 in a thrilling fifth-round clash. Yet head coach Kabamba Floors is under no illusions. “History means nothing on finals night. Yes, we’re at home, yes, we’ve beaten them before—but this is a final, and finals demand something deeper. Ikeys are a side full of fight, and we’ll need to be at our very best,” said Floors. “Being in the final is a privilege because we worked hard to get there, but at the end of the day it means nothing if you don’t lift the trophy. “We placed a lot of emphasis on the match on Monday. It’s a Cape derby and a massive year for us – the Maties men and Maties women both qualified for the final for the first time in Varsity Sports. The 150th year’s slogan is a legacy that inspires. “The history set the platform for the legacy that inspires to build a new generation and a new future. Inclusivity is a big part of what we are doing to uphold the performance of Maties Rugby with the 150th year anniversary. “Congratulations to the ladies for winning the title, so Monday is a big occasion for us to follow through. We are not underestimating Ikeys. We know they are a good outfit, and we are aware that it’s going to be a tough encounter and as Maties we are looking forward to the challenge on Monday,” adds Floors. UCT, who finished third with 26 points, have grown stronger with each outing. Captain Keagan Blanckenberg has led from the front, his fiery leadership sparking belief across the park. Maties skipper Carel van der Merwe, stepping up admirably in injured Ezekiel Ngobeni’s absence, will be key in anchoring the home side’s hopes. Expect bone-crunching tackles, tactical chess, and unrelenting passion as two of South Africa’s greatest rugby institutions vie for FNB Varsity Cup glory in what promises to be a final for the ages. Starting XV : Prince Mulea, CJ Erasmus, Ammaar Burton, Zuko Poswa, Carel Van Der Merwe, Gcina Puzi, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Mckyle Volmoer, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Dylan Miller, CJ Marx, Grant De Jager, Ryan Manuel, Elridge Jack. Replacements : Luthando Makula, Janlu Basson, Jason Johnson, Michael Chettoa, Dante Burger, Warrick Jones, Samuel Badenhorst, Jean-Marc Trichard. Tickets and where to watch HERE .

FNB Varsity College sealed their perfect FNB Varsity Cup promotion season as they became champions of the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 competition, beating FNB Madibaz 22-7 in Durban. The game started off intensely with neither side able to cross the whitewash for the majority of the first half, but 5 min from the hooter it was the home team that broke the deadlock through Mambo Mkhize who pushed his way over to dot down for the Comets first try which was successfully converted by Frederick Marx. The Comets lead 7-0 going into the break and the second half began a little stronger than the first when in the 50th min the stadium erupted as speedy hot-stepper Edward Sigauke received the ball out wide from Juan Steyl to score in the corner and take the score line to 12-0. Coming back from the second strategy break, the game was not over to the FNB Madibaz as the men from Gqeberha began the final quarter strongly. The visitor’s effort was rewarded when FNB Varsity Shield Rookie of the year nominee, Raashied Conrad slipped his way through to the try line with some explosive speed. Layron Milborrow added the conversion. Just when all thought it was to be a tight ending to the match, the FNB Varsity Cup bound Comets showed why they were promoted as they sealed the deal with two late tries from MJ Schoeman and Cade Laytham, respectively, through some routine tries they had been doing all season long. The final horn of the campaign sounded to the jubilation of the home fans as FNB Varsity College claimed the 2025 FNB Varsity Shield championship. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE.    SCORERS:   FNB Varsity College:  22 (7)  Tries: Mambo Mkhize, Edward Sigauke, MJ Schoeman, Cade Laytham.   FNB Madibaz : 7 (0) Tries: Raashied Conrad   FNB Player that Rocks:  Mambo Mkhize (FNB Varsity College)   TEAMS: FNB Varsity College:  Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, Jaques Marais, Mbuso Kweyama, Robert Everson, Garren Muller, Sinelifa Ncwana, Enzo Van Niekerk, Juan Steyl, Abande Mthembu (c), Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, MJ Schoeman, Sivu Mpendu, Chandler Green. FNB Madibaz:  Chulumanco Limana, Kyle Erasmus, Lihlumelo Mantewu, Calvin Bosch, Martinus Strydpm, Sean Van Zijl, Dewald Gerber, Leon Van De Merwe, Curwin Casper, Raashied Conrad, Bukho Pantsi, Lwando Davane, Edward Kruger, Emihle Zama, Layron Millborow.

FNB Maties came out victorious in the FNB Varsity Cup Women 2025 final, reclaiming the title they won in 2023 as they defeated FNB Tuks Women by 21-10 in Durban on Friday. The game began cautiously on both sides, with FNB Maties slowly building momentum towards UP-Tuks try-line. The 2023 champions were finally rewarded for their efforts when an amazing break from Shanidine Bezuidenhout absolutely cut through the Pretoria ladies’ defence scoring a POR try which was beautifully converted by Maties fly-half Number 10, Elme Kruger. FNB Tuks were slowly building as well and eventually earned themselves a run over the try line, a beautiful driving maul from which was too strong for the Maties defense, Gina Moya the one to dot down at the end, 9-5 to Maties. It was a back-and-forth for the rest of the half, until Kruger dotted down a beautiful team try which sees on the far corner which she failed to convert, taking the halftime score to 14-5 to FNB Maties. Ten minutes into the second half Tuks tried to claw their way back into contention when, Lerato Tshabalala beautifully laid it off for Kwanga Majebe for a beautiful finish, 14-10 to Maties. The match was sealed off for a Maties win when Captain Elizabeth Slabbert beautifully found her way through that FNB Tuks Women back block to dot down the final try of the match under the poles with a good Kruger conversion sealing the deal 21-10. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE.   SCORERS   FNB Maties Women:  21 (14) Tries: Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Elme Kruger, Elizabeth Slabbert   FNB Tuks Women: 10 (5) Tries: Kwanga Majebe, Gina Moya   FNB Player that Rocks:  Ankia Viljoen (FNB Maties Women)   TEAMS: FNB Maties Women:  Erin Bond, Juan-Mari Du Plessis, Sesethu Ntamnani, Sarah Krone, Lekobane Masebe, Stefney-Rose De Vries, Ankia Viljoen, Ziane Muller, Taliyah Bussak, Elme Kruger, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Zelmari Pretorius, Elizabeth Slabbert (c), Jade Nicole Daniels, Kayleen Muggles. FNB Tuks Women:   Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Aphiwe Masuku, Naki Thukutha, Mbali Ndlovu, Rethabile Kgatle, Thandi Mokatse, Gina Moyà, Ox Xholi, Erin Prins, Precious Tlaka (c), Innocentia Kgosana, Gugu Mncwabe, Lerato Tshabalala, Amukelani Lisenga, Kwanga MaJebe.   Replacements: LeOne De Bruyn, Arnell Primo, Sharon Stoaba, Zinzi Shabangu, Marisna Godsil, Kgotso Letsoalo, Raylene Muller, Thato Nkadimeng.

The FNB Varsity College have already ticked their most important objective, which was to qualify for the FNB Varsity Cup 2026. The men from Durban North have just one more match to play to determine if their ending is perfect and if they will lift the FNB Varsity Shield in the final.   Comets captain Abande AB Mthembu says his team is more than ready for their face off with FNB Madibaz for this season’s final.   “It’s game nine out of nine for us, and the way we have prepared in the last 8 games has been successful, so we won’t be changing too much in terms of our approach,” said Mthembu.   “It’s not easy to make it to a final so I commend FNB Madibaz for their hard work and the way they’ve played in this campaign.”   The Comets skipper further added that despite the goal of Cup qualification being attained, they are desire and focus are not deterred as they will still fully prepare for the first ever FNB Varsity Sheild final to be played in KwaZulu-Natal.   “The desire to win has definitely increased, there’s a standard that comes with doing better every week and that’s something we are not willing to compromise on,” he said.   “To be honest we aren’t really too focused on Varsity Cup preparations just yet. For us it’s crucial that we keep our focus on Friday’s game and prepare to the best of our ability.” Starting XV : Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, Jacques Marais, Mbuso Kweyama, Robert Everson, Garren Muller, Sinelifa Ncwana, Enzo Van Niekerk, Juan Orde Steyl, Abande Mthembu (captain), Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, MJ Schoeman, Sivuyiswe Mpendu, and Chandler Green. Replacements : Thabo Njapha, Daniel Van Huizen, Donell Francis, Reece Curtin, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Christian Els, Benjamin Brett Field, and Cade Latham.   By: Mpendulo Letsoalo

This stage is set for the third edition of the FNB Women’s Varsity Cup final showdown. Ambitious FNB Tuks Women will lock horns with FNB Maties Women in a David vs Goliath battle. Lizanne Jacobs’ side toppled defending champions FNB UFH Women to book their spot in the final. “There is a good vibe in the squad, exciting week ahead for preparations towards the final. It will come down to who wants it more in the final, we know Maties will come for us as they want to claim the title like they did in 2023,” Jacobs speaking of their preparations ahead of their biggest clash. Tuks had to go back to the drawing board against UFH after going down to UJ in the round robin stages that nearly cost them the title contention. On the other hand, their counterparts Maties are on a five-match winning streak. Jacobs believe that her side needs to show up for the bigger occasion. “We need to improve definitely our game management. Our defence systems, it will take a lot of effort and character for the girls as we had a tough game against UFH,” she said. The Stripe Generation ladies head into this encounter highly motivated after their hard-fought 8-5 victory over UFH, now they have to do it again, but this time around the stakes is higher. The two sides will be meeting for the second time this season with Maties being the favourites as they beat Tuks by a score-line of 23-17. Starting XV :Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Aphiwe Masuku (vice-captain), Naki Thukutha, Mbali Ndlovu, Rethabile Kgatle, Thandi Mokatse, Gina Moya, Ox Xholi, Erin Prins, Precious Tlaka (captain), Innocentia Kgosana, Gugu Mncwabe, Lerato Tshabalala, Amukelani Lisenga, Kwanga Majebe. Replacements :Leone de Bruyn, Arnell Primo, Sharon Stoaba, Zinzi Shabangu, Marisna Godsil, Kgotso Letsoalo, Raylene Muller, Thato Nkadimeng.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The FNB Varsity Cup Women's final between FNB Maties Women and FNB Tuks Women is shaping up to be an exciting showdown, with both teams eager to secure the prestigious title. FNB Maties Women, who narrowly lost to FNB UFH in last year’s final, are hungry for redemption. Under the leadership of new coach Aneesah Adams, they are determined to make their mark. The 28-year-old from Somerset West has instilled resilience in the team throughout the season, and the Maroon Machine is poised for success. The Maties women’s team also hopes to set the stage for their male counterparts, who will be contesting the FNB Varsity Cup final against FNB Ikey Tigers. Adams is fully aware that, despite being the only unbeaten team in this year’s competition, all of that will mean little if they fail to secure the final victory. "We are going to make sure we are well-prepared, both physically and mentally, to bring home the trophy," says Adams, who described reaching the final in her first year as Maties mentor as special." “Reaching the finals as a coach in my first year at Maties Rugby is an incredible feeling—it’s a mix of pride, excitement, and validation of all the hard work put in by the team over the preseason. It shows that the preparation, strategy and commitment have paid off.” Even though her debut season as coach has come with challenges and growth, Adams remains focused on guiding the team to victory, especially as the University of Stellenbosch celebrates the 150th anniversary of Maties rugby. On the other side, FNB Tuks Women, under the guidance of coach Lizanne Jacobs, enter the final with renewed determination. The Stripe Generation ladies have shown tremendous progress and resilience throughout the season, and Jacobs is confident in her team's ability to rise to the occasion. “We’ve built a solid foundation throughout the season, and we are ready to step up for the final. Our focus is on executing our game plan and staying composed under pressure,” says Jacobs, signalling her team’s readiness to challenge Maties for the title. As both teams prepare for a thrilling encounter, the stage is set for a final that will not only showcase the strength of South African women’s rugby but also highlight the bright futures of two exceptional teams. Starting XV : Erin Bond, Juan-Mari Du Plessis, Sesethu Ntamnani, Sarah Krone, Lekobane Maria Masebe, Stefney-Rose De Vries (vice-captain), Ankia Viljoen, Ziane Muller, Taliyah Bussack, Elme Kruger, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Zelmari Pretorius, Elizabeth Slabbert (captain), Jade Nicole Daniels, Kayleen Muggels. Replacements :Sesethu Dumke, Sisipho Mkeli, Jihaan Benito, Taebron Jursa, Mijeane Fyer, Joelle Botha, Kirsten Brits, Karabo Masilela.   By: Adnaan Mohamed.

With the FNB Varsity Cup, Shield and Women's 2025 finals set to take place this Friday and coming Monday we are excited to announce that the exceptional performers of the season will be driving away in Suzuki Swift vehicles courtesy of Hertz Car Rental South Africa ! Hertz is a preferred supplier to the Varsity Rugby tournaments and this year the winners of the Overall Player that Rocks in Varsity Cup and Shield along with the Player That Rocks in the Women's final will all win a Hertz sponsored vehicle for a year. Voting for the FNB Overall Player That Rocks has closed and the winners will be announced after the respective finals taking place on Friday 11 April and Monday 14 April. And of course they won't be the only winners! Hertz is also giving away lucky #FansThatRock the opportunity to win prizes for spotting the Hertz car at the finals and sharing it online! So if you are coming to the final then make sure you spot it, snap it and share it to stand a chance to win with Hertz!

UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND NO VOTES AFTER 9. 30 AM  ON 10 APRIL WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. With the semi-finals taking place this Monday, 7 April we will soon find out which two FNB Varsity Cup team will advance and contest the final, but before we enter the championship round it's that time of the tournament where we focus on the players who had the most impressive 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 2025 tournament and not taken the field previously in a Varsity Cup game. The coaches of all 8 teams were asked to nominate players who made the most notable impression in 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 2025. The public can now cast their votes from Monday 7 April until 9.30 am on Thursday 10 April and the winner will be the nominee with the most votes at the deadline. Vote below for the player you think is the most deserving of this year's Suzuki Rookie Of The Year award. 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 14 April and will receive R4 000 from Suzuki.