A rock-solid defence has stood between the FNB Madibaz try line and their opponents since the start of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. Inside centre Troy Delport, named the Player That Rocks in the victory against FNB UFH in round three, says suffocating the opposition on defence had become a point of honour for the squad. “As a team, we pride ourselves on our defence and we have set ourselves specific defensive goals going into each game. And that is to allow our opponents as few points as possible and to try to stop them from scoring tries.” Delport says their defensive system is only effective if everyone works together and is focused on the details. He doubts that any other team has worked as hard and prepared as well as they. “Our blueprint is to stay in the moment, prepare well and work hard for the next game.” Last year Delport was nominated for the overall Backline Player That Rocks Award and, although losing out in the final vote, he felt that being in the running had been an achievement in itself. Delport learnt his rugby in Cradock in the Eastern Cape and bases his game on physicality. This season, he has been attempting to lift his intensity in running onto the ball as well as in the tackling department. However, it is his rugby intelligence that has really benefitted under the watchful eye of coach David Manuel and his support team. “They have had a huge impact on me, both as a player and person.” Going forward it is now a matter of the team continuing to tick the small boxes that make a difference to the big picture, the number 12 says.

FNB UWC are excited to make their debut in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament. Head coach Aneesah Adams however says it is important to look at the value of the competition to women’s rugby. “It is a national platform for players to showcase their talents. If more games were being broadcast live it would have been an amazing opportunity for exposure of the women’s game.” Adams believes that despite fielding a relatively inexperienced UWC side, the diverse group of players will make full use of the platform that the competition provides. “We have a very young and inexperienced team. I would love to see them reach their full potential within the next few years. We have brought together players from different backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances to create the diverse team we currently have.” Just three years ago the UWC women’s team barely had enough players to field a 15-a-side team and had to settle to compete and hone their skills in the shortened version of the game. As Adams reflects on the trajectory of the squad, she remains upbeat that her UWC ladies will be a force to be reckoned with in a few years. "I strongly believe that this UWC women’s team will be in the top five university teams within the next few seasons. We have grown a lot in the last three years going from only having enough players for a sevens team to qualifying for the Varsity Cup." Adams transitioned into coaching about seven years ago and has taken the challenge head-on. “In 2017, I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in coaching instead of the medical side of sport. Coaching is more than just the actual instruction, explanation, and demonstrations. Being a head coach means that you have to have a holistic approach to coaching. “Trying to navigate a mostly male-dominated sport, a few years ago the opportunities for women were limited. In recent years the opportunities in women’s rugby have increased.” SQUAD (subject to change) Nandile Mvandaba, Sisipho Tshotsha, Asiphe Mayaba, Lee-Amber Beukes, Alicia Mlindazwe, Caroline Mokoena, Kaylin de Klerk, Moesha Muntz, Asthandile Bunge, Pamela Booys, Abongwe Vilane, Taliyah Bussack, Voice Ndou, Courtney Jenniker, Nikicia Eksteen, Doney Filies, Nobuhle Tshabalala, Corne Oerson, Siddeeqa Arries, Sesona Mbengo, Vutomi Shingwenyana, Taylon Pieterse, Reshoketswe Lebipi, Musfeeqa Arries, Yanga Klaas, Esethu Witbooi, Michaela January, Iviwe Jonas, Sesethu Ntamnani, Delon van Wyk, Siphokuhle Madide, Nutaylah Gasant, Venisha Dietrich, Unathi Tolbart, Shela Mpai, Zena Swart, Anathi Mkiva. by Lyndon Julius For a full fixture list, click HERE.

For FNB TUT to finish in the top four of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition, it will require consistency in performance in their remaining fixtures. Despite the task ahead, the Pretoria outfit has proven to be one of the deadly teams in counter-attacks by using their pacey wingers and the utility centre pairing of Mauritz Maritz and Josh Robinson. The boot of Maritz has also been coach Flash Malinga’s trusted weapon when it comes to penalties and territorial play. Maritz enjoys the pressure that comes with competing in the Varsity Shield. “It has been a journey of growth since playing the first game against Varsity College, playing with a young team and many of our players having their debuts. “Unfortunately we lost that game (against Varsity College) but we came out stronger against WSU. Our game against CPUT was a hard pill to swallow as we only lost by two points which has made our journey to the final a bit harder, but our focus now is on the next game.” Maritz is one of the key players for the Tshwane side having made his debut in 2019. He credits Varsity Shield for giving him a platform to showcase his talent. Through his sterling performance and good game management, he managed to get the call to represent South Africa in Botswana last year for the USSA Sevens. “Back in 2022, I was allowed to represent the Blue Bulls XV Club rotation team where we played at Loftus Versfeld. I had the privilege to represent my country in Botswana for the national USSA Sevens. “Rugby has become my means of escape in the daily struggles of life, whenever I run to the field it feels like all my struggles disappear for 80 minutes. It helped and shaped my character to be who I am today.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

After falling at the semi-final hurdle last year, FNB UP-Tuks are using the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament as a rebuilding phase. After falling at the semi-final hurdle last year, FNB UP-Tuks are using the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament as a rebuilding phase. Coach Lizanne Jacobs is still confident that her side is in contention for this year’s title despite some recruitment challenges. “Last year we faced the challenge of recruiting enough students for the Varsity Cup. In response, we implemented bursary trials to identify fresh talent within the youth rugby systems. While the outcome was remarkable, some players fell short of the university’s academic standard. Our primary hurdle at the start of this year was addressing the academic performance of our players in 2023. “I am confident in our team’s preparations phase, if we can rally together as a cohesive unit our competitors will certainly face a significant challenge.” The Pretoria outfit managed to keep six of their key players for this season and together with their recruits, Jacobs says she is confident in her troops. “This year we aspire for a more favourable outcome while recognizing that we are still in the developmental phase. Our focus remains on growth and building a foundation for the future. “With only six senior players remaining from last year, their experience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of our games and guiding us towards success.” Jacobs believes her side will adapt easily to the mix of old players and incoming recruits, like Anja van Heerden who transitioned from netball to rugby. “Key senior players like Jessica Mare, Mamello Mustafa, and Khesilina Rens are pivotal figures to watch. Additionally, emerging talents such as Sanita Mkhwanazi, Lerato Tshabalala, and Sinegugu Mncwane alongside Van Heerden, bring a fresh dynamic to our team. Tuks will begin their campaign away to defending champions FNB Maties. “Our match against Maties in Stellenbosch presents a formidable challenge. However, our preparations are on track and the upcoming warm-up game will provide valuable insights into our team’s cohesion and capabilities in real-game scenarios,” says Jacobs. SQUAD (subject to change) Amaani Williams, Angel Ngobeni, Arnell Primo, Bonang Mahlomola, Dikiledi Morobi, Gina Moya, Innocentia Kgosana, Iviwe Dumezweni, Jessica Maré, Jessica Sithole, Kaylee van Staden, Kheselina Rens, Kirstin Stead, Lerato Tshabalala, Mamello Mustafa, Marianna Louw, Marisna Godsil, Mbali Ndlovu, Micky Kapa, Mihle Jada, Nakisani Thukuta, Owethu Cindi, Precious Tlaka, Sanitha Mkhwanzi, Sesihle Maguga, Sibulele Ngcana, Sincediwe (Zu) Majikijela, Sinegugu Mncwabe, Thandi Mokatse, Thobeka Ncube, Thobile Msizazwe, Tristain Coetzer, Tshelisehang (Tsidi) Pholosa, Yolanda Malengeni. by Lehlogonolo Ditshego For a full fixture list, click HERE.

Lying second from the bottom on the log with no victories, there is an uphill battle for FNB UJ as they face defending champions FNB NWU in round five of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. UJ assistant coach RJ Liebenberg wants to ensure they finish in a position that affirms their return to the competition next year. “We want to make sure we end in a position where we secure next year’s season. So, our goal is already there. There’s no need to motivate the players because the reality is that staying bottom two you can face promotion/relegation. We need to make sure we end in a position where we will be comfortable to plan for the next year. With only a handful of matches left, Liebenberg says the Orange Army strive to approach the remaining fixtures step by step. “Our approach changes to a ‘game to game’ approach. Our goal is to reach the semi-finals. We have regrouped, replanned and now take it week by week. We don’t want to think three games ahead.” According to Liebenberg, the Eagles are known for their exceptional momentum, therefore that is a factor of the game that UJ will try to minimize. “We tried to identify what their strengths and weaknesses are. For us, NWU (Eagles) is a team that plays well with momentum. If we can prevent them from generating any momentum, we’ll find ourselves with a great opportunity to win the game. “We believe in consistency even though we’ve been on the losing side of things. Some of the players have been consistent with their performance. I doubt there will be plenty of changes. We’ll assess, look at the injury report and availability and then decide on that.” by Karabo Peter

With a handful of youngsters in their team, last year’s runners-up FNB UJ are looking forward to the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament. “We’ve got new girls from high school, which is a scary thing for them, but we look forward to showcasing their talent with the skill and knowledge that the coaches have provided,” UJ Women’s head coach Bongiwe Nhleko says. According to Nhleko the beginning of the pre-season was difficult as the players and management were all trying to adapt to reach the same goal. “In the beginning, it was a bit of a challenge because we’ve got a young team. So, in terms of preparations, it was heavy on the coaches due to players coming from different backgrounds and now we have this one goal that we must reach. “We still have a few players from last year, but we lost a number of our seniors to the Springboks, some to provincial set-ups and some not doing well when it comes to school.” With this year’s competition featuring six teams, Nhleko hopes to see growth amongst the players and the competition itself. “UJ is all about empowering young girls and getting into proper setups and this is a great platform to showcase their talent, it is opening a lot of doors and growing the competition itself.” Nhleko believes that the UJ fans will boost the team’s confidence on 22 March when they welcome FNB UWC in their opening match. “We hope that the supporters will boost their confidence because they are the ambassadors of UJ, I always remind them to hold up their brand on and off the field and their performance because they never know who is watching. “We are hoping that home ground advantage will be in our favour, but we know that UWC is not coming all the way to back down but to actually fight.” SQUAD (subject to change) Lethukthula Dlamini, Phophi Budzwa, Success Dlamini, Sindiswa Ngwenya, Lethiwe Buthelezi, Ntsako Mbombi, Fatouma Yalcoue, Siham Chitoui, Nthabiseng Ncalane, Boitumelo Motshoane, Siyonela Macamba, Mardiya Usamn, Khanyisile Ntai, Kuzivakwashe Gonangombe, Nyashadzashe Gonangombe, Tanyaradzwa Shava, Ababalwe Mndayi, Peaceful Nyathi, Thembelihle Ngozo, Ntandoyenkosi Nhleko, Sphilile Sigwaza, Thobile Msizazwe, Lucia Moselane, Salizwa Tyali, Jessica Sithole, Moumelelo Dlamini, Zandisile Jwara, Thandokuhle Mkonose, Nsuku Mitchel Mbhiza. by Karabo Peter For a full fixture list, click HERE.

The experience of FNB UP-Tuks proved too much for debutants FNB Varsity College in their round 4 encounter of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. FNB Madibaz maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought victory over FNB WSU while FNB UKZN and FNB UFH scored their first victories when they respectively beat FNB TUT and FNB CPUT. FNB UP-TUKS 75 – 21 FNB VARSITY COLLEGE All eyes were on Pretoria for the much-anticipated top-of-the-log clash between FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Varsity College but in the end, the former FNB Varsity Cup champions ran in 11 tries to thoroughly beat the debutants 75-21. The home side were the first to open the scoreboard through winger Bayanda Ngubane who crossed over in the corner. The visitors responded with back-to-back tries through Jacques Theron du Toit Marais and Abanda Mthembu to take a 14-7 lead. Tries from eight-man Marco Venter and skipper Ethan Burger secured Tuks a bonus point. The Striped Generation’s forwards continued their dominance when Henry Till added another five-pointer on the stroke of halftime. Tuks flyhalf Jean Pierre Wentzel made no mistake from the tee converting all of Tuks' tries to give the Pretoria outfit a healthy 35-14 lead at the break. The home side picked up where they left off when Till completed his brace when the players returned to the field. Tuks were reduced to 14 men when captain Ethan Burger was sent to the sin bin. Chad-Lee Valentine made it try number seven for Tuks before Varsity College registered their third through Mbasa Nkonki. Tuks’ party continued in the one-sided affair as tries by Cayno February, Dillon Smith, Kamohelo Tlome and Jacobus Louw pushed the scoreline to 75. Wentzel missed only one of his eight conversions and this clinical kicking performance earned him the Player That Rocks award. Kyle Cyster was successful with his three conversions. SCORERS FNB UP-Tuks 75 (35) – Tries: Bayanda Ngubane, Marco Venter, Johannes Marè, Ethan Burger, Henry Till (2), Chad-Lee Valentine, Cayno February, Dillon Smith, Kamohelo Tlome, Jacobus Louw. Conversions: Jean-Pierre Wentzel (7). Conversions: Kyle Cyster (3). FNB Varsity College 21 (14) – Tries: Jacques Theron du Toit Marais, Abande Mpumelelo Mthembu, Mbasi Nkonki. Conversions: Frederick Marx (3). FNB Player That Rocks: Jean-Pierre Wentzel (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB UP-Tuks: Ethan Lance Burger, Henry Edwin Till, Dian Stephan Coetzee, Johannes Wilhelmus Marè, Cayno Douglas February, Kamohelo Tlome, Hilton Gie, Marco Venter, Chad-Lee Valentine, Jean-Pierre Wentzel, Nqubeko Sbongakonke Mkwanazi, Keane Romaine Galant, Zander Reynders, Bayanda Ngubane Ngubane, Tharquinn Thane Manuel. FNB Varsity College: Daniel Van Huizen, Jacques Theron du Toit Marais, Siyabonga Luyanda Dube, Garren Müller, Werner Johan Coetzee, Thendo Eric Junior Netshidzati, Sinelifa Mmangaliso Ncwana, Juan Orde Steyl, Abande Mpumelelo Mthembu, Frederick Nicolaas Marx, Tshegofatso Ramaloko, Macmillian Zvikomborero Mudara, Mbasa Nkonki, Sivuyisiwe Mpendu, Luke Christopher Horak. FNB MADIBAZ 29 – 18 FNB WSU FNB Madibaz came into the fixture with three out of three full of confidence, but FNB WSU made them work hard for their 29-18 victory in Gqeberha. The visitors matched the home team up front for large parts of the game and WSU’s backline was simply electrifying at times. WSU centre Awonke Sondishe had a stormer in the midfield and his yellow card later in the match put a huge dent in his side’s chances of springing an upset on the road. While Madibaz led throughout, their opponents were never far behind on the scoreboard. The difference between the teams was ultimately the ability of the men from the Bay to bounce back every time WSU scored. Flank Mzwakhe Hlupheko was massive at the breakdown and deserved all the credit that came his way. The Gqeberha students will be happy to take the log points but will acknowledge the visitors exposed a few weaknesses they will need to work on in the coming weeks. SCORERS FNB Madibaz 29 (10) – Tries: Penalty try, Janco van der Walt, Ourin Cupido, Tlhalefo Moleko. Conversions: Kehan Myburgh (2). Penalties: Kehan Myburgh. FNB WSU 18 (0) – Tries: Sinethemba Zwelonke, Simthembile Zozi. Conversions: Maxwell Klaasen.   Penalties: Maxwell Klaasen (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Mzwakhe Hlupheko (FNB Madibaz) FNB Madibaz: Endinako Kuse, Kyle Erasmus, Andries Johannes Flemming, Dewald Gerber, Mekyle Recodin Solomon, Mzwakhe Kevin Hlupheko, De Wet Goedhals, Leon van der Merwe, Mpumelelo Solani Mavuso, Raashied Conrad, Kehan Myburgh, Troy Delport, Janco Albert van der Walt, Qurin Cupido, Bryce Sven Collins. FNB WSU: Sinethemba Zwelonke, Mangaliso Zixesha, Ayabonga Masivuye Spelt, Kamva Tetani, Hlomla Mihlali Payi, Sibulele Manyube, Pernell Mervian Mandes, Esethu Zenani, Thembela Folo, Maxwell Curtley Klaasen, Bulelani Amyoli Nondlwana, Hlumelo Zitha, Awonke Sondishe, Beon Frendel Hartnick, Lukhangele Tshayi. FNB UKZN 41 – 5 FNB TUT FNB UKZN overcame a slow first half to score their first win of the competition when they beat FNB TUT 41-5 in Durban. It was the home team who made their early pressure pay off after a strong driving maul was finished off by hooker Sikhona Ndulini who dove over for an unconverted try. TUT were quick to respond when Kgomotso Maribana fought his way over the try line past a stubborn defence. The visitors tried to find their way through, but the Impis’ defence denied them time after time. With their superb defending and clean kicking from Khanya Kama who added two penalties, the home team took an 11-5 lead at half-time. After the break, UKZN returned to the field in high spirits as Siso France finished off a perfect team to add his name to the try scorers. It was the Kama show as he added two more penalties, converted Tino Mazindhu’s try and thereafter got a try of his own that he converted. It was a convincing bonus-point victory for UKZN. SCORERS FNB UKZN 41 (11) – Tries: Sikhona Ndulini, Siso France, Tinotenda Mazhindu, Khanya Kama.   Conversions: Khanya Kama (3). Penalties: Khanya Kama (5). FNB TUT 5 (5) – Tries: Kgomotso Maribana. FNB Player That Rocks: Khanya Kama (FNB UKZN) FNB UKZN: Benjamin Maseko, Sikhona Cebolenkosi Ndulini, Ulrich Cameron Walker, Wilhelm Fenske, Nhlakanipho Ntando Hleloluhle Mathonsi, Wela-Aphumele Mnata Takata, Tinotenda Mazhindu, Siphesihle Dlamini, Thando Sphesihle Cele, Khanya Junior Kama, Thato Tshepang Matsoso, Siso France, Singele Mkhize, Jarryd Nicholls, Cham Zondeki. FNB TUT: Mxolisi Innocent Nzama, Jandre van Zyl, Lawrence Nong, Lwazi Lwandile Dlamini, Thato Mopedi, Ajay Lottering, Knowledge Chaira, Kgomotso Samuel Chuene Maribana, Buhlebuyeza Sthandwa Tebogo Ndunakazi, Mihlali Sipho Bam, Shandon Manuel Botha, Josh Sandile Robinson, Mauritz Maritz, Vuyani Vanqa, Ayabonga Thokozani Zakwe. FNB UFH 22 – 17 FNB CPUT FNB UFH scored their first victory of the competition and got out of the last position on the log when they beat FNB CPUT 22-17 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. It only took seven minutes for the home team to crack through the opposition’s defence when prop Bulela Magopeni crossed over for a try that was duly converted by flyhalf Aphiwe Sidloyi. Twenty minutes later the Blues doubled their score through the combination of scrumhalf Sinalo Jivana’s try and Sidloy’s conversion. The former champions piled on the pressure resulting in a try for lock Singa Nqotyana and UFH headed into the break 19-0 in the lead. Sidloyi added the first points of the second half to the scoreboard with a penalty for the Blues. CPUT finally got off the mark when Danielle Padiachy got one back for the Cape side. Keewan Titus added the extra two points. Titus slotted a three-pointer as the visitors started to gain momentum with fewer errors in their general gameplay. The comeback was well and truly on when Padiachy got his brace and Titus converted to close the gap to just five points. The first-half onslaught by UFH in the end however proved a bridge too far and CPUT had to settle for the loss. SCORERS FNB UFH 22 (19) – Tries: Bulela Magopeni, Sinalo Jivana, Singa Nqotyana. Conversions: Apiwe Sidloyi (2). Penalties: Apiwe Sidloyi. FNB CPUT 17 (0) – Tries: Danielle Padiachy (2). Conversions: Keewan Titus (2). Penalties: Keewan Titus. FNB Player That Rocks: Apiwe Sidloyi (FNB UFH) FNB CPUT: Emihle Akho Benya, Kéran Jayson Valentyn, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Duke Somila Shasha, Lwando Woji, Ayabulela Zono, Jayson January, Keewan Titus, Keenan Williams, Timothy Matthew Shortles, Iwaan Bloys, Danielle Israel Padiachy, Keene Munnick. FNB UFH: Mesuli Sinovuyo Samkele Nzima, Kamvelihle Fatyela, Bulela Magopeni, Mpho Kensly Jnr Ramahala, Cinga Nqotyana, Anda Simanga, Kamvelihle Gcweka, Yanga Gazi, Sinalo Jivana, Apiwe Sidloyi, Okuhle Pangwa, Ryan Kelly Maree, Lakheni Majali, Bulumko Mfundisi, Cyril Mphatsoe.

FNB Maties head coach Kabamba Floors is hoping his side will peak at the right time so that they can make the play-offs of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. Maties are currently in fourth place on the log with three consecutive wins after losing their opening game of the season against defending Varsity Cup champions FNB NWU Eagles. Floors say they will just approach every game as it comes and try to peak at the business end of the competition. “Yes, I think we haven’t peaked yet. As the competition gets tougher over the following three weeks, we would like to peak at the right time to get ourselves in a position to make the playoffs. “We will have to evaluate every game on its merits and approach it that way. We cannot look at Shimlas (who is at the top of the log), we must focus on what we need to do in our next game. “Every coach expects to kick off the season well. If you look at our performance in that first game against Pukke, we didn’t deserve to win. Our error rate was high and with the little possession and opportunities we couldn’t win the game.” Floors says after that first loss they decided to put the focus on themselves and look at the outcomes they would like to have. “Over the last three weeks, we have played some exciting rugby. Things just came together on Monday night in the second half (against FNB UJ).” Floors confirmed Maties will have players like MC van Heerden and Ethan Snyman (both shoulder), Edrich Viljoen (quad) as well as Ezekiel Ngobeni (ankle) back for the remainder of the season after lengthy injuries. “The majority of our injured players will be back this week and we would like for it to remain that way for the rest of the tournament. We have a big squad and will be giving players opportunities just to build our depth in case we pick up any injuries.” by Adnaan Mohammed

All eyes will be on the Tuks Stadium in Pretoria at 5pm today (15 March) when log leaders FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Varsity College meet in what must be the most anticipated clash of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. The two teams are on equal points (15) at the top of the log, with the Stripe Generation in first position thanks to a better points difference. Neither have lost a game so far this season. Tuks’ aim is simple – go all the way and win the competition to get back into the upper league of the FNB Varsity Cup. Debutants Varsity College also want to show they belong among the best of the best. Eight-man Marco Venter has been an important cog in the wheel of an impressive Tuks forward pack as Dewey Swartbooi’s team have bullied their opposition up front in the first three rounds. Venter says he relishes the pressure they put on their opposition. “I enjoy this competition as it is a learning stage in my life, we travel and get to see parts of South Africa I’ve never seen before. The best moment was when we played WSU, we realised at halftime that it was a tough game. We had to pull together as a team and stick to our structure, we played the Tuks rugby and the brand we all love.” Venter had no plans of playing rugby when he enrolled at the University of Pretoria until he saw a group of FNB Young Guns players training and he hasn’t looked back since then. During his stint with the Tuks Young Guns, they won the title in 2022. According to Venter, he has loved every single moment since. “Rugby changed my life in a very positive manner, firstly it brings enjoyment to my life and it’s a place I can escape to with a lot of things happening in life.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB Varsity College has been the surprise package of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition, finding themselves second on the log and on equal points with powerhouse FNB UP-Tuks. And this in their debut season in the highly competitive university rugby competition. Varsity College have collected bonus points in each of their wins and coach Jeremy McLaren is decidedly a happy man at this point. “The Shield campaign for me as a coach is really complex (as) you have to figure out what happens every week. You play for something. The way FNB have structured it, it’s such a professional setup. Credit to them for creating a platform where a second-tier competition can be so professionally organized. It’s thinking outside of the box.” Having received some guidance earlier on in the season from Springbok scrum coach Daan Human, McLaren also credits the World Cup-winning coach for some of their positive performances. “As we know coach Daan is a really experienced guy, he really helped us. He confirmed to us that we are doing the right thing and that we are on the right track.” With some critics saying the Varsity College team may be benefiting from the advantage of supposedly having Sharks Academy players in their midst, McLaren denies this. “We don’t have even one Sharks Academy player. The only players we have are three junior contracted players who study at Varsity College. Other than that, every single player is a university student just studying here and playing for us. Every university has got school superstars they try to recruit. So it’s a bit of an unfair comment to hear these critics but with the start that we have had it comes with the territory.” A top-four finish and possibly going all the way is now most certainly within reach for Varsity College. “I felt in the beginning of the campaign that maybe as a university we were not ready to go to the next level but the players are now believing that the goal of playing in the (FNB Varsity) Cup might be a reality for us. We just want to stay humble and give our best in the remainder of the competition,” says McLaren. by Mpendulo Letsoalo

As the excitement of the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield tournament reaches fever pitch ahead of the playoff stages, rugby enthusiasts are gearing up for another thrilling spectacle with the return of the FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament. Scheduled to kick off on Friday 22 March, the eagerly anticipated event promises to be even more electrifying than the inaugural season. As one of the fastest-growing team sports globally, the Varsity Cup Women's competition continues to ignite the passion for women's rugby at university level in South Africa. This season again promises to be one filled with thrilling action and unforgettable moments. In a historic moment last year, FNB Maties delivered a masterclass performance, dominating to claim a resounding 63-9 victory over FNB UJ in Cape Town. This emphatic win saw them crowned as the first champions of the women's division, setting the bar high for the upcoming season. The team from Stellenbosch left no doubt about their supremacy, showcasing their skill and determination on the field. Maties head coach Johann Zeier says nobody knew what to expect from the competition last year, but it was great for the development of the game. According to Zeier the introduction of the Varsity Cup for women has led to an increase in women wanting to play rugby. “More clubs are starting up in the Western Cape, so I think the Varsity Cup provides a very good platform because it means there is another opportunity for players to work towards after school. It’s great for building the game and giving it a bit more airtime and recognition, which is good. “We had ladies last year who were invited to Springbok camps from our squad. Bianca (Augustyn) that played for us last year and recently went on to represent South Africa in the Vancouver Sevens in Canada. “It's definitely a good platform for players to put their hand up for high honours. Locally we’ve definitely seen a bit of change and hopefully that grows as the Varsity Cup for the women continues.” Building on the success of the debut season, the Women's tournament has expanded to include six teams. Joining the ranks alongside Maties are newcomers FNB UWC. With the inclusion of FNB UP-Tuks, FNB UJ, FNB UKZN, and FNB UFH, fans can expect fierce competition and thrilling matchups throughout the tournament. The format of the tournament will see teams competing in a pool format. The opening match between the defending champions and UKZN will take place at 2pm on Friday 22 March at the Howard College Stadium in Durban. Fans should mark their calendars for Friday 26 April for the highly anticipated final. For a complete list of fixtures and updates, visit here.

FNB UCT Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza has praised the DHL Stormers’ brand of rugby, saying it excites him. Makhaza, who is in his third full season with the Tigers, has been vital with the boot for the Cape Town-based side. He is the club's first-choice kicker. For Makhaza there’s only one way, and that’s to the big leagues of the Stormers. He believes his kicking abilities will help him get there. "I would love to be part of that environment. The brand they are playing, and the style of play excites me, and it is something I have been following closely. "I see myself there one day, being part of that set-up. I love kicking so much, it's something I enjoy the most, ⁠in the season I try to have at least two kicking sessions weekly." Makhaza says New Zealand's full-back Damian McKenzie is the player he looks up to the most when seeking inspiration. "I look up to quite a few players, mostly players of similar size and weight. Damian McKenzie is one player who is excellent off the tee and in general play. I look to him a lot for inspiration.” According to Mackhaza, he gets motivation from all around. "What motivates me is my team and my goals. One of our team goals is to win the Varsity Cup so I want to play my part in giving the team the best possible chance to win this tournament … what I’d like to see is us playing to our full potential, playing how I know we are capable of playing." by Ayanda Frances Felem