FNB UWC and FNB CPUT are the only two unbeaten teams at the halfway mark of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition while FNB WSU and FNB Rhodes are yet to score a victory. Here are our standout players from round 4. Conwill Conradie (FNB UWC) Not even the rainclouds in Belville could dampen Conwill Conradie’s spirit as the livewire scrumhalf played a crucial role in UWC’s comprehensive victory over FNB WSU. Sending through quality ball to his backline leading to 7 tries, Conradie was also successful with 6 conversions. Soyama Ngceke (FNB CPUT) In an absolute humdinger, SoyamaNgceke’s two tries helped CPUT secure an epic win over FNB Madibaz in Gqeberha. Whatever CPUT coach Alistair Theys told his charges at halftime with the score 26-7 in favour of the opposition, made the prop put in a strong performance in the last 40 minutes. Merlin du Plessis (FNB UFH) Merlin du Plessis’ contribution of a try, six conversations and three penalties (26 points) in UFH’s convincing victory over FNB Rhodes deservedly earned him the Player That Rocks award. The number 9 was a thorn in the opposition’s side with good all-round attacking and defensive play. Jamie Felix (FNB TUT) TUT scored an impressive away win over FNB UKZN in Durban with Jamie Felix scoring two stunning tries in the first half. The dynamic fullback’s first one was particularly impressive as he finished off a beautiful backline move. His mere presence on the field makes Felix an incredibly valuable player.

With the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield at the halfway mark, there is a clear gap between the three teams at the top of the log and the rest. The other five teams, therefore, have all to play for with another playoff spot on offer. Check out the current log HERE. The match between FNB Madibaz and FNB CPUT in Gqeberha is undoubtedly the pick of the action tomorrow. Both teams are on 15 points with three victories in three outings in this year’s competition. TEAM SHEETS: FNB UFH vs FNB RHODES – 15:30 Davidson Stadium FNB UFH: 15 Sidloyi Apiwe, 14 Bathu Mziyabulela, 13 Maree Ryan Kelly, 12 Baleni Yonela Sibusiso, 11 Mdladlana Lilitha M. Lunika, 10 du Plessis Merlin Ruwaan, 9 Madiba Lwazi, 8 Xhosana Ayabulela, 7 Gcweka Kamvelihle, 6 Tosholwana Lukhanyiso (Jiji), 5 Nqotyana Cinga, 4 Moyo Walter Benjamim, 3 Simani Buntu Ntlakanipho, 2 Fatyela Kamvelihle, 1 Nzima Mesuli S. Samkele. FNB Rhodes: 15 Momberg Callum, 14 Sonanze Ethan Junior, 13 Mbanzi Simelela Vuso, 12 Ntshangase Lethu, 11Roux Jano Rouhan, 10 Mabodla Siyolise, 9 Mvelase Nkosinathi, 8 Jodwana Lathi-Tha, 7 Makalima Sonqoba Magaliso, 6 Erasmus James Alexander, 5 Jako Qhama, 4 Dambuza David Junior Sibuvile, 3 Ralo Sinolwazingekamvalakhe, 2 Tshongweni Lubabalo, 1 Mzamane Lwazi. FNB UKZN vs FNB TUT – 15:30 Howard College Stadium Live on SuperSport FNB UKZN: 15 Ngcamu Minenhle Mfanelo, 14 Zulu Zamakuhle, 13 Coetzee Trent, 12 Fick Russell Adrian, 11 Adendorf Devandre Sivuyiseni, 10 Nicholls Jarryd, 9 Cele Thando Sphesihle, 8 Mazhindu Tinotenda, 7 Fenske Wilhelm, 6 Bishop Merlyn Joshua Bishop, 5 Mathonsi Nhlakanipho N. H., 4 Gumede Nkanyesi, 3 Mc Arthur Jüan-Daniël, 2 Ndimande Siphosethu Siyanda, 1 Maseko Benjamin. FNB TUT: 15 Felix Jamie, 14 Mene Lutho, 13 Langa Malcolm, 12 Groenewald Dieter, 11 Robinson Joshua Sandile Robinson, 10 Koza Ayabulela, 9 Prence Olwethu Munga Prence, 8 Skosana Rowane Ntokozo, 7 Kibongo Guy-Flaury, 6 Franse Danel Mark, 5 Turner Rianiel Andrew, 4 Mapungwana Nokutenda Albert, 3 Mokone Goabaona, 2 van Zyl Jandre, 1 Nong Lawrence. FNB MADIBAZ vs FNB CPUT – 16:00 Madibaz Stadium FNB Madibaz: 15 Myburg Kehan, 14 Bophi Khakalethu Alivadon, 13 Franks Enrique Linley, 12 Delport Troy, 11 Maku Liyabona, 10 November Chadwyn Ronaldo, 9 Mavuso Mpumelelo Solani, 8 Adam Bulumko Xhanti, 7 Bobelo Alwaba Liyema, 6 Hlupheko Mzwakhe Kevin, 5 Kachungunu Christopher Cikuru, 4 TokweUmna, 3 Limba Aqhamile Khiphi, 2 Erasmus Kyle, 1 Kuse Endinako. FNB CPUT: 15 Stadler Caine Martin, 14 Hartogh Heinrico Keastin, 13 Tole Sicelo, 12 Shortles Timothy Matthew, 11 Williams Keenan, 10 Maseti Oyintando Honour, 9 George Ryan Me-Kyle George, 8 van der Heever Roland Leonard, 7 Solomons Keanan Matteo, 6 Zono Ayabulela, 5 Kubheka Lungelo, 4 Salman Anenceba, 3 Mafenyana Masivuye, 2 Shasha Duke (Shakes), 1 Josephus Jacques-Lynn Graham. FNB UWC vs FNB WSU – 17:00 UWC Sports Stadium FNB UWC: 15 Mynhardt Tasriq, 14 Vraagom Will, 13 Brynard Zhaun-Jacques, 12 Breda Bryan John, 11 Ncana Hlomla, 10 Willemse Elkan, 9 Conradie Conwill Brooklyn (Bolla), 8 Magerman Zinzan, 7 Moerat Bilaal, 6 Nsombamanya Romuald Ntumba, 5 van der Merwe Carel, 4 Tattersal Liam, 3 van der Merwe Riaan Jacubus, 2 Swart Mauritz, 1 Lamprecht Christian Johan. FNB WSU: 15 Tshayi Lukhangele, 14 Nondlwana Bulelani Amyoli, 13 Sondishe Awonke, 12 Jali Lisolethu, 11 Zozi Simthembile, 10 Valisi Lisolethu, 9 Ngcetane Lithemba, 8 Tshatshu Ayabonga, 7 Mandes Pernell Mervian, 6 Solani Khanya, 5 Fana Uyathandwa, 4 Tetani Kamva, 3 Adonisi Sithembiso, 2 Mhlonyane Ovayo, 1 Spelt Ayabonga Masivuye. For ticketing details click HERE.

The 2023 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup is living up to its reputation as the premier university rugby competition in the country with a couple of close encounters and a few upsets. Here are our standout players from round 3. Jandré de Beer (FNB CUT) The Ixias inside centre led by example as his team scored a famous 41-39 victory over defending champions FNB UP-Tuks. De Beer opened the scoring for his team with a try and created a few scoring opportunities for his teammates with strong runs in the midfield. De Beer was deservedly named the Player That Rocks. Jurie Matthee (FNB Maties) The kicking boot of the Maties flyhalf kept his team in touch in a tough encounter against FNB NWU Eagles. Matthee contributed 19 points as the Maroon Machine fought back from a ten-point deficit at halftime to score an important away win. Kwezi Dlamini (FNB UFS) Kwezi Dlamini delivered another stellar performance, consistent with the way he’s been playing from the beginning, as Shimlas narrowly beat FNB Wits by one point. The live-wire loose forward was all over the park and he was duly rewarded with two tries. Kelvin Kanenungo (FNB UJ) The number 6 played a key role in giving the Orange Army their first victory of this year’s tournament when they beat FNB UCT. He had a solid performance in all facets of play, supporting his teammates and being a menace to the opposition. Kanenungo thoroughly deserved his award as the Player That Rocks.

With the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup well and truly underway, the eight teams competing in the FNB Varsity Young Guns u-20 competition now get the chance to get in on the action. The tournament kicks off today with matches to be played before the Varsity Cup encounters between the same teams. The Young Guns competition was added to Varsity Rugby in 2012 and ever since has been contested between the under-20 teams of the top eight university rugby teams in South Africa. Teams are included or excluded from the competition based on the university's first team's performance in the Varsity Cup competition. Eight teams in two pools compete in home and away games, with the top two teams in each pool advancing to the semi-finals. There are four points on offer for a win, two for a draw, a bonus point for scoring four or more tries and a bonus point for losing by 7 points or less. This year pool A consists of UP-Tuks, NWU, CUT and UFS. Maties, UCT, Wits and UJ are in pool B. The pick of today’s opening action is undoubtedly the match-up in Potchefstroom between FNB NWU YG and FNB Tuks YG in a repeat of last year’s final that saw Tuks crowned the champions. The Pretoria team’s success in the Young Guns competition is unrivalled, winning four of the first five titles. They narrowly lost the 2014 final against FNB UFS YG on a kick-off after the match finished in a 17–all draw. FNB Young Guns fixtures are HERE. All Young Guns matches are played as a curtain raiser to the FNB Varsity Cup matches. Tickets to the FNB Varsity Cup game includes access to the Young Guns fixture.

The 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition is nearing the halfway mark and a picture is being to emerge of what could potentially happen in the knock-out rounds. Here are our standout players from round 3. Heinrico Hartogh (FNB CPUT) The fleet-footed skills of CPUT's Heinrico Hartoghwas a standout in the victory over defending champions FNB UFH. His skill and attacking prowess got his side over the advantage line in a few crucial moments throughout the match, with his spatial awareness and lightning speed a deadly combination. Trent Coetzee (FNB UKZN) Being on the road didn’t faze Trent Coetzee with the UKZN outside centre cutting through the opposition’s defence with ease. His two stellar tries were just a reward for his influence on the game. Lukhangele Tshayi (FNB WSU) Lukhangele Tshayi displayed character in a losing match at home for WSU. The fullback did what was expected of him and then some, with good counterattacks and with a solid contribution on defence. Mauritz Swart (FNB UWC) In a game contested by the forwards, Mauritz Swart showed his versatility when he scored two tries and adequately assisted the UWC pack in lineouts. The hooker is fast developing into a try-scoring machine with three tries scored in the previous two matches.

The action came thick and fast in round 2 of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup with a few upsets, showing the intensity of South Africa’s premier student rugby competition. Here are a few selected players who made their mark during yesterday’s tightly contested matches. Ntokozo Makhaza (FNB UCT Ikeys) With two tries, three conversions and three penalties and scoring 25 of his team’s 40 points, Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza was almost singlehandedly responsible for the demise of five-time champions FNB UP-Tuks. He has certainly set a high standard for the rest of the tournament. Tyler Sefoor (FNB CUT) Flyhalf Tyler Sefoor kept the scoreboard ticking over for CUT as he contributed 13 points to his team’s surprise win over FNB Maties. He showed enormous composure to successfully land all of his kicks and his boot was ultimately the difference. Lyle Hendricks (FNB UCT Ikeys) Recruit Lyle Hendricks had a key hand in UCT Ikeys scoring an upset victory over defending champions FNB UP-Tuks. It certainly didn’t look like this is his first season with the Ikeys as he 100% showed up in a high-tempo game. Ziyanda Masipha (FNB Wits) Two tries by Wits’ ZiyandaMasipha spurred his team on to an epic come-from-behind victory over FNB UJ. The work rate of the number eight and the intensity he brought to the match earned him the accolade of the FNB Player That Rocks. Vernon Paulo (FNB NWU Eagles) NWU Eagles Vernon Paulo had a stellar performance and the burly forward played a crucial role in his team’s impressive win over FNB UFS Shimlas. He also crossed the try-line and his hard work was duly awarded when he was named the FNB Player That Rocks.

The action in the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition is coming through thick and fast, with the respective university teams jostling for their positions on the log. Here are our standout players from round 2. Raniel Turner (FNB TUT) In a battle of the forwards, TUT lock Raniel Turner was sublime in set plays. He had safe hands-on own lineout throws and was just as lethal on those of the opposition, stealing two, one of which resulted in a try. Romauld Nsombamanya (FNB UWC) UWC number 8 RomauldNsombamanya was in stellar form in the lineout and at the back of the scrum. His high work rate was rewarded with two tries and the award as the FNB Player That Rocks. Mpumelelo Mavuso (FNB Madibaz) Being on the road for an away game didn’t bother Madibaz scrumhalf Mpumelelo Mavuso. He displayed great technical ability in directing play between the forwards and the backline, resulting in being chosen as the Player That Rocks. Awonke Sondishe (FNB WSU) WSU captain Awonke Sondishe handled his leadership role fantastically and made sure his presence was noticed. He displayed excellent footwork skills, controlled his backline well and put in crushing tackles at crucial times.

FNB UKZN 24 FNB MADIBAZ 29 The action came hot and fast as FNB Madibaz beat FNB UKZN 29-24 in sunny conditions in KZN. The home team began the match with confidence as Trent Coetzee scored the first try. It didn’t take long however for the visitors to respond through a strong push towards the line that was finished by hooker Kyle Erasmus. Madibaz continued to use their maul to inflict damage on UKZN, with Erasmus as the main man. He eventually scored three tries as the visitors went to the break with a comfortable 29-14 lead. UKZN came back strong with a successful penalty and a try by their captain, Tino Mazindhu. Jarred Nicholls had a perfect kicking record, converting all the tries. Madibaz tried to extend their lead, but it looked like they left their scoring boots in the changing room and didn’t add a single point in the second half. FNB UKZN: 24 (14) – Tries: Trent Coetzee, Nhlakanipho Mathonsi, Tino Mazhindhu. Conversions: Jarred Nicholls (3) Penalties: Jarred Nicholls (1). FNB Madibaz: 29 (29) – Tries: Kyle Erasmus (3), Liyema Bophela, Alivadon Bophi. Conversion: Ronaldo November (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Mpumelelo Mavuso (FNB Madibaz) FNB TUT 28 FNB RHODES 16 FNB TUT came out on top in a gruelling physical contest with FNB Rhodes, scoring a 28-16 victory in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Pretoria. It was the visitors who first got points on the board from fullback Callum Momberg’s boot. Kennedy Tsimba’s troops won the physical contest however as they were awarded their first try in the 30th minute when Joseph Kwinda off-loaded the ball from a driving maul for Malcolm Langa to cross over. TUT ended the first half on a high, again from a lineout and subsequent maul, with Kwinda dotting down for the first of his two tries. Rhodes had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after the break, but Momberg missed two penalties. Tsimba’s charges remained the bullies in the scrums as they managed to get their bonus point try through number 8 Rowane Skosana, securing a vital victory. FNB TUT: 28 (14) - Tries: Malcolm Langa, Joseph Kwinda (2), Rowane Skosana. Conversions: Dieter Groenewald (4). FNB Rhodes: 16 (10) - Tries: Simelela Mbanzi. Conversions: Callum Momberg (1) Penalties: Callum Momberg (3). Player That Rocks: OlwethuPrence (FNB TUT) FNB WSU 13 FNB CPUT 28 FNB CPUT managed to make it two from two in their 2023 campaign with a 28-13 away win over FNB WSU in Mdantsane. The team from Cape Town wasted no time as they found the try line in the first minute through Hugan Engelbrecht. WSU then edged their noses in front through a converted try by skipper Awonke Sondishe and a penalty by Maxwell Klaasen. The joy of leading the game was however short-lived as Keaston Hartogh dotted down and Shaun Maritz was successful with the conversion. Another penalty by Hartogh saw the visitors go into the halftime break 18-13in the lead. Despite a promising start to the second half by WSU, CPUT continued where they left off with their attacking play. Keenan Williams was rewarded with a try after the visitors managed to dominate play in their opponent’s half. Maritz added a conversion and a penalty to his tally of points on the night. FNB WSU: 13 (13) – Tries: AwonkeSondile. Conversion: Maxwell Klaasen. Penalties: Maxwell Klaasen (3). FNB CPUT: 28 (18) – Tries: Hugan Engelbrecht, Keaston Hartogh, Keenan Williams. Conversions: Shaun Maritz (2). Penalties: Maritz (1), Kartogh (1) Player That Rocks: Roland van der Heever (FNB CPUT) FNB UFH 13 UWC 33 After a massive drubbing of FNB Rhodes last week, FNB UWC continued their winning streak with a convincing 33-13 victory over defending champions FNB UFH in the Davidson Stadium in Alice. It is clear being on the road suits UWC well. They crossed the try line 13 times against Rhodes and added another seven against UFH, pushing them to a comfortable position at the top of the log. UWC number 8 Romauld Nsombamanya was in stellar form in the lineout and at the back of the scrum. His high work rate was rewarded with two tries and the award as the FNB Player That Rocks. There is not a lot of time for UFH coach Lumumba Currie to work on a turnaround plan as the defending champions hit the road for their fixture next week against FNB CPUT in Cape Town. FNB UFH 13 (6) - Tries: Ayabulela Xhosana. Conversions: Merlin du Plessis (1). Penalties: Merlin du Plessis (2) FNB UWC 33 (12) - Tries: Romauld Nsombamanya (2), Will Vraagom, Mauritz Swart, Bevan Simons. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (4). FNB Player That Rocks: Romauld Nsombamanya (FNB UWC)

The 2023 FNB Varsity Cup competition got underway yesterday with a few close encounters between some of the top university teams in the country. Here are a few selected standout players from round 1. Jurie Matthee (FNB Maties) It was JurieMatthee who relieved the faithful Matie supporters from certain heartache as he slotted the vital match-winning penalty in the last seconds of the tight tussle with FNB UCT Ikeys in Stellenbosch. The flyhalf also scored a try and kicked two conversions and his form in the weeks ahead will be crucial. Asanda Kunene (FNB UFS Shimlas) It took Shimlas’ Asanda Kunene just five minutes to make his mark in the match against defending champions FNB UP-Tuks when he went over for the first of his two tries. The winger also played a defensive role in limiting the opposition’s abilities on the attack. Jonathan Viljoen (FNB UJ) The accurate boot and nimble feet of flyhalf Jonathan Viljoen played a huge part in UJ being in front going into the halftime break against FNB NWU Eagles. This was thanks to his two tries, three penalties and conversion that kept his team in the game to avoid a huge gap between the two teams. Mark Snyman (FNB Wits) Mark Snyman scored twice for Wits during the try-fest against FNB CUT. The flanker was simply outstanding, solid in defence, carried the ball well and was strong in the contact. Through his unbelievable work rate, he kept the revs up for the full 80 minutes. Snyman thoroughly deserved the accolade as the FNB Player That Rocks.

FNB UFS SHIMLAS 26 FNB UP-TUKS 25 Defending champions FNB Tuks were shocked on home turf in Pretoria when FNB UFS Shimlas scored a narrow 26-25 victory. In the process, the visitors avenged their defeat in last year’s semi-final. Shimlas got off to a flyer with a try by winger Asanda Kunene within the first five minutes. Two more converted tries in quick succession saw the Free State side going up 21 points in just 12 minutes. Fullback Kyle Cyster got Tuks on the scoreboard with a try while the home team was also awarded a penalty try later in the half. Shimlas went to the halftime break 21-14 in the lead. The visitors picked up where they left off in the second 40 minutes when Kunene completed his brace within four minutes. The Pretoria outfit fought back forcing Shimlasto commit errors in crucial spaces which saw flyhalf Jacobus Burger kicking two penalties. They managed to reduce the deficit to a single point when hooker Allister Williams scored from a driving maul. FNB UFS SHIMLAS 26 (21) - Tries:Asanda Kunene (2), Kwezi Dlamini, John Moffat. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (3) FNB UP-TUKS 25 (14) – Tries: Kyle Cyster, Allister Williams, penalty try. Conversions: Jacobus Burger (1). Penalties: Jacobus Burger (2) FNB Player That Rocks: Pierre Uys (UFS Shimlas) FNB MATIES 21 FNB UCT IKEYS 19 It was a derby in the style of many an intervarsity but the FNB Maties claimed the tightest of victories over old foe FNB UCT Ikeys at the Danie Craven Stadium, winning 21-19 at the death. An early bit of magic by flyhalf JurieMatthee saw Maties go ahead 9-0 in as many minutes as he converted his seven-point try. Winger MaselinoPooe, a late call-up due to an injury to veteran speedster Mike Mavovana, was shown a red card after a high tackle in the lead-up to the try by Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort. The teams continued to arm wrestle before some superb play between the backline and forwards saw Ikeys inside centre Lyle Hendricks go over in the corner before a superb touchline conversion from Makhaza. The visitors went into the halftime break 16-9 in front with the match still very much in the balance. A second red card for Maties, this time against Marco van Rhyn, complicated matters for last year’s beaten finalists as Ikeys stretched their lead to 19-9. The hosts however responded with a try by livewire scrumhalf Thomas Bursey. The spark was a chip and chase by replacement Luke Burger and the conversion by Matthee made it a single-point game with the clock winding down. A late penalty by Matthee, with the hooter going off in the background, clinched the slimmest of victories for Maties. FNB MATIES 21 (9) - Tries: JurieMatthee, Thomas Bursey. Conversions: Matthee (2) Penalties: Matthee (1) FNB UCT IKEYS 19 (16) - Tries: Duran Koevort, Lyle Hendricks. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (2). Penalties: Makhaza (1) FNB Player That Rocks: Asad Moos (UCT Ikeys) FNB WITS 59 FNB CUT 49 FNB Wits drew first blood in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup with a strong second-half showing against FNB CUT Ixias in Bloemfontein on Monday afternoon, coming away with a 59-49 victory. Flanker Mark Snymanwas the hero for the team from Johannesburg with tries on either side of half-time as his team fired a clear warning shot to their rivals for the rest of the tournament. Wits started their campaign like a house on fire to race to a 7-0 lead in the opening minutes of the match courtesy of a converted try by LindokuhleNcusane. Further tries by the winger Wian le Grange, Snyman, and Kabelo Mokheti saw the visitors leading the match 31-28 at the break. CUT hookerTokeloNtapanekept his team in the game with a hat trick before the end of the opening stanza. It took 14 minutes for Snyman to open the scoring in the second half. Tries by Azakhiwe Afrika, Banele Mthenjane and De Lange, sealed the deal for the visitors, but CUT wasn't quite done. Tries by Ulrich Stander, MaboeSekele and Thabiso Mkhwebane kept them in the hunt, but in the end, it was just a bridge too far for the home team. FNB Wits 59 (31) - Tries: LindokuhleNcusane, Wian de Lange (2), Mark Snyman (2), KabeloMokhethi, Azakhiwe Afrika, Banele Mthenjane. Conversions: Chris Rheeder (5). FNB CUT 49 (28) - Tries: TokeloNtapane(3), Zachery Bester, Ulrich Stander, Thabiso Mkhwebane, MaboeSekele. Conversions:Christian Humphries (7)Penalties: Christian Humphries (1). FNB Player That Rocks: Mark Snyman (Wits) FNB NWU EAGLES FNB UJ FNB NWU Eagles got their 2023 Varsity Cup campaign started with an enthralling 41-28 victory over FNB UJ at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground. Not before some anxious moments though as UJ asserted some dominance in the first half for an 18-15 lead at the break, courtesy of tries by Jonathan Viljoen and DernellOsuagwu. The Eagles’ Gustav Erlank was sent to the sin bin for dangerous play in the 15th minute of the game. The Eagles came out all guns blazing in the last 40 minutes with Vernon Paulo and Sylvester Hassiendotting down for their tries. The home team managed to contain their composure and with two more tries by Stephan Krugel and Wihan Nel, sealed an important victory. FNB NWU Eagles 41 (15) - Tries: IsromePhatudi, Theuns Pretorius, Vernon Paulo, Sylvester Hassien, Stephan Krugel, Wihan Nel. Conversations: Zinedine Robinson (2), Martin Venter (1). Penalties: Robinson (1) FNB UJ 28 (18) - Tries: Dernell Osuagwu, Jonathan Viljoen (2). Conversations: Jonathan Viljoen (1). Penalties: Jonathan Viljoen (3) FNB Player That Rocks: Sylvester Hassien (NWU Eagles)

The 2023 FNB Varsity Shield is FNB Rhodes’ head coach James Winstanley’s first foray into university rugby in South Africa. And right out of the gate, he got a taste of the competitive nature of the competition when his side was on the receiving end of a 5-87 drubbing by FNB UWC in round 1. Winstanley ventured onto the rugby scene after being accepted into the Border Rugby Academy before packing his bags for England where he played for the Northampton Saints Academy. He returned to South Africa after three years in England but shortly after had an opportunity to seek greener pastures once again. What was initially meant to be a two-year stint in Ireland turned into an 11-year excursion. Within the first two years in Ireland, Winstanley transitioned into coaching and made a career out of taking charge from the sideline. He says the urge to make a difference in African rugby and its transformation however lured him back home and he couldn’t resist the calling to return to the Eastern Cape, where he previously coached and managed the Border Craven Week team. Last year he was assistant coach to the SA Schools team. Winstanley says his competitive nature and bringing these elements to the game sets him apart. “I want to instill the same attitude in the players. I bring a strategic game plan that leverages the team’s strengths and maximizes the weaknesses of the opposition.” by Aiden Daries

The 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition kicked off on Thursday and these are the selected standout players from round 1. Ayabulela Xhosana (FNB UFH) The burly UFH lock Ayabulela Xhosana took no prisoners in the defending champions’ narrow victory over Eastern Cape rivals FNB WSU. Taking clean lineout possession and with legs pumping, Xhosana scored an impressive try in his first outing of the season. Conwill Conradie (FNB UWC) UWC scrumhalf Conwill Conradie put in a memorable performance right out of the blocks. With UWC running rampant against FNB Rhodes, Conradie’s kicking was on point with eight out of eight successful conversions. Unsurprisingly, the number nine was named the FNB Player That Rocks. Kehan Myburg (FNB Madibaz) In a match that was balanced on a knife’s edge, the nimble feet and safe hands of Madibaz wing Kehan Myburg were a deciding factor in the victory over FNB TUT. He crossed the try line just before halftime and did so again just after the start of the second half, scoring two of his team’s four tries. Wiehan Kruger (FNB CPUT) An inspiring performance by Wiehan Kruger led CPUT to a convincing victory over FNB UKZN. The impressive Kruger dictated the backline play with silky skills and dotted down three times as well as kicking several conversions. He was deservedly crowned as the Player That Rocks.