FNB Varsity Cup As the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup is set to start in a couple of weeks, there have been mixed feelings in the FNB UCT Ikeys camp in their pre-season preparations. This season will see a different-looking Ikeys squad after losing some of their key players to academics and the professional level. 2022 results: Played: 10, Won: 7, Lost: 3, Log position: 2nd / Lost to FNB Maties in semi-final (19-58) Coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says it is expected to lose key players each season. "We have had good preparations, way less disruptive than last year, but still with some unexpected issues that we've had to deal with. We have a competitive squad which has made for quality training, and a nice crop of young players who've brought super energy into the mix. "Our under-20s did nicely last year and it's super to see about 10 of them in our group for pre-season. It shows the club is in a good space around giving young guys opportunities." The Ikey Tigers haven't lifted any silverware since 2014, something the head coach and technical team believes needs to change. "Expectations are never too good, they can limit you or cause anxiety. I would say like always we have aspirations. We want to win! And I don't begrudge this group wanting to win.” Dawson-Squibb didn’t want to divulge too much about UCT players to watch out for. "I've enjoyed the look of Enos Ndiao in the pre-season, and our captain Luthando Woji looks to have a bit between his teeth this year which is exciting. Young Bryan le Roux has had a wretched time with injury for the past three years and I'm hoping he gets to show the country what he can do this year. He's a special guy with, I believe, a special story ahead of him." The Ikey Tigers open their campaign with an away game against cross town rivals FNB Maties on the 20 February at the Danie Craven Stadium. 2023 FIXTURES HERE. by Ayanda Felem

The FNB Varsity Cup is proud to be regarded as one of the best platforms in South African rugby where young talent is groomed for the pro leagues. We take a look at the Class of 2022 and a few of the players who have since moved on to bigger and brighter things. Suleiman Hartzenberg: FNB UCT Ikeys to Stormers Position: Centre/Wing Accolade: Nominated for Overall FNB Player of the Tournament The story of this quick-footed utility back is impressive - from UCT Ikeys to Junior Springboks to Stormers, all in this space of a year. During last year’s Varsity Cup, the 19-year-old slotted in perfectly with his Ikeys teammates, especially during their victory over Maties in the 500th Varsity Cup match. Joining the Stormers for the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship, Hartzenberg made his debut in Round 1 against Connacht. Nevaldo Fleurs: FNB Maties to Sharks Position: Fullback Accolade: FNB Back That Rocks in 2022 Fleurs signed a contract with the Sharks last year after an impressive Varsity Cup season. The 23-year-old was the top point scorer with 118 to his name, including six penalties in the Varsity Cup final defeat against Tuks. The fiery fullback first took to the field for his new province against the Pumas in Round 10 of the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division. George Lourens: FNB UFS Shimlas to Cheetahs Position: Flyhalf Accolade: Overall FNB Player That Rocks in 2022 A Toyota Urban Cruiser as the FNB Player That Rocks and a contract with the Free State Rugby Union were big-time payback for Lourens following a stellar 2022 Varsity Cup season. The 24-year-old was integral to the success of the UFS Shimlas last year which saw them top the log for the first time. Lourens started his Varsity Cup journey at Maties before moving to Bloemfontein. Imad Khan: FNB UCT Ikeys to Stormers Position: Scrumhalf Accolade: Played a pivotal role in securing a semi-final spot for Ikeys in 2022 Varsity Cup The 19-year-old made his Stormers debut earlier this year in a United Rugby Championship match against the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland. His two tries in the last round-robin match of the 2022 Varsity Cup against CUT ensured a semi-final match-up against Maties. Khan is also a 2022 U20 Six Nations Summer Series winner with the Junior Springboks. The 16th edition of the FNB Varsity Cup kicks-off on 20 February with the class of 2023 no doubt looking to impress the scouts and take their careers to the next level. FIXTURES HERE.

Defending champions UP-Tuks could rewrite the FNB Varsity Cup records books should they be victorious in the final on 17 April 2023. It would be the third consecutive time Tuks will claim the title. Only Maties (2008-2010) has been able to do so. It would be Tuks's sixth title. As things stand, Tuks and Maties have both been victorious on five occasions. Tuks's captain, Lincoln Daniels, is also in line to make Varsity Cup history. He captained "the men in Stripes" to win last year. Varsity Cup statistics are hard to come by, but it seems as if no same captain has been able to lead a team to win twice in a row. Daniels, a veteran of Varsity Cup rugby, is not one to get ahead of himself. "Records always make for exciting reading. But it would not be smart to think about playing the Varsity Cup final at this stage. Our approach will be to take it one game at a time. Our first encounter is against Shimlas (20 February). It is going to be a tough one. Things are going to get any easier," said Daniels, who made his Varsity Cup debut in 2019. According to Daniels, Tuks has lost seven key players. "In the backline, it is Stefan Coetzee (fullback), Kabelo Mokoena (wing) and Bernard van der Linde (scrumhalf). Amongst the forwards, it is Orateng Koikanyang (eight-man) and Stephan Smit (flanker), Mihlali Stamper (lock) and Francois Klopper (tighthead). "They will be missed, especially the forwards. They were our enforcers last year. The newcomers literally have 'big shoes' to fill, but I am confident they will step up. There is something to be said about playing for Tuks. Once you don the coveted 'Striped jersey,' it is as if you cannot help but try and play to the best of your ability." From an absolute high, winning the Varsity Cup, to an absolute low is the best way to summarise Daniel's season last year. "I tore a ligament in my foot in the very first Carlton Cup game I played. That was it. My season was done. I have not played a game in the last seven months. Apparently, rehabilitation can't be rushed when you tore a ligament in your foot. "I tried to make the most of the time from the field. I worked to get physically stronger with Naat Loubser's (fitness and conditioning coach) help. I even bulked up a bit. I weigh about three kilograms more than I did last year. The challenge is now to get match fit. I can't wait to play." As to his role, as captain Daniels said, he tends to lead by example as he is somewhat of an introvert. In other words, a man of few words. FNB Varsity Cup 2023 FIXTURES HERE. Photo credit: Reg Caldecott

FNB Varsity Cup While the FNB Varsity Cup abides by the rules and regulations of the sport as determined by SA Rugby and World Rugby, the prestigious competition continues to lead the way in terms of rugby law innovation to improve the game. Here’s all you need to know about the unique rules that will be used during the 2023 season. INNOVATION TO INCREASE BALL IN PLAY TIME: The Varsity Cup, known for its law innovations to improve the game, has come up with a new law innovation in 2023 to add more ball in play time. • Conversion kicks must be taken within 60 seconds after a try has been scored, if the kick is not taken in 60 seconds, then the team forfeits the opportunity/points. • Once the conversion is taken, time will be stopped and will only restart once the kick-off takes place. • When a penalty try is awarded, time will stop when the try is awarded and restarted with the kick-off With an average of 8 tries per match, this could potentially add an additional 2.5 minutes to ball in play time. POINT OF ORIGIN TRY (POR): In this season of Varsity Cup, a team can gain additional bonus points upon scoring a try from their own half. • Team gained possession inside their own half that scores a try without conceding possession of the ball: Try worth 7 points- (5pts plus 2 bonus points) *The Varsity Shield tournament DOES NOT use the point of origin try rule and a try from anywhere on the field remains 5 points. 50/22 LAW VARIATION: A team in possession that kicks the ball indirectly into touch from inside his 50m gets a free kick 15m in from touch. That team may not take a scrum or lineout, they must take a tap kick. If that team scores from there, the try value will be 5 points. There is no requirement for a set phase inside your own half. A team may carry the ball back and kick it indirectly into touch inside the opposition’s half. If a team scores from the tap, the try value will be 5 points. FREE KICK LAW FOR CATCH FROM AIR: Any catch from any kick from the air (except from a kick for the start or restart of the match) means a free kick for the receiver right away. The receiver/defender doesn’t have to call anything. The referee will play advantage, and have the ability to bring the play back to the point where the catch was made if the advantage has not been used and to award a free kick to the receiver’s team. The receiver however does have the right to call a free kick like any other free kick in the 22, and to use it as such. Thus, it is exactly the same as a free kick in the 22 just extended to the rest of the field. The mark law for the 22 stays the same. The free-kick is named a FREE CATCH. DEFENDING SCRUMHALF: Law: The “defending 9’s” offside line is limited to the tunnel where the shoulders of the opposing props meet. Sanction: Penalty Kick Aim: To create more time and space for the “attacking 9” to clear the ball at the base of a scrum. Current Application: Currently the law allows the “defending 9” to follow but remain behind the ball as it is hooked in a scrum. He must also stay within 1m of the scrum. The “defending 9” may also retire to the hindmost foot of his teammate where he may then move further than 1m from the scrum. Lastly, he may retire to the backline, 5m away. He may not return to the offside line from which he has retired. RED CARD RULE: The Red Card Rule will work as follows: If a red card is given to a player of a team: - • That team will play for 15 minutes with one less player, the player given the red card will go off the field. • After 15 minutes another player may go back on to the pitch, but not the player who was awarded the red card. The main intention of this rule change is to the contest stays alive amidst an early game red card. WHITE CARD: The White Card will be used in the televised semi-finals and final of Varsity Cup only. The Team Coach or Captain can, during a stoppage in play, request the referee to review a decision they believe to be incorrect OR request him to review a possible infringement that went undetected and required an appropriate sanction. SCRUMMING LAW: The process for the scrum is the current sequence released by World Rugby for all competitions. STRATEGY BREAKS: One strategy break per half for three minutes, between the 18th and 22nd minutes of matches, will be allowed. The strategy break only occurs in the FNB Varsity Cup, FNB Varsity Shield and FNB Young Guns competitions. NUMBER OF PLAYERS: Every team must have 23 players in their match-day squad and must have two props and a hooker on the bench. The team that causes uncontested scrums must finish the game with 14 players. Front-row players must be replaced with other front-row players. POINTS VALUE: Try: 5 points Drop goal: 3 points Penalty goal: 3 points Conversion: 2 points Point of origin tries: 7 points LOG POINTS CALCULATION: 4 points for A WIN 2 points for A DRAW 0 points for A LOSS One bonus point for losing within seven or fewer points. One bonus point for four tries or more. The maximum points a team can receive in a match are therefore five. FIXTURE FORFEITURE: In the event of a default or where a team has forfeited the fixture, the offending team loses 28-0 and the non-offending team will receive maximum log points (5).

FNB Varsity Shield FNB UFH Blues will start the defence of their FNB Varsity Shield title against FNB WSU All Blacks at the Davidson Stadium in Alice in the Eastern Cape on 16 February when the 2023 tournament kicks off. SuperSport will broadcast the game live at 7pm and UFH coach Lumumba Currie says his charges are looking forward to the challenge. “We are very excited about it. The Davidson Stadium is always packed with our supporters who were very instrumental during our campaign last year.” 2022 results: Played: 8 ,Win: 8, Lost: 0 Log position: 1 / Beat FNB CPUT in final (28-27) The Blues came “out of nowhere” to beat FNB CPUT 28-27 in the dying minutes of last year’s pulsating final to be crowned as champions. In their previous appearances in Varsity Shield rugby in 2018, 2019 and 2021 they finished 5th on the log. They were in 4th position in 2020 when the season was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite having the silverware in the cupboard, Currie says there have been a few obstacles to overcome in the preparations for this year’s competition. “Our preparations have been ok with some challenges that we have encountered at the beginning of our camp but we’re soldiering on. It’s going to be a tough season now that we are defending champs. Everyone is gonna come hard at us, so the pressure is on but we’ll stay in the fight.” Currie expressed his delight with the personal growth of some of the UFH players who have moved on to bigger and better things. “We have lost 7 players from last season because of age but they’ve graduated to professional rugby now and they continue to put the institution on the map. It’s a very young squad that we have but they are very competitive. “We still have the captain Kamvelihle Fatyela and Ayabulela Xhosana, Walter Moyo, Lukhanyiso Ntosholwana, Ryan Maree, Merlin du Plessis, Apiwe Sidloyi are just some of the players to watch.” FNB UFH kick-off their campaign on 16 Feb in a rematch of the final where they take on FNB WSU at home in Alice. FIXTURES HERE.

FNB Varsity Shield After finishing fourth last season, losing in the semi-final against bitter rivals and eventual champions FNB UFH Blues, the FNB WSU team have their eyes on the prize for the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition. Coach Thembani Mkhokeli says the initial preparations for this year’s tournament began somewhat unsteady with more new recruits after some of the players were released to other institutions that offered better opportunities. 2022 results: Win: 3 Lost: 3 Log position: 4th. “We have lost key players like flyhalf Lwandile Maphuko and lock Asekho Marubelela but retained some of the older players who have helped to introduce and maintain the WSU All Blacks running rugby culture. There are also more young stars adding a lot of energy to the camp and team spirit.” Murie emphasised a need for patience as his team aim to take it game by game, looking at themselves in a rebuilding phase. “The ultimate goal is not only to win but to qualify for the playoffs of the competition. Players to look out for are utility back Awonke Sondishe and hooker Mangaliso Zixesha both of whom displayed excellent skills during pre-season training.” With the kickoff of this year’s Varsity Shield less than two weeks away, Murie says players are being managed carefully to keep them fresh through the competition. “Varsity Shield being a well-contested competition, a proper player recovery and squad rotation system will be vital as teams will be travelling extensively to play their matches. There will be an entertaining and attacking style of rugby on the menu for loyal supporters.” FNB WSU open their 2023 campaign against rivals FNB UFH on 16 Feb in Alice. 2023 fixtures HERE. by Tembela Mbovane

FNB Varsity Shield FNB Madibaz rugby coach David Manuel and his players are primed to embark on a journey of redemption as they prepare for this month’s FNB Varsity Shield competition. The Nelson Mandela University outfit, who open their campaign against FNB TUT Vikings at home on 16 February, are back in the Shield event after two years of playing Varsity Cup. “Redemption is a strong word currently in our environment,” he said. “Redemption for ourselves and redemption for Nelson Mandela University, plus the excellence we want to stand for.” Having lost a number of senior players from the 2022 squad, Manuel said a top priority for the forthcoming season was to instil a sense of physicality in the team. “In our preparations, we have worked hard to improve our set piece, because without a stable set piece it’s difficult to play this game. “We have also challenged ourselves to be more resilient in the collision area. We really want to be a physical team going into the Shield competition.” With the squad’s average age only 22 years, Manuel acknowledged that there was a lack of experience. “We had to fill the void left by the group of senior players with youngsters, but we hope that they will be able to grow into fulfilling that role quickly.” Manual said it was a great opportunity for them to develop their games and that he was satisfied with their prep. “The players really worked hard at our pre-season camp and now we need to ensure that all those efforts are transferred to the field of play.” The Madibaz coach added that there was a group of senior players such as Arnouw Nel, Liyema Bobelo, Chadwyn November, Leon van der Merwe, Troy Delport and Koliwe Khonza on whom he would rely to lead the way. He realised, though, that there were challenging times ahead. “We are excited but nervous. The competition is massive and teams are getting better every year because everyone wants to be promoted, so there is everything to play for,” said Manuel. “We want to give it our all to be the best version of ourselves and work hard for one another while knowing what our roles are within the various systems.” Madibaz open their campaign at home against TUT on 16 Feb and will be playing at 4pm. For all the season fixtures HERE.

FNB Varsity Shield FNB UWC is starting the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition with a positive frame of mind. They are focused on putting the disappointment of being relegated from the FNB Varsity Cup competition last season behind them and aiming for a swift return. 2022 Varsity Cup results: Win: 2 Lost: 7 Log position: 8th (relegated to Varsity Shield) Experienced UWC coach Paul Treu acknowledges some of his players did feel the psychological effects of this setback, but things are certainly looking up. His playing philosophy is based on the brand of rugby that has proven to be successful over many years at the institution. These qualities include being skillful, working hard, playing with a high tempo, and being solid in set pieces along with defence. Despite the loss of six postgraduate players, Treu says there is excitement and positive energy in the camp, with the addition of a crop of new players from the Young Guns team. “Shaquille Adams and Brian Breda are two players from the Young Guns contingent that show heaps of promise. These youngsters can rely on the experience of Bevan Simons, Carel Van der Merwe and Tasriq Mynhardt. Mynhardt is a versatile player that can play on the wing, or fullback positions, while Van der Merwe is a forward with loads of potential.” The playing schedule is one of the key challenges highlighted by Treu. He feels this will be an unknown factor because the team is not familiar with most of the opposition, or the playing conditions. “However with the right attitude and focus, the team will overcome these obstacles and achieve our aim of playing in the Varsity Cup next season.” FNB UWC travel to Grahamstown in their opening fixture on 16 February where they will take on FNB Rhodes. 2023 FIXTURES HERE. by Ian Morris

FNB Varsity Shield FNB Rhodes will be hoping to change their fortunes heading into the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition after ending sixth in last year’s competition and avoiding relegation by just a point. 2022 results: Win: 1 Lost: 5 Log position: 6th Coach James Winstanley says the team from Makhanda are feeling confident heading into the tournament despite the performances shown last year. The competitive edge is seen to be a key factor and Winstanley says that his players have to be mentally strong this time around, after assigning too much value to teams that didn’t exist last season. “I think we need to stop playing against the jersey, and start playing against the people in the jersey. We should have won many more games last season if the players went into games with a competitive mindset.” Rhodes will need a shift in their mentality early on in 2023 as their first match this year is against FNB UWC on 16 February. Winstanley didn’t want to commit to naming any new players that may be brought into the team this year, as he is awaiting the final registration of certain players. Simelela Mbanzi will captain Rhodes in this year’s competition. His selection was down to the team as Winstanley reiterated that the team need to believe in their leaders. FNB Rhodes face a tough challenge in their opening fixture taking on former champions FNB UWC at the Rhodes Great Field on 16 February. 2023 fixtures HERE. by Aiden Daries

FNB CPUT coach Alistair Theys has one goal and one goal only for his team for the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield season – to finish top of the log and to win the competition. 2022 Stats – Played: 8, Won 5, Lost 3. Best FNB Varsity Shield finish – Champions (2019, 2021) Theys says pre-season training was hampered somewhat by the majority of the squad not being available for pre-season training due to them writing exams. “We nevertheless continued with the program. And losing some key players such as former captain Feghon-Leigh Snyders, lock Joshua Parish, and other players due to various factors, did not make things any easier.” He is however positive about the rebuilding phase at CPUT, says Theys, and the majority of this year’s squad is made up of quite young and exciting talent. “Experienced forwards Roland Van der Heever, Che Claasens, utility backline player, Darren Alexander, and centre Iwaan Bloys are just some of the talent to look out for. Theys credits the strength and conditioning team for the work they put in to keep the players in tip-top shape. “Multiple warm-up games provided valuable lessons with less than two weeks to the start of the competition. Player management is another crucial feature for the coaching team, to keep the players refreshed during the campaign.” Fans of CPUT can expect an attractive and attacking playing style during this year’s Varsity Shield. According to Theys, permitting players to express themselves within the structure, will allow for an exciting brand of rugby. “The competition will certainly be fiercely contested along with the fact that teams have to travel, player recovery and rotation is also vital. Taking things in our stride and building on the positives of the previous season, success is definitely within our reach.” FNB CPUT open their 2023 campaign at home against FNB UKZN on 16 February. For all the Varsity Shield fixtures click HERE. by Ian Morris

FNB Varsity Shield After a bumpy 2022, the FNB TUT Vikings have roped in the services of former Blue Bulls and Cheetahs flyhalf Kennedy Tsimba for the 2023 Varsity Shield competition.Tsimba won the Varsity Young Guns with Tuks in 2022 which saw him receiving offers from unions across the country but he, however, chose to go across town to the TUT campus. “It was a difficult decision considering I am coming from Tuks, the enemy. I think it was worthwhile because there’s a lot of potential here and that is the only reason I made the switch.” Tsimba says it was the culture and passion that attracted him to the Vikings, and he can work with that. “There are a lot of good players here. I have a mixed group of players, those continuing from last year and then there is a group that’s coming with me from Tuks, as you know it happens with coaches all the time.” The Vikings have had their struggles over the years in their ambitions to become a feared rugby institute. It has never materialised, and this is something Kennedy is determined to change. "My main goal is to win the Varsity Shield and take the team to Varsity Cup. I keep telling the players that every trophy I have been involved in, I have won. I hope to continue that record.” TUT begin their 2023 campaign with a trip to FNB Madibaz, an encounter that Kennedy says is important for his troops to get the feel and intensity of the tournament. “I think it’s one of the teams that came from the top and they have a good coach, I am expecting it to be a tough challenge, but we are now focusing on ourselves. "We ran against the Blue Bulls in our preparations, and they were impressed which is encouraging for us.” 2023 fixtures HERE.

FNB UKZN Impi coach Jason Oliphant has hailed the return of home fixtures in the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition. After falling short in a closely contested semi-final against FNB CPUT in last year’s campaign, the team from KwaZulu-Natal has had solid preparations for the upcoming season. 2022 – Played: 7, Won: 5, Lost: 2 Best FNB Varsity Shield finish – Champions (2015) Oliphant has urged his side to maintain the high team spirit they have been displaying in their preparations for the new season. “To be honest, our preparations have been challenging but it’s been good, nonetheless. Getting all players coming together on campus with registrations and contact classes coming back, we have had an opportunity to test ourselves and our problem-solving abilities.” With the likes of experienced players such as Menzi Mabaso out after receiving an international contract, UKZN will be able to count on standouts like fan-favourite winger Zamo ‘Big Zulu’ Zulu who is more than capable of bringing the title back to KZN. Oliphant didn’t want to reveal his hand when asked about new and exciting talent in his team, preferring to instead focus on the competitiveness they have displayed in practice sessions so far. He added the return of home games will without doubt provide his team with the extra 16th-man boost. “It’s been a while since we won (the FNB Varsity Shield), but our team is definitely coming out this season to keep the reputation of our university in high regard. “Together with all the other teams, we hope that this season will be a great spectacle to grow the sport, to grow the brand and to show appreciation not only to our fans but to the sponsors as well.” FNB UKZN play their opening game of the 2023 season away against FNB CPUT on the 16 February. For all the fixtures click HERE. by Mpendulo Letsoalo