FNB Varsity Shield The FNB UFH Blues beat the FNB WSU All Blacks 27-13 in round four of the FNB Varsity Shield on Sunday to consolidate their position at the top of the log. The Blues machine rolls on. Two days after thumping FNB Rhodes 46-0, Lumumba Currie’s side produced another physical display to claim their fourth consecutive win. FNB WSU, who were the fresher team having enjoyed a bye in round three, were fiercely competitive at the lineout and breakdown. They failed to challenge the Blues at the scrum, however, and it was from this set piece that FNB UFH took control. Flyhalf Keith Chiwara converted that physical dominance into territory and scoring opportunities. The Blues went to half-time with a commanding 18-3 lead, with lock Walter Moyo and centre Ryan Maree having crossed the tryline. After the break, Chiwara continued to punish the All Blacks via his unerring boot. The Zimbabwe Sables No 10 finished the game with a personal tally of 17 points. The FNB UKZN Impi outlasted an ill-disciplined FNB TUT Vikings side to secure a campaign-boosting 17-16 win. The Vikings made a physical statement in the opening quarter. The game changed, however, after captain Laro Delport was shown a red card for a reckless tackle in the 15th minute. The Impi failed to take control of the contest and lost momentum after prop Tristan Trollip received a yellow card. FNB TUT overstepped the mark again, though, when a high challenge by Lutho Tom landed the reserve loose forward in the sin bin on the stroke of half-time. The ill-tempered arm-wrestle continued into the second stanza. Mauritz Maritz slotted two penalties to give his team the advantage as the game approached a thrilling climax. FNB UKZN needed something special and No 8 Menzi Mabaso obliged when he powered through the defence to score the game-winning try. The result sees the Impi consolidating their position in the top four, while the Vikings remain winless after four matches. FNB CPUT made wholesale changes to the team that thrashed the FNB TUT Vikings on Friday yet were still able to claim a comfortable 36-3 win against FNB DUT. Outside centre Iwaan Bloys and left wing Keenan Williams scored first-quarter tries for the defending champions. However, FNB DUT dominated the next period of play and deserved more than just a penalty goal from flyhalf Minenhle Siwela for their efforts. Having survived a lengthy onslaught on their tryline, FNB CPUT finished the first half with a flourish as Bloys’ second try gave them a 17-3 lead at the break. The third quarter was a scrappy affair, with both teams losing players to yellow cards (FNB DUT replacement prop Pernel Ngubo and FNB CPUT fullback Keano Cookson). It was still 14 on 14 when replacement flyhalf Feghon-Leigh Snyders scored FNB CPUT’s bonus-point try in the left corner. With both teams restored to 15 men, the Cape Town students crossed for two more tries to add some gloss to the scoreline. FNB Varsity Shield Round 4 results and scorers: FNB DUT 3 (3) – Penalty: Minenhle Siwela. FNB CPUT 36 (17) – Tries: Iwaan Bloys (2), Keenan Williams, Feghon-Leigh Snyders, Hugan Engelbrecht, Keanan Solomons. Conversions: Keano Cookson, Feghon-Leigh Snyders (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Iwaan Bloys (FNB CPUT) FNB UFH Blues 27 (18) – Tries: Walter Moyo, Ryan Maree. Conversion: Keith Chinwara. Penalties: Chiwara (5). FNB WSU All Blacks 13 (3) – Tries: Bubele Gongqa, Sibusiso Hans. Penalty: Lwandile Mapuko. FNB Player That Rocks: Keith Chiwara (FNB UFH Blues) FNB TUT Vikings 16 (10) – Try: Handre Horn. Conversion: Mauritz Maritz. Penalties: Maritz (3).
 FNB UKZN Impi 17 (5) – Tries: Zamakuhle Zulu (2), Menzi Mabaso. Conversion: Jarryd Nicholls. FNB Player That Rocks: Menzi Mabaso (FNB UKZN Impi) FNB Varsity Shield teams (Round 4) Don’t miss the bumper FNB Varsity Shield festival at CPUT Sports Stadium on 1 and 3 April. All six matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 207. Round 5 fixtures (Friday, 1 April): FNB UKZN Impi vs FNB Rhodes (15:00) FNB WSU All Blacks vs FNB DUT (17:00) FNB CPUT vs FNB UFH Blues (19:00) Round 6 fixtures (Sunday, 3 April): FNB Rhodes vs FNB WSU All Blacks (15:00) FNB DUT vs FNB TUT Vikings (17:00) FNB CPUT vs FNB UKZN Impi (19:00) All fixtures and logs

FNB Varsity Shield FNB UFH Blues utility back Keith Chiwara on moving from Harare to Cape Town, representing his country of birth and his FNB Varsity Shield experience. You were born in Zimbabwe. When did you come to South Africa? Yes, I was born in Harare and grew up there. I moved to Cape Town when I was in Grade 5. I attended Brackenfell Primary School, which is when I started playing rugby. I continued playing at Brackenfell High School. Do you think you would have played rugby had you remained in Zimbabwe? No, I wouldn’t have. I loved playing football. The only reason I played rugby is that there was no football at the school. I enjoyed rugby from the start because it meant I didn’t have to go home straight after school and could play with friends. I didn’t take rugby seriously at the time and it was only in high school when I realised that I love the sport. No one in my family had played rugby at a high level, so I’m the first. It’s good to have my family behind me. My brother also played a bit of rugby, so he pushes me all the time to do better. You’ve earned six caps for Zimbabwe. How does the rugby culture there compare to that in South Africa? There’s not much of a difference – rugby is rugby – but every team has its own culture and values. I learned a lot of things in Zimbabwe. I’m still young and there are bigger and older guys who I had to learn from. It made me realise I still have a lot of developing to do. What’s your most memorable match and try? I think it was in 2016 when Brackenfell won the inter-schools against Tygerberg for the first time. I think the score was 33-15. My best try has to be my first try for the Sables [Zimbabwe]. We played against Zambia and I came on in the second half. I received an offload and ran to the corner. It wasn’t one of the greatest runs I’ve made, but there’s nothing better than scoring for your country. How did you end up playing in the FNB Varsity Shield? I was at the Sharks Academy in Durban and some of my mates there told me to go to Fort Hare. At the time, I really had nowhere to go, I didn’t see a future for myself in rugby and I was thinking of going to college to study. Fort Hare provided me with that opportunity, so I grabbed it with both hands. It was one of the best decisions I made. What’s it like playing in the FNB Varsity Shield? It’s really exciting. The number of people who watch the competition … it’s unbelievable. Our matches are televised on SuperSport even though the competition is only semi-professional, which gives players like me the chance to be seen. FNB UFH have won their first three matches in 2022. How’s the mood in the camp? Everyone is pumped! Since we’ve been on top of the log, everyone is behind us and everyone wants to see us on campus. The coaches are proud of us and we are working hard together. It was one of our goals at the start to take it step by step to get all the way to the final and win it. The belief is growing and teams are starting to respect us as an institution. Do you have any superstitions? I wear the underwear that I played my first game of the season in throughout the season. Who do you look up to in world rugby? Kurtley Beale. He’s very versatile – he can play flyhalf, centre and fullback – and you never know what he’s going to do. I’ve looked up to him from a young age and I watch a lot of his highlights. Today I play a lot of positions. I started as a winger and I played 13 and 15 throughout high school. I can also play 10 and 12, so everywhere in the backline except for scrumhalf! What are your rugby aspirations? I would like to make it in a professional setup. It’s quite hard to make it in South Africa, so if it would be great if I could get a nice contract overseas. There are plenty of opportunities there. Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego Photo: Deryck Foster/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UFS Shimlas scrumhalf Chadd Adams reflects on his rugby origins, the competition within the current squad and their next match against the FNB UCT Ikeys. What's your first memory of rugby and how did your love for the game develop? It started when I was still a small child. My brother and I used to play rugby on my late grandmother’s bed. We called her bed Newlands Stadium and we used the TV remote as a ball. I’m passionate about rugby and so the love came naturally. What interesting event occurred on your rugby journey? The biggest highlight was definitely in 2017 during the U18 Craven Week at St Stithians. I was playing for Eastern Province and we managed to beat the mighty Blue Bulls 37-10. Being a part of that Craven Week team was truly special. What does it mean to wear the FNB UFS Shimlas jersey? It makes me believe that I can achieve. The likes of Rassie Erasmus, Ruan Pienaar, Ox Nché and many others were at the club. I’m very privileged to be part of this history. This year the jersey means that I have 22 brothers in arms playing alongside me. You are one of three scrumhalves in the squad – along with Rewan Kruger and Jandré Nel. How is the competition between the three of you and how do you complement each other? I’ve always loved working with Rewan. He is such a decent guy, not only as a rugby player but as a human being too. I admire his humbleness and kindness. Jandré Nel – or old Smiley as we call him – is always smiling. He is all about feeling good and positive. He always brings the vibe to training. We all work hard on our individual skills to benefit the team. Who's your rugby hero and who else do you look up to away from the sport? When it comes to rugby, it's Cheslin Kolbe. Outside of sport, there's no doubt about the fact that my mother is my hero. She can move mountains. Who's the biggest character in the squad? We are a brotherhood. We have values and one of them is mutual respect, which I think is very important. But, when it comes to the biggest character, it's definitely flank Thabo Ndimande. How's the mood in the camp following Monday's defeat to the FNB NWU Eagles? We are still in the mood to score some great tries. You've picked up three wins and two losses. How do the FNB UFS Shimlas set the record straight against the FNB UCT Ikeys on Monday? It's important for us to focus on our game plan and the execution. We're going to score tries come Monday night at Shimla Park. Interview by Morgan Piek Photos: Dominic Barnardt/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup FNB NWU Eagles loose forward André Fouché has made a brilliant start to the 2022 FNB Varsity Cup, earning two FNB Player That Rocks accolades. VarsityCup.co.za asked him … We're halfway through the league stage and FNB NWU are seventh on the log with three wins and two defeats. How do you feel about the campaign so far? The bounce of the ball played a part, especially in our games against UCT and UJ [which the Eagles lost]. After that, we just tried to improve our game, which we did and we got positive results against UWC, Tuks and Shimlas. Our forwards are giving us a good platform and our counter-attacks are looking quite good. We have a good chemistry in the team. Who are the toughest opponents you’ve faced so far? The most physical game was against UWC and the toughest against UJ, because of the weather. It was raining in Johannesburg and the field didn’t drain well at all, so when we got to UJ Stadium everyone thought the game was probably going to be played the following morning. Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron wasn’t convinced the game was going to be played. I think the whole build-up to the game made us lose focus. We actually started well but the wheels just fell off in the second half when we conceded two seven-point tries, which were converted. That really sunk us. What was FNB NWU’s best performance so far? Definitely against Tuks [the Eagles won 17-8]. Our game plan went really well against them and the crowd played a major role because the atmosphere was electrifying. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB NWU Eagles vs FNB UP-Tuks What’s the biggest lesson the Eagles have learned so far? We’ve learned not to think of a team as ‘lesser’ than us because all the teams are competitive. We’ve also learned that we can beat any team. We play with confidence now. We take every game as it comes and leave previous games behind. You’ve got a tough fixture coming up, against FNB Maties in Stellenbosch on Monday. How has the team prepared for it? The team is coming together well and the mood in the team is really good. We love playing at the Danie Craven Stadium because it’s always a physical encounter against Maties. It’s a big one. We want to win and make it one to remember. How does it feel to have twice been named as the FNB Player That Rocks this season? I feel really good about it, but without the team I obviously wouldn’t be able to achieve that. I also don’t let these kinds of things get to my head because I know there’s still a long way to go and team achievements matter more than personal accolades. I didn’t play with my pink shorts because I just want to help the team stand out and win. Who inspired you to become a rugby player? At school, I had a coach, Mr Grobler, who taught me a lot of things, not just about rugby but life in general. I took a lot of inspiration from him and he made me a better human being. Marcell Coetzee also inspired me to play rugby. When I was at school I always looked up to him. I’m a huge Sharks fan and he was playing for them at the time. I always watched his games and how hard he ran. He now plays for the Bulls but I still love him, as a human being and as a professional rugby player. Interview by Lesiba Dikhoba Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup Centre Luhle Matyolweni on who inspired him to play rugby and why representing FNB Wits is so special. Matlowenyi hails from Knysna in the Western Cape. His rugby career began to flourish at Grey High in Port Elizabeth, where he was the school’s first black African head boy in 2020. From 2018 to 2020, he played for the Grey High 1st XV and also represented Eastern Province at the U18 Craven Week and the EP Sevens team, which he captained. In 2021, Liyema made his FNB Varsity Cup debut and won the SA Rugby U20 Championship with the Lions. VarsityCup.co.za asked him … What got you into playing rugby? My biggest inspiration while growing up was Bryan Habana. I wanted to be just like him. That’s one of the main reasons I’m playing rugby today. What’s your biggest rugby goal? To be a Springbok one day. What’s your fondest rugby memory? Lifting the SA Rugby U20 Championship with the Lions last year. Is there a motto or quote you live by? 'You’ve got to grind to shine!' Any interesting fact about you? If I wasn’t playing rugby, I would definitely be fighting in the UFC! What are you studying at Wits? I’m doing a general BA degree and am in my second year. FNB Wits lost 27-24 to crosstown rivals FNB UJ on Monday. What are your thoughts on the game? It was a very bitter pill to swallow. We didn’t get off to the best of starts, which had a massive influence on the result. Once we started getting into the groove of things, we certainly showcased our potential as team. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UJ vs FNB Wits Wits have won all three of their home games this season and lost both of their away games. What’s been the difference? The crowds! I don’t think any crowd comes close to the enthusiasm that is shown by the Wits crowds. It’s also very special to play on our field. What makes playing for FNB Wits so special? The people around me. We shed blood and sweat together and fight for each other on the field, where we showcase true brotherhood. Interview by S’fiso Nyawo Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Asem Engage

FNB Varsity Shield FNB CPUT outclassed the FNB TUT Vikings to claim a 47-10 bonus-point victory in round three of the FNB Varsity Shield at Tuks Stadium on Friday. The reigning champions were in cruise control for much of the contest. Their scrum and maul fired, and they managed to convert that dominance into a 19-3 lead inside 20 minutes. Flyhalf Mauritz Maritz converted his own try on the stroke of half-time to give FNB TUT some hope. At that stage, FNB CPUT skipper Siyasanga Ngubelanga was in the sin bin, and the Vikings were in a position to cash in on their numerical advantage. A reckless piece of play by wing Wandile Shabalala, however, resulted in a yellow card for FNB TUT. FNB CPUT touched down after that transgression to secure the four-try bonus point and reassert their dominance. They went on to score another three tries, including an end-to end effort in the final minute. FNB CPUT have accumulated maximum log points from the first two fixtures of their 2022 campaign, and sit in second place on the FNB Varsity Shield log. While they trail the log-leaders – the FNB UFH Blues – by three points, they have a game in hand. The Vikings, by contrast, remain winless after three matches. Earlier, centre Ryan Maree and No 8 Yamkela Mzozoyana scored two tries apiece to boost the FNB UFH Blues to a 46-0 win against FNB Rhodes. The Blues continue to impress via their balanced approach. While their execution occasionally let them down, their physicality at the set pieces and on defence was consistent. Maree scored two of his team’s three tries in the first half. Having amassed a 22-0 lead, the Blues went into the second stanza as heavy favourites to secure the bonus-point win. Mzozoyana powered through some weak defence to score two tries after the break. Thereafter, the men in black maintained their intensity to score seven tries in total. The result marks the Blues’ third-straight win in this year’s tournament and they remain in control at the top of the FNB Varsity Shield log. The Stallions, who face the threat of relegation, are still searching for their first victory. In the last match of the day, a dominant display by the FNB UKZN Impi forwards set up a 31-8 win against FNB DUT in the KwaZulu-Natal derby. It took the Impi less than three minutes to open the scoring when tighthead prop Tristan Trollip went over from a lineout driving maul. Winger Thobani Shangase then finished a slick backline move by handing off a defender and diving over in the left corner. In the 32nd minute, a powerful 5m scrum allowed FNB UKZN scrumhalf and captain Johan Maritz to score a converted try that made it 17-3 at the break. Fullback Mthokozisi Hlatshwayo got FNB DUT back into the game when he scored the first try of the second half, but another strong Impi scrum just before the strategy break resulted in a bonus-point try for No 8 Menzi Mabaso. FNB DUT lock Alberth Kapenda was yellow-carded with 12 minutes remaining and the Impi scored almost immediately afterwards through centre Singele Mkhize. FNB UKZN are now third in this season’s standings and FNB DUT fifth. However, the latter remain last on the combined 2021-22 FNB Varsity Shield log, two points behind FNB Rhodes, as the relegation battle heats up. FNB Varsity Shield Round 3 results and scorers: FNB Rhodes 0 FNB UFH Blues 46 (22) – Tries: Kamvelihle Fatyela, Ryan Maree (2), Yamkela Mzozoyana (2), Langalethu Susela, Mziyabulela Bathu. Conversions: Keith Chiwara (4). Penalty: Chiwara. FNB Player That Rocks: Yamkela Mzozoyana (FNB UFH Blues) FNB CPUT 47 (19) – Tries: Iwaan Bloys, Joshua Paris, Siyasanga Ngubelanga, Roland van der Heever, Darren Alexander, Keano Cookson, Christopher Andrews. Conversions: Feghon-Leigh Snyders (6). FNB TUT Vikings 10 (10) – Try: Mauritz Maritz. Conversion: Maritz. Penalty: Maritz. FNB Player That Rocks: Joshua Paris (FNB CPUT) FNB UKZN Impi 31 (17) – Tries: Tristan Trollip, Thobani Shangase, Johan Maritz, Menzi Mabaso, Singele Mkhize. Conversions: Jarryd Nicholls (3). FNB DUT 8 (3) – Try: Mthokozisi Hlatshwayo. Penalty: Hlatshwayo. FNB Player That Rocks: Wilhelm Fenske (FNB UKZN Impi) FNB Varsity Shield teams (Round 3) Round 4 fixtures (Sunday, 20 March, Tuks Stadium) FNB DUT vs FNB CPUT (15:00) FNB UFH Blues vs FNB WSU All Blacks (17:00) FNB TUT Vikings vs FNB UKZN Impi (19:00) All fixtures and logs Photos: Catherine Kotze/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UP-Tuks flank Dian Schoonees talks about his try-scoring exploits, the synergy of the pack and his pre-match ritual. How did your rugby career start? My parents moved from Cape Town to the Free State when I was young. I went to Grey College and signed with the Lions after school. I was at the union for four years, and also represented UJ for a couple of seasons. How did your time at Grey College shape you as a player? I was fortunate enough to play two years for the 1st XV, so I gained a lot of experience. That team didn’t lose many games, so when it did, the players took it hard. That’s probably why I hate losing so much now. During my time there, I also learned every basic skill and how to apply those skills in a game situation. What did you learn during your time with the Lions? My time at the Lions was very good, We had one of the best coaches, Joey Mongalo – who is now with the Bulls – as our head coach. He gave us a lot of rugby knowledge to help us understand the game better. What brought you to FNB UP-Tuks? It was always a dream for me to come and play my rugby in Pretoria. You’ve scored a lot of tries in the FNB Varsity Cup this season. Which one stands out? That long-range try in the match against UCT. I just saw a gap and went for it. I didn’t know if I should side-step or run over the defender, but somehow it all played out well. I just went full out, almost like a big Cheslin Kolbe. You’ve scored four tries to date. To what do you attribute your current form? When I compare my form now to my form in previous seasons, I think my fitness and physicality are peaking at the right time. It’s also down to the synergy and speed of our forwards. We work very well as a unit. Where does your speed come from? That’s a tough one. Maybe from my father and grandfather, who played for Boland. I read a few articles about them and they told me a few stories about their exploits. I did athletics and swimming at a young age, so maybe that made me the player I am today. What are you studying? I’m studying education. Do you have any superstitions? Nothing specific. I do have a routine, though, in that I have two Lucozades as well as jelly babies five hours before the game. What are your goals for the next game against the FNB CUT Ixias? I would like to see if we can gain some confidence and execute more effectively. We are starting to build momentum at an important part of the season, but I believe we haven’t realised our full potential yet. Winning the Varsity Cup is definitely our goal. Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego Photo: Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup FNB CUT fullback Cohen Jasper has finally driven off in his Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 SX AT courtesy of Hertz Car Rental. Jasper was revealed as the winner of the Overall Player That Rocks award in the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup after the final on 31 May but had to get his driver’s licence before he could pick up his prize, which he did on Wednesday. The 21-year-old IT student also has to complete his studies and graduate with a university degree in order to keep the car. 'Hertz is very proud to be part of the Varsity Cup,' said Julian Visagie, Chief Operating Officer at Hertz South Africa. 'We believe Jasper has unbelievable talent and is definitely a star of the future. We wish him many happy miles with his new wheels.' Jasper scored seven tries in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, including the winner in their first-ever win against FNB Maties. During the FNB Varsity Cup, Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie compared Jasper to Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe, so it was no surprise when the CUT star went on to play for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Premier Division.

FNB Varsity Cup Scrumhalves Clyde Lewis and William Rose were prominent as the ball-tracking technology introduced during the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup playoffs delivered insightful performance data. Sportable, the sports tech company founded by three Capetonians, teamed up with sports equipment manufacturing brand Gilbert to introduce a ‘Smart Ball’ to the FNB Varsity Cup during the knockout rounds. The tournament has earned a strong reputation for innovation and this was the first time the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball had been used in Africa. The Smart Ball spat out team and players stats related to kicks and passes, providing instant, accurate data on events that would otherwise have required match footage to be manually coded. Notable on the kicking front, FNB UP-Tuks went home with the trophy despite being the playoff team that fired the shortest exit kicks. On average, FNB Maties (47.5m), UCT (43.4m) and NWU (42.1m) each launched clearance kicks that travelled for a net gain superior to Tuks’ 40.4m, perhaps underlining the coaching point that exit kicks must ‘go into the stands’ to limit quick throw-ins. FNB UCT and FNB Tuks boasted the most hang-time on contestables in the playoffs and this may be why both teams advanced to the final – just reward for Ikeys halfback William Rose (who averaged 4.4sec per box kick) and Tuks scrum-feeder Clyde Lewis (4.3sec). But where Rose clocked the longest average passing range (9m), perhaps based on FNB UCT’s preference for playing off 10 and launching from kick receipt, Lewis (and his backup, Johan Mulder) fed shorter passes (Lewis averaging 7m, Mulder 6.3m) to the Tuks heavies coming round the corner. A disappointing campaign for the Stellenbosch juggernaut may be related to the pedestrian speed of Maties’ passes, travelling an average of 8.5m per second while UCT’s passes (10.2m/sec) had 20% more zip on them. By Zelím Nel – This article first appeared on SARugbymag.co.za

FNB Varsity Cup Varsity Cup Tournament Director Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi pays tribute to Dougie Heymans, who passed away at the age of 48 after battling Covid-19. A tough customer. That’s how Dougie Heymans was introduced to me when I joined the FNB Varsity Cup team. His reputation preceded him. He had folklore status within the university sporting ranks and for good reason. The story of Dougie’s involvement in the Varsity Cup speaks to the crux of what makes our tournament so special and unique. Dougie has been part of the Varsity Cup virtually since inception and over those many years, we’ve had what we call club managers break-aways. These are trips where all the university rugby club managers come together and we discuss all aspects of the tournament and build for the upcoming season. At these sessions, Dougs was unbelievably instrumental in the success of each tournament. He was firstly a 'tough customer'. He wouldn’t mince his words when he thought an idea didn’t carry much merit. An example of this was when our campaign activations didn't work, or meal sizes for players were insufficient. When #KeepTheAggro off the field, the campaign against women and children abuse, came to an end and we moved on to another social cause, Dougie was quite upset as he sincerely believed in the work we were doing and knew how much work they still wanted to do as University of the Free State rugby at the shelter with whom UFS had partnered. He fought for that campaign because he genuinely believed in making a difference. In the same meetings, filled with robust discussions and different takes, Dougs would be the first to crack a joke and get everyone in the room laughing. That was the measure of the man. It was never personal, it was always about the matter at hand and how we improved as a collective. His presence will be sorely missed. We were better because he was around. The high point in our relationship was the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup final at the University of the Free State. It was incredible how much work he put in for it. Dougie called every contact and resource at his disposal to ensure the stadium was packed to capacity and that UFS hosted the best final ever. We worked together for weeks and it was just remarkable to see his work ethic and style. He would call someone, confirm on the call what he would do, and do just that. His word was enough and then he followed through on it. He cared deeply about where he came from and the way we represented Bloem that night. We delivered something special that year and full credit must go to him. There is so much more one could say. But an email from Dougs stands out for me: Hi everybody, I had a quick telephonic discussion with [name] about a possible U19 competition and residence competition between the northern and central universities during Varsity Cup 2020. U19 competition We want to give a little prestige to U19 rugby because we recruit a lot of players and there is 'no U19 rugby anymore’ – you know what I mean ... For the U19 competition, we will look at possibilities for how we can run such a competition without high costs involved. We will arrange a meeting where we will invite the universities to discuss it (if some of them do not want to take part then we work with those that want to) The email continues. But the point I’m trying to make is that this was someone who genuinely cared about the game of rugby and providing opportunities to young players. He would do the leg work to get these discussions going. Dougs, your legacy will live on. We are all so hard hit by your loss because you were a man of character. We are better because you lived. You will always be in our hearts. Love, Nesi FNB Varsity Cup Tournament Director, on behalf of the Varsity Cup family

FNB Varsity Cup Newly-crowned FNB Varsity Cup champions FNB UP-Tuks will not rest on their laurels. In fact, some of the players were back on the training field on Tuesday afternoon as Tuks prepare to play Centurion in the Carlton Cup on Saturday. "The preparation for the 2022 Varsity Cup starts this afternoon," says coach Nico Luus, who is still buzzing after their 34-27 win against FNB UCT in Monday night's final. "I love it when a plan comes together," he adds. "Last night's win is undoubtedly one of the gutsiest in the history of Tuks rugby. The players never gave up. They fought to the last minute to ensure victory. That is what makes coaching worthwhile." It is the fourth time that FNB UP-Tuks have won the FNB Varsity Cup, having done so in 2012, 2013 and 2017. Only FNB Maties (five titles) have been more successful. FNB UP-Tuks captain Sango Xamlashe, who scored one of his team's four tries, was almost at a loss of words after the final. "Yoh, it was a hard and long journey for the team," he said. "It all added up to the final. I could not be more grateful to win. It is my first Varsity Cup victory. I don't think what we've achieved has sunk in yet." HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Varsity Cup final FNB UP-Tuks replacement tighthead prop Etienne Janeke was named the Player That Rocks for the final. He scored a try and secured victory in the 83rd minute by making a crucial turnover. "I did not expect to get an award, it's not a prop thing," joked Janeke during a TV interview, before thanking his mom for her support. Luus credited the whole team for the win, but singled out the players who had impressed him the most. "Rugby is a team sport," he says. "We would not have achieved what we did if everyone was not prepared to give 100%. I dedicate our victory to each of the coaching staff and each player. It is a fantastic team. "But I've got to say, Zander du Plessis, Hanru Sirgel and Jaco Bezuidenhout were phenomenal throughout the tournament. Louritz van der Schyff was brilliant in the last three games, while Clyde Lewis was undoubtedly our most valuable player. It did not matter where he played – scrumhalf, centre or wing – he made a difference." – Article courtesy of Tuks Sport

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UP-Tuks survived a second-half fightback from FNB UCT to claim a 34-27 victory in the FNB Varsity Cup final at Tuks Stadium on Monday night. It is Tuks’ fourth title, having previously won the competition in 2012, 2013 and 2017. FNB UCT came into the decider on a nine-match winning streak, excluding their cancelled Round 6 fixture against FNB UP-Tuks, who suffered two defeats during the league stage of the tournament. But it was the hosts who won when it mattered most. The opening 15 minutes of the final saw the heavies run into wall after wall of defence, before FNB UP-Tuks prop Cebo Dlamini barged his way over the tryline. Ikeys counterpart Robert Hunt returned the favour in similar fashion eight minutes later. Fullback Zander du Plessis and flyhalf James Tedder converted their respective efforts before an uncharacteristic error by the FNB UCT backs was scooped up by pivot David Coetzer. The ball was shifted into the breadbasket of FNB UP-Tuks captain and inside centre Sango Xamlashe, who tore down the left touchline to score a point-of-origin try. Tedder cut into the deficit with a penalty goal just before the strategy break to keep FNB UCT within touching distance. The break proved effective if only to dull the match as a point-scoring lapse followed directly afterwards with the Ikey Tigers attempting to put together phase after phase against a resolute FNB UP-Tuks defence. A snap decision by FNB UP-Tuks replacement scrumhalf Johan Mulder to snipe around the edge of a ruck was a masterstroke as it resulted in a try to lion-hearted prop Etienne Janeke several phases later. Tedder left the field with a knee injury shortly afterwards to the collective groan of Cape Town. Carrying the underdog tag throughout the weekend allowed the Stripe Generation a touch more freedom to just go and play, and it resulted in yet another try after the first half hooter to flank Hanru Sirgel. Du Plessis added the extras as FNB UP-Tuks enjoyed a 31-10 half-time led. The Ikey Tigers' ears should have been ringing after a tongue lashing due to their lacklustre performance in the first stanza and it took just three minutes for lock Byron Cranswick to profit off a powerful drive to score a try. Replacement flyhalf David Hayes was on target with the extras. However, it was the FNB UP-Tuks forwards who dominated, forcing FNB UCT to lose six lineouts while the hosts jackled five balls by the 66th minute. The Ikey Tigers finally took their opportunity as close-quarter fighting was whipped out wide to fullback Athi Gazi, who scored in the left corner. FNB UP-Tuks No 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout was shown a yellow for cynical play, leaving the men from Pretoria to scramble in the final minutes. Despite facing immense pressure on defence, Tukkies earned a penalty attempt which Griquas-bound Du Plessis slotted with ease, before Gazi bagged his brace. That ultimately proved to be a consolation try as FNB UP-Tuks were crowned 2021 champions. FNB Player That Rocks: Etienne Janeke (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: Robert Hunt, Byron Chanswick, Athi Gazi (2). Conversions: James Tedder, David Hayes. Penalty: Tedder. FNB UP-Tuks – Tries: Cebo Dlamini, Sango Xamlashe (1x7), Etienne Janeke, Hanru Sirgel. Conversions: Zander du Plessis (3). Penalty: Du Plessis (2). Photo gallery FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Le Roux Malan, 11 Rethabile Louw, 10 James Tedder, 9 William Rose, 8 Christian Stehlik, 7 Niel Otto, 6 Liam Greenhalgh (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Byron Cranswick, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Devon Arendse, 1 Luthando Woji. Subs: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Seth Christian, 18 Ashwyn Adams, 19 Byron Bowes, 20 Taariq Kruger, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 David Hayes, 23 Duran Koevort. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Zander du Plessis, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Sango Xamlashe (c), 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 11 Ambesa Zenzeli, 10 David Coetzer, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Eduan Lubbe, 5 Thomas Meyer, 4 Mihlali Stamper, 3 Damien Swartz, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Cebo Dlamini. Subs: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Donald, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Orateng Koikanyang, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Enrique Oranje, 23 Tharquin Manuel.