This season will be Ettienne van As’ last as forwards coach of FNB Wits, bringing an end to a partnership with his brother Hugo that spans several decades. Hugo and Ettienne were born a year apart and are as close-knit as brothers come. They are married to sisters, have children similar in age, run a business together, and have been coaching together for as long as they can remember. Their coaching journey at FNB Wits began in 2015 – with Hugo as head coach and Ettienne as forwards coach – when the university was still in the FNB Varsity Shield. They reached the final of the tournament in 2015 and then won it in 2016 to earn promotion to the FNB Varsity Cup. Ettienne says it was an emotional moment when FNB Wits beat FNB UWC 39-2 in the 2016 FNB Varsity Shield final. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much next to the field. It was very special and something I’ll never forget." The brothers enjoyed coaching in the FNB Varsity Shield because they got to visit parts of the country, like Alice (Fort Hare), where they would not normally play. “We have a good management team, who all bought into the dream, and a very young group of players who we used to build the foundation for the FNB Varsity Cup," Hugo recalls. “The semi-finals and finals in the FNB Varsity Shield were tough but a good stepping stone to the FNB Varsity Cup.” In their first season in the top tier, in 2017, FNB Wits finished fifth, before qualifying for the semi-finals the following year. Download the new FNB Varsity Cup App! The Van As' coaching philosophy has always been to add value. They share the drive to put FNB Wits on the map as a sports university and not just an academic institution. Gone are the days when FNB Wits were a walkover, and while they may not be winning as much as they want to, they have made good progress. The brothers have always wanted to leave the jersey in a better place than when they found it, and there's no doubt they have achieved that over the past six years. Hugo says their coaching dynamic just works. “I think we understand each other. We don’t differ a lot but there’s a lot of respect. I see Ettienne as a server, who cares about the team. He’s living the dream and that adds value to any environment. We think alike and we are alike as individuals, so it’s been awesome.” Being in a bio-bubble hasn’t been much of an adjustment for the brothers, who live in the same area in Johannesburg and are sharing a room at the Future Africa campus. “I think they placed us together because Ettienne’s a snorer, so nobody wants to room with him," jokes Hugo. When asked what he’ll miss the most about coaching with FNB Wits, Ettienne says: “The things you pick up when working with players. The guys we worked with years ago still communicate with us. For Hugo and myself, it’s not just about what happens on the field, it’s the investment in the players off the field, and they invest in us too.” Hugo says he’ll miss the way Ettienne serves the team the most. “Because of his personality, he might not always agree with me, but because he cares, he’ll submit to what we decide. He made an enormous contribution to get Wits rugby to where it is today. "I’ll also miss the companionship; the fact that I can really open my heart to him, on the field and off the field; and the fact that we share the same challenges at home and in the corporate world,” Hugo adds. So what’s next for Ettienne? “I think it’s time for something else," he says. 'I don’t want to be involved in coaching. Not because it hasn’t been brilliant – it has – I just think it's time to stop.” WATCH: Brotherly banter after FNB Varsity Cup clash Photo: Dominic Barnardt/Varsity Cup

The FNB Varsity Cup is known for changing the lives of the players who come through the competition. However, lives have been changed off the field too. Since 2010, Varsity Cup has been proudly associated with worthwhile causes through its Pink Shorts campaign. The then “Man of the Match” (now FNB Player That Rocks) wore Pink Shorts in his next match, all in the name of cancer awareness and to help raise funds in the continued fight against the disease. In 2011, the message sent by wearing pink was to “keep the aggro on the field” and deter violence against women. Proceeds went towards the Varsity Cup Trust, which then donated to various women’s shelters nominated by each team. In 2018, the theme changed once again. This time it was to rally the country behind the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS). It provided a platform for young South African sportsmen to be heroes, and also rally their peers behind blood donation and the importance thereof. In 2019, FNB Varsity Cup teamed up with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa (PCMFSA) and highlighted the importance of water safety to South Africans. In 2020, FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield raised awareness of mental health, destigmatised mental health issues and encouraged the treatment of mental illness with the understanding that many students are suffering in silence. The campaign let them know that it’s OK to not be OK, and that there are places where it’s safe to #SpeakUp. Through the entire Pink Shorts campaign, Miss Varsity Cup and Miss Varsity Shield played an enormous role in being the campaign ambassador at their respective universities. Former Miss Varsity Cup UFS, Rolene Strauss, went on to win Miss South Africa and Miss World in 2014; Demi-Leigh Tebow (née Nel-Peters) was crowned Miss Varsity Cup NWU and won Miss South Africa and Miss Universe in 2017; and Sasha-Lee Laurel Olivier, former Miss Varsity Cup UJ, proudly represented South Africa in 2019. The Pink Shorts campaign will be the focus of the third Changing Lives banner at Tuks Stadium, which TV viewers will see for the first time on Monday, 26 April. The first banner, which was displayed during the first bubble from 4-10 April, featured 20 of the 48 FNB Varsity Cup players who have gone on to represent the Springboks. The second, which was displayed from 12-20 April during the first four rounds of the FNB Varsity Shield, featured FNB Varsity Cup and Shield success stories, including three Springboks, three Blitzboks and five trophy-lifting coaches.

FNB Maties tighthead prop Matimu 'Ganji' Manganyi is set to go up against former teammate, FNB NWU Eagles loosehead prop Botter Moloto, for the first time on Tuesday night. The teams will meet in a highly-anticipated Round 5 clash at Tuks Stadium (19:00 kick-off, SuperSport Rugby channel 211). The players' friendship dates back to primary school, where they both attended Laerskool Pietersburg Noord in Polokwane. Manganyi (23), who is a year younger than Moloto, has looked up to him since he was part of the school's U10 'Dream Team'. The two attended their first rugby trial together when Moloto was in Grade 7 and Manganyi in Grade 6. Manganyi says he really wanted to play for the 1st XV. "Everyone had a nickname, while I was still called by my [given] name, so I wanted to make the 1st XV to get a really cool nickname," he explains to VarsityCup.co.za. The best friends have been big fans of each other from early on. Manganyi admires Moloto's offloading ability, while Manganyi's athleticism impresses Moloto. "Ganji has always been a superstar," says Moloto. "He always scored long-distance tries and you would always hear people saying that he had a great game." The duo went their separate ways after primary school as Moloto attended Hoërskool Pietersburg and Hoërskool Ben Vorster welcomed Manganyi. They never got to play against each other in high school, but they did pack down in the front row together at North-West University. While in matric, Manganyi asked Moloto, who was at NWU, where he went to gym, so he could sign up with the hope of gaining muscle and looking like him by the time he reached university. “Our relationship grew when we both got to university," says Moloto. "Even though we were both playing prop, we were very supportive of each other. We both wanted to be successful so we helped and encouraged each other, and gave each other pointers.” Luckily for them, the only rivalry they had while staying in the same house at the Puk Dorp Men’s Residence for two years was playing Fifa, NBA or NFL on PlayStation. “We cooked, played games and went to church together," says Manganyi. "During pre-season, we would eat together in the kitchen and talk about what happened during the day – those were our decompression sessions. “There were tough times, but I always knew that Botter would sort me out," he adds. "I knew he would pull through for me and vice versa. We always took care of each other and that’s what makes this friendship so special.” Manganyi was initially a loosehead and Moloto a tighthead, but after struggling during a match for the Leopards U21s, Manganyi suggested that they switch positions mid-game. It must have worked as they have played those positions ever since. The last time they played together was for the senior Leopards team in 2019, when they both ended the game on the bench nursing serious injuries. However, on Tuesday night, when the FNB NWU Eagles take on FNB Maties, they will go head-to-head for the first time. “This match will show how much we have impacted each other’s lives over the years," says Manganyi. "This match is basically it for us, we may not get another chance to play against each other. It’s difficult to build relationships that last, so this will be a story to tell.” “We will talk about this game for years to come," says Moloto. "When we have kids, we’ll tell them who had the last laugh!" “When we were previously on the field together, it was a case of 'me versus you', and I think that’s the mentality we have going into this game," he adds. "The jersey you’re wearing, that’s who you’re representing. Friendship can come after the game – off the field, we’re brothers again.” Download the new FNB Varsity Cup App! Photos: Supplied/Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

Former FNB UFS Shimlas coach Franco Smith has fond memories of his successful FNB Varsity Cup stint in 2015. Smith coached Benetton Treviso in Italy from 2007 to 2013, before returning to Bloemfontein in early 2014 to become backline coach of the Free State Cheetahs. He was also appointed head coach of Shimlas for the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup. “The opportunity to coach Shimlas was the perfect one for me,” Smith tells VarsityCup.co.za. “I tried to marry my Super Rugby and European rugby experiences and presented it to a bunch of young South African players in a high-quality competition. The players bought into the new way of doing things, which was reflected in the way we played and the results we achieved.” In 2014, FNB UFS Shimlas finished fifth on the FNB Varsity Cup log, with three wins from seven matches. Under Smith in 2015, they won six of their seven league matches (with one draw) to finish second on the log (behind FNB UP-Tuks on points difference). They then beat FNB UCT Ikeys 21-10 in their home semi-final and pummelled FNB NWU Pukke 63-33 in the final at Shimla Park – scoring nine tries – to lift the FNB Varsity Cup for the first time. So what was the secret to their success that season? “The buy-in from all the players and coaches was very important,” says Smith, who earned nine Test caps for the Springboks as a flyhalf and inside centre. “We were clear in how we wanted to play. We wanted to play a winning brand of rugby and an entertaining brand of rugby. We wanted to score lots of tries and fill Shimla Park. “We were innovative and creative in how we went about things, which is why I think the score in the final was so high. The players really played for each other that season, enjoyed the environment we created and respected the jersey.” Smith says there were two decisive moments in their 2015 campaign, against the FNB Madibaz in Round 5 and the reigning champions FNB UCT a week later. “We only kicked one penalty goal in the whole tournament and that was in the last minute of our match against the Madibaz in Port Elizabeth [which Shimlas won 23-21]. It was an important result because we didn’t play well but still found a way to win. It also allowed us to remain unbeaten in the competition, which boosted the players’ confidence. “The second decisive moment was when we beat Ikeys [44-24] in Bloemfontein. That win came at the right time, in the middle of the competition, when our structures were falling into place. The players took great heart from it and realised then what hard work and belief could achieve.” A month after winning the FNB Varsity Cup, Smith was appointed head coach of the Cheetahs. He later became the union’s director of rugby, while also serving as the Springboks’ attack and skills coach under Rassie Erasmus. In 2018, Smith returned to the Cheetahs’ head coach role and they went on to win the Currie Cup in 2019. That was his Free State swansong as he joined the Italian national team as head coach shortly afterwards. Smith says the FNB Varsity Cup played an “important role” in his coaching career. “It’s an unbelievable competition,” he adds. “It was a great privilege and honour to be a part of it in 2015. The innovation, excitement and fearlessness the students brought to their game made it an unforgettable experience. “It’s a very important platform for players, especially those who develop a bit later on,” he adds. “There are a lot of players out there who need an opportunity like what the Varsity Cup provides. They get to experience different coaching styles from what they had at school, while playing in a quality, televised competition brings out the best in them. “The Varsity Cup is an integral part of South African rugby.” – This is the sixth instalment in a series of FNB Varsity Cup Changing Lives articles focusing on those whose lives were forever changed by Rugby That Rocks.

The 2014 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International will forever be etched in everyone's minds as the most-tightly contested tournament to date. It was capped off with one of the biggest and most dramatic comebacks in the final between FNB NWU-Pukke and FNB UCT Ikey Tigers. In this two-part series, Supersport will be airing the Varsity Saga, highlighting all the highs and lows of the 2014 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International campaign with a unique insight into the minds of the coaches and players. There were major upsets along the way, incredibly tight matches which went down to the wire and pre-tournament favourites were knocked out at the end of the round robin phase. Heading into the final match of the round robin fixtures, seven of the eight teams were in with a chance of making the play-offs, proving that the 2014 edition was the most-dramatic and tightly contested of all the Varsity Cup campaigns thus far. In what was meant to be a walk-over, the table topping FNB NWU-Pukke hosted last-placed and winless FNB Wits, who were in a tough relegation battle. The match turned out to be a tightly contested one in a wet Potchefstroom which eventually saw the home side walk away with a narrow 16-8 victory. In the final, NWU-Pukke looked to have their first-ever title wrapped up with a comfortable 33-15 lead heading into the final stages of the match, however, the proverbial fat lady was not ready to sing yet, and the UCT Ikey Tigers staged a dramatic comeback. Three tries in the final five minutes secured an unlikely 39-33 victory for the Cape students, to claim their second Varsity Cup title. See the schedule below: Schedule Date Series Season Episode Schedule Time Duration Channel Status 30-Dec-14 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 17:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Published 30-Dec-14 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 18:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Published 02-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 19:00 0:30 CSN /Supersport 1 Repeat 02-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 19:30 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 7:00 0:30 CSN /Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 7:30 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 13:20 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 13:50 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 04-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 23:45 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 05-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 0:15 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 06-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 4:00 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 06-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 4:30 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 08-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 7:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 08-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 7:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 09-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 17:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 09-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 18:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 15-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 20:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 15-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 21:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat

The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers' win in the 2014 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International final will long be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks of all time. Trailing 33-15 with five minutes to go against FNB NWU-Pukke in Potchefstroom, the Ikeys scored three unanswered tries to claim a famous 39-33 victory that was almost beyond belief. to order a copy of the book please click on http://alwaysbelieveinmagic.com Now the UCT RFC have brought out a book telling the story behind that incredible campaign which saw them claim their second Varsity Cup title. In "Always believe in Magic" Professor Tim Noakes, Ikeys coach Kevin Musikanth and former Test referee Jonathan Kaplan tell the inspiring story of the UCT Ikey Tigers journey in the 2014 Varsity Cup. “This is an incredibly inspiring book about overcoming the odds,” said Noakes, the eminent UCT Professor of Exercise and Sports Science, who is the hugely successful author of numerous publications; most recently he co-authored the bestselling The Real Meal Revolution. As a mentor of the UCT Ikey Tigers, he worked closely with the coaches on mental preparation and assisted in strengthening the mindset of the players and management. Noakes explained: “My key message is that the quality of your thinking determines the quality of your execution. Once a team decides and truly believes that it is going to win the game, it will play without the fear of error. And when that happens, the impossible becomes achievable. For the past seven years I have preached this principle to successive generations of young UCT rugby players without ever encountering any contradictory evidence. The 2014 Varsity Cup final strengthened my faith in this idea in a way I could never have foreseen.” Kaplan, the well-known South African rugby referee, is the most experienced match official in the history of the game. He returned to his alma mater UCT in 2014 when he became the Ikey Tigers’ assistant coach for player technical development, strategic thinking and referee matters. “It’s one thing to say ‘I believe’ but it’s another thing to actually act it out. I’ve been a referee for 34 years and I‘ve watched rugby since a very early age but I cannot remember there ever being such a dramatic finale to a match and such an awesome comeback as the one we witnessed on that night in Potch on 7 April 2014,” he said. Kevin Musikanth, who as UCT Head Coach and Director of Rugby masterminded the campaign, said: “Magic is around us all the time but it only becomes a reality for those who truly believe in it.” * Always Believe in Magic – The Greatest Comeback of All Time (216 pages, including two colour sections), is published by UCT RFC to order a copy of the book please click on http://alwaysbelieveinmagic.com

Experienced fullback Jarryd Buys will lead the new-look FNB NMMU Madibaz on their road to the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, team management announced in Port Elizabeth this week. Madibaz head coach David Maidza said Buys, who has been vice-captain for the past two years, was the ideal candidate, as he had strong personal integrity and a clear vision for his future. “Jarryd’s understanding of and authority over people around him, whether they be his juniors or seniors, is of the highest repute,” said Maidza. “I’m glad to have him return to NMMU for the Varsity Cup and he’ll prove worthy of his position in the team.” He said the approachable 24-year-old marketing student brought a much-needed calmness to the side. “Jarryd came back from an injury a couple of games into the tournament this year and the team immediately felt much more composed. He is well respected among his peers.” Buys – who also captained the national student Sevens side at the 2013 World University Games in Russia – said he was delighted to be stepping into the role vacated by front ranker Roy Godfrey, who has signed with French outfit Perpignan. “I’m really excited and looking forward to the new season. It brings new challenges, new players and new management. “We still don’t have that Varsity Cup trophy in our cabinet, so that’s keeping my hunger alive,” he said. With a completely new forward pack and a largely unchanged backline, Buys said the challenge would be to adapt the Madibaz game plan to suit the individuals on the field and get the best outcome for the team. “There is a new line-up of seniors and big changes from last year, so it’s a chance to start afresh and also build on what we have achieved over the past couple of seasons,” he said. Formerly overlooked as underdogs, the Madibaz came within striking distance of the trophy in 2013 and 2014 but suffered a single-point semifinal loss on both occasions. After being seen off by FNB NWU-Pukke in this year’s competition, the PE team will have a chance to avenge themselves in the first match of the new campaign on February 9. “Playing Pukke away in the first game of next season will be a huge test, as they are a team we’ve never beaten since the inception of Varsity Cup,” said Buys, whose semifinal drop goal was almost a game-changer this year. “We obviously want to take it one game at a time, especially with the first game being such a vital one, and then look to qualify for a semi again. “I’d be lying if I said we weren’t aiming to win it but first there are seven hurdles that lie in wait before the play-offs.” The Old Selbornian, who has also represented the Leopards and SWD Eagles Currie Cup squads, said his men had some serious work to do in order to advance their ambitions. “There’s a good mix of youth and experience and it’s a great opportunity for some of the younger guys to showcase their talent and put their hands up for future years under the guidance of the older guys.” Elliot-born Buys is no stranger to the Varsity Cup competition, having also represented Maties during his undergraduate studies in 2011 and 2012. He enrolled for a postgraduate course in financial planning at NMMU last year. “Building on the brotherhood we have at NMMU is something I’m striving to maintain and also grow. I think leadership is about trust and respect, and with that a team can achieve just about anything.” Buys is currently recovering from knee surgery and looking forward to leading his team onto the field for the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International. With four home games, three of which will be televised, he said he hoped to fill the Madibaz Stadium and “give the people an exciting brand of rugby to shout about”.

The FNB UKZN Impi squad was recently given a break from their examination and training schedule to spend a day gardening in the Garden of Hope at the Jes Foord Foundation’s Rape Crisis Centre in Mariannhill, KZN. The Rape Crisis Centre was recently in the media spotlight when it was forced to close its doors after burglars ransacked the facility. Rape survivor and foundation patron, Jes Foord was on hand to meet the UKZN lads, and outline the work done at the facility. The Impi have supported the Jes Foord Foundation’s crisis centres as their charity for the past three years, and funds accumulated during the Varsity Shield’s “pink ball tries” initiative are donated to the foundation. Trish Buchanan, project manager at the Jes Foord Foundation was appreciative of the help the students put in: “Thank you to the young who came to work in our Garden of Hope on Saturday, it was a huge help. We are looking forward to working with the team in 2015”. By Mark Schulze

The FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International for 2015 is set to continue its grand tradition of trying out experimental laws, further cementing the tournament’s status as a testing ground for the laws of rugby. This season sees the exciting reintroduction of the White Card – which was used in the inaugural 2008 Varsity Cup Final. The White Card is a card that can be used by either coach or captain to review a decision by the referee. This exciting experiment is endorsed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU). Andre Watson, SARU General Manager Referees, had the following to say on the white card. “This is a step in the right direction to assist referees to get that important decision correct, and to put some responsibility on the captain and coaches to help with the process.” The White Card challenge system is to only be used during the Varsity Cup. The team challenge, or White Card, can be called by the team coach or captain. During a stoppage in play they can request that the referee review a decision they believe to be incorrect, or request the referee to review an infringement that went unnoticed and requires appropriate sanction. Duitser Bosman, CEO of the Varsity Cup was extremely positive about the reintroduction of the White Card. “We at Varsity Cup started with the two referees this year and we are reintroducing now the white card this coming year in a process to get the game as fair as possible.” The process of a White Card challenge is as follows: The coach will inform the TMO of the request for a review via radio contact. The coach must advise details regarding the location on the field where the incident took place, the time it occurred as well as the phase in which it took place. The TMO will inform the referee of the challenge. The referee will then, at the next stoppage of play, raise a white card to indicate that a request for a review has been lodged. The TMO will then review the incident, and advise the on-field referee of the appropriate decision to be taken. The timing of the challenge is vital, as it should be done before the start of the next play. For example: if the whistle blows and a scrum is awarded, the challenge should have been lodged in order for the match officials to review the decision. If the scrum has commenced with the ball being fed, no review can take place. The coach, however, is not the only person who can lodge a team challenge. The on-field captain also has the right to review a decision. The team/captain’s challenge also has clear parameters for the usage thereof. Each team (either the coach or the captain) is allowed two challenges per game. This in turn is limited to a single challenge per half. If a challenge is successful, then it will remain intact for the remainder of the half. If a challenge is unsuccessful, the team will have no challenges remaining for the half. If a challenge is still intact at the end of a half, it expires. It is important to note the following terms regarding the experimental White Card law: • There is no limit on what can be reviewed by either the coach or captain, provided it concerns an infringement of Law or incorrect application. • The outcome of the review by the TMO and the referee is final, and stands regardless. Laws changed by Varsity Cup in the past: • Eight players on the bench which is being used world-wide in test matches; • Three point conversions and the two points penalties which is used in the Australian Domestic League • Free catch rule • 2 referee rule Varsity Cup 2015 is set to be another action packed tournament, be sure to catch all the action on SuperSport 201 on Monday nights from 9 February at 16.45.

Franco Smith will be hoping to transfer his European coaching experience to the FNB Shimlas as he heads into his debut FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International season. Smith, who is also an assistant coach at the Free State Cheetahs, previously held the head coach position at Pro12 club Benetton Treviso between 2007 and 2013 and will be looking to merge the European style of play with the attitude of the Southern Hemisphere. "I always dreamt of combining the attitude and ability of the Southern Hemisphere with the style of the Northern Hemisphere style, so hopefully we can blend it and play an expansive brand that has become synonymous with the Cheetahs. "I gained a lot of experience when I was over there [in Italy] and I see things a little differently now. Hopefully I can contribute that experience to the team and make an impact. "It's a short time to get a lot of it across and I know everything won't happen in three or four months but we are prepared to equip the large group, not only for this season but future seasons," he said. Smith will be assisted by backline coach Jaco Swanepoel and forwards coach Hendro Scholtz for the upcoming tournament and the trio have already been putting the 50-man squad through their paces but will also be relying on the expertise of consultants throughout the campaign. "We started our pre-season about four weeks ago and are about to reach the end of phase one of the process. We will come together again for 10 days in December and then again early in the new year. "The plan is to keep the 50-man squad together for the entire pre-season as we are not only looking at the upcoming season, but also to the next season, so we want a bit of progression. We are trying to do as much as we can with the big group and then, when we need to implement finer details, the squad will be cut," he added. The FNB Shimlas have played an integral part in blooding the next generation of Currie Cup, Super Rugby and Springbok players, none more so than Springbok Tebogo 'Oupa' Mohoje, who represented them in the 2014 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International. "We are very proud of all of them and they serve as a big stimulation to the current players. There is no greater inspiration to our players than Oupa Mohoje, who went all the way by becoming a Springbok. "His success, and the success of others who have played in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions, not only proves the value this competition but it also goes to show that committed can open doors for you. "Oupa is very popular on campus and believes in the Shimlas, which is awesome for us, and we are hoping that when he is available, we could use his experience as a consultant or a motivational speaker," he stated. It's going to be an exciting campaign for the Bloemfontein-based students as they are able to draw on some exciting young players: Neil Klaasen, Tienie Burger, AJ Coertzen, Zee Mkhabela and Ox Nche, who are almost certain to set the Varsity Cup alight.

NWU-Pukke had a near-perfect 2014 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International season, winning six and losing one, as they topped the log and securing a home final. With seemingly one hand on the trophy, they somehow managed to let a comfortable lead slip and fell at the hurdle but head coach Robert Du Preez believes they have learnt a valuable lesson from that match which holds them in good stead for the 2015 season. "It [the season] was a great experience for all the players. We played really good rugby [throughout the campaign] but it [the final] was proof there are no favourites in a final. "The one big lesson we have learnt is that you have to play until the last minute and it's not over until the final whistle goes. It was the first time we played in the final but that's rugby. "We thought we had one-hand on the trophy with five minutes left in the final but that just shows you how unpredictable rugby can be," he said. Du Preez said he and the players are excited about the upcoming season and has assembled an initial squad of approximately 50 players which will be trimmed down early 2015 after they had some practice matches. "Everyone is excited and looking forward to the new season. We are arranging a camp which will incorporate a friendly games as part of it. It makes it [the camp] more exciting. "We have roughly 15 new players in the squad who have come through the ranks and have either played for the Leopards Under-19 or U-21 sides. "We have arranged to play against the Golden Lions and we are in the process of liasing with the Sharks," he added. Pukke will be without the services of numerous players who have either completed their studies or have exceeded the age limit. These players include outstanding prop Armand van der Merwe - who shot onto the scene with sublime performances for the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, Hofmann Marit - who has signed for the Pumas, Francois Robertse - who will be playing at the Leopards and Juan Language. Despite losing some key players, Pukke still have the likes of utility back Sylvian Mahuza and explosive wing Luther Obi to make an impact for them. Du Preez will have an unchanged coaching staff for the upcoming season and will be looking to provide the players with the necessary skills training which could see them emulate the likes of Oupa Mahoje. "Varsity Cup is such a great vehicle for exposure for any player with aspirations and hopefully all the guys will take their opportunities and play well so that they can also, one day, play in the Currie Cup, Super Rugby and hopefully, the Springboks," he stated.

There will be plenty of familiar faces in the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International as only one coach will be making his debut, while FNB CUT Ixias earned their place in the Cup competition after gaining promotion from the Varsity Shield. FNB Shimlas have recruited former Springbok, Franco Smith as their head coach and FNB CUT Ixias have once again placed their faith in Andre 'Skillie' Bester, who guided them to the 2014 Varsity Shield title and promotion to the Cup competition. Here is a comparison of the men in charge for 2015 and their credentials: Kevin Musikanth - FNB UCT Ikey Tigers Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (winners) Other experience: WP amateurs, False Bay RFC WP Super League, Wynberg Boys High School director of rugby Musikanth enjoyed immediate success in his debut season with the FNB Ikey Tigers as he coached the side to their second FNB Varsity Cup title. He replaced Kevin Foote as head coach after the latter moved to Australia to take up the defensive coach position with the Super Rugby franchise, the Western Force. Musikanth has enjoyed great success as False Bay RFC coach, earning them promotion to the Western Province Super League A twice in two separate stints with the club as well coaching the impressive Wynberg Boys High first XV. Robert Du Preez - FNB NWU Pukke Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (2nd) Other experience: College Rovers (2011-13) 2014 was a milestone year for Du Preez and NWU-Pukke, as he guided the Potchefstroom students to their first-ever home final after topping the table. In his playing days, Du Preez represented the Springboks on seven occasions between 1992 and 1993 and was the scrumhalf to two of South Africa's legendary flyhalves, Naas Botha (at Northern Transvaal, now Blue Bulls) and Joel Stransky (at Natal). Before coaching Pukke, Du Preez enjoyed plenty of success with Durban-based amateur side, College Rovers, guiding them to second place in the inaugural Community Cup in 2013. His son, who shares the same name, represented Maties as a flyhalf in the FNB Varsity Cup. Chris Rossouw - FNB Maties Varsity Cup experience: 2013 (2nd), 2014 (semifinal) Other experience: Paarl Gimnasium (2010), Victorians (2011), SA Students (2013) Returning for his third stint with the FNB Maties, Rossouw will be looking to take the institution back to the glory days which saw them claim a hat trick of titles between 2008 and 2010. The younger brother of Springbok wing, Pieter 'Slapchips' Rossouw, the flyhalf made his made Springbok debut in 2000 against Argentina 'A', a the age of 23, in Tucuman and played his last tour match a year later against an England National Division XV in Worcester. A back-to-back Currie Cup winner with Western Province in 2000 and 2001, Chris was also one of the first players to head North where he played for Toulon in France. David Maidza - FNB NMMU Madibaz Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (semifinal) Other experience: Border Bulldogs (2001, 2008-2009), Free State Cheetahs (2003-2007), EP Kings (2010-2013) Maidza's coaching career started in 2001, after his playing career ended, when he became a technical adviser to the Border Bulldogs. He then moved to Bloemfontein to take up an assistant coach position at the Cheetahs from 2003 to 2007 before returning to the Bulldogs as their head coach in 2008 and 2009. He then joined the Eastern Province Kings as an assistant backline coach in 2010 and became the head coach of their Vodacom Cup side for the 2013 season before taking up the role with the Madibaz in 2014. In his playing days, he represented Zimbabwe's national Under-21 and Under-23 teams before earning a call-up to the national side in 1993, where he made his debut against an Arabian Gulf team, in a qualifier for the 1995 World Cup. He made a total of 5 appearances in 1993 and 1994. In 1996, he moved to South Africa and represented the Border Bulldogs and had a brief stint with the Sharks squad for the 1999 Super 12 season. Franco Smith - FNB Shimlas Varsity Cup experience: None Other experience: Free State Cheetahs (2005-2006), Benetton Treviso (2007-2013) He may be the only newcomer to the Varsity Cup fraternity but Smith has a wealth of experience, not only as a coach but also as a player. His coaching career started in 2005 when he was the technical advisor for the Free State Cheetahs before becoming their backline coach on 2006. Smith then went to Italy where he was the head coach of Benetton Treviso between 2007 and 2013. He then returned to South Africa to once again join the Cheetahs as an assistant coach in 2014. Smith has an illustrious player career spanning 10 years where he represented Griquas (1996-1997), the Blue Bulls (1998-2002), Benetton Treviso (2000-2005) and the Cheetahs (2006). He received his first Springbok cap in 1996 and went on to represent the Boks in 9 Test matches between 1996 and 1999. Pote Human - FNB UP Tuks Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (6th) Other experience: Blue Bulls (2005-06), Bulls forwards coach (2005-08), Griquas (2012-13) Human inherited double-defending champions from Nollis Marais but was unable to guide them to a hat trick of titles, finishing in a lowly sixth place. Human has a wealth of experience, previously coaching the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup (2005-06) and being their Super Rugby forwards coach (2005-08) before heading to Kimberley to coach Griquas for two years (2012-13). Werner Janse van Rensburg - FNB UJ Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (7th) Other experience: UJ Under-19, Golden Lions Academy Week, Golden Lions Schools U19, Golden Lions Craven Week Janse van Rensburg could not have asked for a worse start to his Varsity Cup career as UJ ended seventh on the log and narrowly escaped relegation to the Varsity Shield by beating UKZN-Ipmi, who are coached by former All Black and Golden Lions coach John Mitchell. He started his coaching career at the tender age of 21 when he was in charge of the university's Under-19B side and also coached a number of other UJ sides, along with some representative age-group teams. He served as the Golden Lions Academy Week coach in 2006 and 2007 before taking charge of the Golden Lions U19 Schools side in 2008 and 2009 and, eventually, serving as Golden Lions Craven Week coach from 2010 through to 2013. Andre 'Skillie' Bester - FNB CUT Ixias Varsity Cup experience: None Other experience: UFS-Kovsies (12 years), Free State Craven Week (2004-05), Wannaroo (2006-08), Varsity Shield (2014 winners) In his first year of coaching FNB CUT Ixias, Bester not only guided them to their third Varsity Shield title but also got them promoted to the 2015 Varsity Cup competition. Skillie, as he better known, began as the manager of the team in 2011 and watched the team claim two Shield titles in 2011 and 2013 as well as finishing runners up in 2012 before taking over as coach. Bester will be joined by former Free State Cheetahs lock, Izak van der Westerhuisen who will be the forwards' coach.