A desperate NMU Madibaz side will kick off their bid to win promotion to the top-tier FNB Varsity Cup with a tough opener against Varsity College in Durban on February 14.
The Gqeberha students are determined to go all the way and must win a series of tough Varsity Shield matches including East Cape derbies against Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu universities to achieve their goal.
SA’s top universities are gearing up to deliver next-level action as the best student players go head-to-head in front of passionate fans at packed stadiums nationwide.
The excitement kicks off with the Varsity Shield competition on February 14, followed by the Varsity Cup on February 17.
More than 50 Varsity Cup and Shield players have gone on to wear the green and gold, proving this platform is a critical stepping stone in SA rugby.
Varsity Cup founder and CEO, Francois Pienaar, says the 2025 tournament promises to be the best.
“The 2025 Varsity Cup is going to the next level,” he said.
“We’re stepping up on all fronts, creating great moments and inspiring the future stars of South African rugby.
“This year, we celebrate the Varsity Cup and Shield as the perfect springboard for talent, bridging university and professional rugby, while shining a brighter spotlight on the rapid growth of women’s rugby.
“The tournaments have become synonymous with producing world-class talent, but it’s more than a rugby competition.
“This is where student athletes grow, thrive, and dream big.
“I can’t wait to see what this season has in store.
“So prepare for next-level rugby, next-level talent, and next-level sportainment where champions are made, and the future of South African rugby is forged.”
Varsity Cup champions Shimlas have promised to play exciting rugby in 2025 after their dramatic 2024 final win over the UCT Ikeys.
Shimlas head coach Andre Tredoux said: “Winning the trophy in 2024 was very rewarding for the hard work and effort the team put into the campaign.
“The students celebrated well, with a successful team many players got opportunities to play professional rugby, and we also had a high number of graduates.
“2025 is a new challenge and we will stay true to our brand to play attractive running rugby.
“The team has been preparing well and is excited to give everything in the upcoming campaign, we will play without fear and embrace the challenge.”
UP-Tuks, who dominated the Shield competition, are ready to return and make their mark in the Varsity Cup after winning back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
Head coach Dewey Swartbooi said his team was ready to step up and compete with the best, focused on delivering a performance that spoke for itself.
“We are happy to be back in the Varsity Cup competition and rolling with the big boys, we just want to give a good account of ourselves,” he said.
The Shield competition will also see the addition of Sol Plaatje who replaced TUT after winning the promotion relegation play-off.
The Kimberley-based unit is chomping at the bit to show why they should be taken seriously as a potential title contender, and at the helm will be head coach Johnathan Francke, who brings a wealth of experience to the table.
“To be part of the FNB Varsity Shield is a great achievement for us, but more so a huge honour to put Kimberley on the map,” he said.
“We’ve seen what it means for the town when the Griquas perform well, and we draw energy from the team to perform as well.
“The team is well prepared for the season, and we are very much looking forward to the start of the tournament.”
Madibaz fixtures: February 14 vs Varsity College (away), February 21 vs Fort Hare (home), February 28 vs KZN (away), March 7 vs Western Cape (away), March 14 vs Walter Sisulu (away), March 21 vs Sol Plaatje (home), March 28 vs Cape Penisula University of Technology (home).
April 4: semifinals.
April 11: final.
The Herald
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