The countdown is on for South Africa’s most enjoyable and aggressive pupil rugby tournaments – the Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield!
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The nation’s prime universities are gearing as much as ship next-level rugby motion as the most effective pupil gamers go head-to-head in entrance of passionate followers at packed stadiums nationwide.
The pleasure kicks off with the Varsity Shield competitors on Friday, 14 February, adopted by the Varsity Cup on Monday, 17 February.
And the Round 1 fixtures for each tournaments have now been confirmed!
VARSITY SHIELD
Friday, 14 February
Varsity College vs Madibaz – 16:00
UWC vs WSU – 19:00
CPUT vs UFH – 19:00
SPU vs UKZN – 19:00 (Live on SuperSport)
VARSITY CUP
Monday, 17 February
UCT Ikeys vs NWU Eagles – 16:45 (Live on SuperSport)
Maties vs UFS Shimlas – 19:00 (Live on SuperSport)
Wits vs UP-Tuks – 19:00
UJ vs CUT – 19:00
Next technology
With the Springboks’ back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs nonetheless recent in our minds, the highlight now shifts to the following technology of potential stars.
More than 50 Varsity Cup and Shield gamers have gone on to put on the inexperienced and gold, proving this platform is a vital stepping stone in South African rugby.
Varsity Cup founder and CEO, Francois Pienaar, stays as enthusiastic as ever in regards to the event’s affect.
“2025 Varsity Cup goes to the Next Level. We’re stepping up on all fronts, creating nice moments and galvanizing the longer term stars of South African rugby. This 12 months, we rejoice the Varsity Cup and Shield as the right springboard for expertise, bridging college {and professional} rugby, whereas shining a brighter highlight on the fast development of girls’s rugby.
“The tournaments have become synonymous with producing world-class talent, but it’s more than a rugby competition; it’s where student athletes grow, thrive, and dream big. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store!”
“Get ready for next-level rugby, next-level talent, and next-level sportainment where champions are made, and the future of South African rugby is forged!”
This 12 months brings some thrilling updates:
- Friday Night Lights: Most Varsity Shield matches will now happen on Fridays, making a weekend buzz that followers can stay up for.
- Mascot Mania: Team mascots are again, bringing vibrant power to each recreation. Expect dance-offs, crowd interactions, and loads of workforce spirit!
- Women’s Rugby Growth: Following the success of final 12 months’s Varsity Cup Women’s competitors, 2025 will see the highest 6 girls’s groups compete for glory with a number of matches being broadcast for the primary time ever.
For the defending Varsity Cup champions, the UFS Shimlas, the season begins with excessive expectations after their dramatic 2024 last win over the UCT Ikeys.
Shimlas head coach Andre Tredoux is conserving the workforce targeted.
“Winning the trophy in 2024 was very rewarding for the arduous work and energy the workforce put into the marketing campaign. The college students celebrated effectively, with a profitable workforce many gamers received alternatives to play skilled rugby, we additionally had a excessive variety of graduates.
2025 is a brand new problem and we are going to keep true to our model to play engaging working rugby. The workforce has been making ready effectively and are excited to provide all the pieces within the upcoming marketing campaign, we are going to play with out worry and embrace the problem.”
Meanwhile, UP-Tuks, who dominated the Varsity Shield competitors, are able to return and make their mark as soon as extra within the premiere competitors after profitable back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
When requested in regards to the Stripe Generation’s strategy to being promoted, head coach Dewey Swartbooi received straight to the purpose, making it clear that his workforce is able to step up and compete with the most effective, targeted on delivering a efficiency that speaks for itself.
“We are glad to be again within the Varsity Cup competitors and rolling with the large boys, we simply need to give a superb account of ourselves.“
The Shield competitors may even see the addition of Sol Plaatjes who exchange TUT after profitable the promotion relegation playoff.
The Kimberley-based unit is chomping on the bit to point out why they need to be taken critically as a possible title contender and on the helm might be head coach Johnathan Francke who brings a wealth of expertise to the desk.
“To be part of the Varsity Shield is a great achievement for us, but more so a huge honor to put Kimberley on the map. We’ve seen what it means for the town when the Griquas perform, 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,” says Francke.
With the most effective younger expertise on show, thrilling matches, and an electrical ambiance that solely Varsity Rugby can provide, 2025 guarantees to be one other unforgettable season of subsequent degree motion.
Which groups do you assist within the Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield?
Let us know by leaving a remark beneath, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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