what is varsity cup? The FNB Varsity Cup is an annual South African tournament involving the country’s top rugby-playing universities. We are are grassroots organisation passionate about keeping the spirit of sports alive and providing opportunities for young athletes to perform at their best. Current Champions 2022 CHAMPIONS: FNB UP-TUKS FNB UP-TUKS 29-23 FNB MATIES (Danie Craven Stadium) Scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde scored a try at the death as FNB UP-Tuks edged FNB Maties 29-23 in a dramatic final staged in Stellenbosch. PREVIOUS WINNERS: FNB Maties won the competition from 2008 to 2010 and then in 2018 and 2019, while FNB UP-Tuks won it in 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2021. FNB UCT Ikeys are two-time winners (2011 and 2014), while FNB UFS Shimlas (2015) and FNB NWU (2016) are the other teams to have lifted the sought-after trophy. History Since launching in 2008, the FNB Varsity Cup has always been at the forefront; whether it be in ‘sportainment’, rules or innovation. Here, in short, is how the tournament has led the way: 2008 FNB Varsity Cup launched with the tournament taking place over just six weeks, including a bumper weekend of matches in George. Koshuis Rugby also started this year. *The White Card rule was adopted. 2009 The competition expanded 2009 to a weekly format and the Miss Varsity Cup competition was added. 2010 FNB Maties remained undefeated, going on to win the third title in succession. *Pink Shorts were introduced 2011 FNB Varsity Shield was founded. Meanwhile, FNB UCT won the FNB Varsity Cup with Demetri Catrakilis setting the competition record for most points in a season (136). 2012 FNB Wits won the FNB Varsity Shield to earn the first promotion (to the FNB Varsity Cup) in the tournament’s history. *A new point scoring system was trialled 2013 FNB UP-Tuks won the final as future Springbok Handré Pollard kicked five conversions and one penalty with a 100% success rate. Oupa Mohojé, another future international, of FNB Shimlas was voted th FNB UP-Tuks won the final as future Springbok Handré Pollard kicked five conversions and one penalty with a 100% success rate. Oupa Mohojé, another future international, of FNB Shimlas was voted the FNB Player That Rocks for the season. 2014 FNB UCT famously came back from 33-15 down with five minutes to play, to win the final 39-33. This year was also the year of the first ever penalty shootout aired on live TV, as FNB UFS Young Guns beat FNB UP-Tuks Young Guns in the FNB Young Guns final. 2015 FNB Shimlas won their first FNB Varsity Cup title, remaining undefeated for the entire season under coach Franco Smith. *The Dream Team was added 2016 The Nine-Point Try was introduced, with players able to score seven or nine points for a try, rather than five, for play beginning further out than the opposition’s 22. 2017 In the 10th year of the FNB Varsity Cup, three new universities joined (FNB WSU, FNB Rhodes and FNB CPUT) as FNB Varsity Shield increased to seven teams and FNB Wits were added as a ninth team in FNB Varsity Cup. *New Red Card rule was introduced 2018 Former Springbok, Chester Williams leads FNB UWC to promotion from the FNB Varsity Shield. 2019 FNB Maties have another perfect season, to extend their title record to five. 2020 Will Springbok number 50 be capped this year? *North vs South match will be introduced