The highly anticipated 2025 Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield rugby tournaments are almost here, bringing the country’s top university teams together for some next-level action.
The competition kicks off with the Varsity Shield on February 14, followed by the Varsity Cup on February 17.
The opening fixtures for both tournaments have now been confirmed, and fans are already buzzing with excitement as they prepare to watch some of South Africa’s brightest rugby stars in action.
Varsity Shield Kickoff
The Varsity Shield will begin on Friday, February 14, with the following matchups:
- Varsity College vs Madibaz at 16:00
- UWC vs WSU at 19:00
- CPUT vs UFH at 19:00
- SPU vs UKZN at 19:00 (Live on SuperSport)
Varsity Cup Action
The Varsity Cup follows on Monday, February 17, with the opening round set to deliver some thrilling encounters:
- UCT Ikeys vs NWU Eagles at 16:45 (Live on SuperSport)
- Maties vs UFS Shimlas at 19:00 (Live on SuperSport)
- Wits vs UP-Tuks at 19:00
- UJ vs CUT at 19:00
A New Generation of Rugby Talent
With the Springboks’ impressive Rugby World Cup victories still fresh in the minds of fans, the Varsity Cup and Shield tournaments take on even greater significance as they serve as a platform for emerging stars.
More than 50 former players from these tournaments have gone on to represent South Africa on the international stage, proving that the Varsity Cup is a vital stepping stone in the country’s rugby development.
Francois Pienaar, the founder and CEO of the Varsity Cup, is as passionate as ever about the competition’s impact.
The 2025 Varsity Cup is going to the Next Level,” he says.
“We’re stepping up on all fronts, creating great moments and inspiring the future stars of South African rugby.”
Pienaar also highlights the growing importance of women’s rugby in this year’s tournaments, with the top six women’s teams set to compete for the first time with several matches being broadcast to a larger audience.
New Features for 2025
This year’s Varsity competitions bring some exciting updates that will enhance the experience for fans and players alike:
- Friday Night Lights: Most Varsity Shield matches will now take place on Fridays, bringing extra excitement to the weekends.
- Mascot Mania: Team mascots will be back in full force, with dance-offs and crowd interactions making each game even more fun.
- Women’s Rugby Growth: Following the success of last year’s Women’s Varsity Cup, 2025 will see even more growth in this area, with new opportunities for female athletes.
Defending Champions Set to Defend Their Title
For the defending Varsity Cup champions, the UFS Shimlas, the 2025 season begins with high hopes following their dramatic victory over UCT Ikeys in the 2024 final.
Head coach Andre Tredoux remains focused on keeping the team grounded, despite their success.
“2025 is a new challenge, and we will stay true to our brand of playing attractive running rugby,” says Tredoux.
“The team is well-prepared and excited to give everything in the upcoming campaign.”
Meanwhile, UP-Tuks, who dominated the Varsity Shield competition in 2021 and 2022, are returning to the Varsity Cup and are ready to make a strong impact.
Head coach Dewey Swartbooi is confident that his team is ready to compete with the best.
“We are happy to be back in the Varsity Cup competition,” says Swartbooi.
“We just want to give a good account of ourselves.”
Newcomers to Watch
The Varsity Shield competition will also see the addition of Sol Plaatjes, who have replaced TUT after winning the promotion/relegation playoff.
This Kimberley-based team is eager to prove themselves and is led by experienced head coach Johnathan Francke.
“It’s an honor to put Kimberley on the map,” Francke says. “The team is well-prepared, and we’re excited for the season ahead.”
An Unforgettable Season Awaits
With the best young talent on display and thrilling matches on the horizon, the 2025 Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield promise to deliver another unforgettable season.
Fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the action, and the atmosphere in the stadiums will be electric.
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