As the excitement of the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield tournament reaches fever pitch ahead of the playoff stages, rugby fans across SA are gearing up for the third edition of the FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament scheduled to kick off on Friday, 14 March.
The women's tournament has continued to grow, fueling the passion for women’s rugby at the university level in South Africa. This season is set to deliver even more intense competition, following an unforgettable 2024 final where FNB UFH made history by dethroning Maties in a thrilling 37-31 victory, setting the stage for what is sure to be a fiercely contested 2025 competition.
FNB UFH coach Ntyatyambo Mkhafu said that winning the 2024 title was a huge milestone for the Baby Blues with a positive impact on the team and the institution.
“It was massive for us because it was the first time we won the tournament. We needed that win because we’ve been producing many Springbok players in recent years. It meant so much to the players and the university. It encouraged them to push even harder and believe that they can achieve their dreams.”
Mkhafu also praised the women’s edition of the FNB Varsity Cup as an important tool to contribute to the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa.
"The tournament has played a significant role because we are now getting players who want to come to our university and play in the Varsity Cup. It’s enabled us to groom the next generation of Springbok players. One of my players from last year was called up to the Springbok camp after playing in the Varsity Cup. That shows you the importance of this tournament.”
This year the tournament will be taking it to the next level by broadcasting some of the featured games live on SuperSport, allowing fans across the country to witness the action as it unfolds.
Building on the success of last year, the 2025 edition will still feature six teams, FNB UWC, FNB Maties, FNB UP-Tuks, FNB UJ, FNB UKZN and defending champions FNB UFH. Teams will compete in a cross-pool-based structure, ensuring more action-packed encounters.
The opening clash sees a repeat of last year's final where defending champions FNB UFH will take on FNB Maties at 14:00 on Friday, 14 March, at Davidson Stadium in Alice. Fans should also mark their calendars for the highly anticipated final, set to take place on Friday, 11 April.
With the increased exposure and the introduction of live broadcasts, the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament is taking it to the next level, inspiring a new generation of women’s rugby players and delivering the rugby that rocks.