Former FNB Varsity Cup player Handré Pollard, who recently signed with the Vodacom Bulls, will become the highest-paid player in the history of South African rugby.
The 31-year-old Springbok flyhalf is one of the most notable players to have emerged from the FNB UP-Tuks rugby program, having played in the 2013 FNB Varsity Cup winning team.
Pollard's journey from FNB Varsity Cup rugby to becoming a key player in the Springboks’ 2019 and 2023 back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in Japan and France respectively highlights the crucial role that the tournament has played in developing future rugby stars.
Pollard, known for his composure under pressure and exceptional kicking skills, credits the FNB Varsity Cup for helping him grow as a player.
“The Varsity Cup was a key part of my development. It was a competitive environment that helped me grow as a player and prepared me for the rigours of international rugby,” shared Pollard.
His rise to international stardom culminated in his recent signing with the Vodacom Bulls, where he will become the highest-paid player in South African rugby history.
FNB UP-Tuks has also produced other standout players who have gone on to achieve international success. Notable among them is Springbok lock Marvin Orie, who was part of the 2013 Varsity Cup-winning team.
Orie’s leadership and tough playing style contributed to the Springboks’ success, and he credits the FNB Varsity Cup with shaping his discipline and work ethic. Reflecting on the experience, Orie now plies his trade in France.
“The Varsity Cup was a stepping-stone for me. It not only gave me the platform to showcase my skills but also allowed me to grow as a player and person, paving the way for my professional career,” said Orie.
Similarly, Franco Mostert, a graduate of UP-Tuks, played an integral role in South Africa’s 2019 World Cup campaign. The Bok lock is known for its high work rate.
“Playing in the Varsity Cup was a stepping-stone to my career. It provided a solid foundation for my development into a Springbok.”
These players’ journeys from FNB UP-Tuks to World Cup glory highlight the importance of university rugby as a platform for nurturing and developing future international stars.