The 2026 FNB Varsity Shield kicks off this week, ushering in another thrilling season of high-intensity, action-packed rugby across stadiums nationwide. FNB SPU, affectionately known as the Gemmies, enter their second year in the competition during the 15th edition of the tournament. Buoyed by last season’s spirited performances, they have firmly set their sights on a semi-final berth after narrowly missing out in 2025.
Entering the 2025 campaign, SPU had few benchmarks and was still adjusting to the pace of Varsity Shield rugby. That baptism by fire, however, proved invaluable.
Facing more established sides, the Gemmies quickly showed they wouldn’t be intimidated. Though several games ended in narrow heartbreaks, the season highlighted steady growth and resilience.
“Going into last season, we didn’t really know what to expect,” said Jan Potgieter, the captain, reflecting. “But that experience has shaped the way we think this year. Every player understands the level now and knows exactly what we’re heading into.”
That clarity has been a defining feature of SPU’s preparation this time around. While effort and intent were never in question in 2025, consistency across the full 80 minutes often proved elusive a reality the squad has confronted head-on.
“We were only performing in certain stages of games,” the captain admitted. “We weren’t an 80-minute team. That’s been a big focus this year, pairing a full-game performance with high physical presence and a high-tempo approach.”
Managing that belief, however, requires balancing a responsibility shared across the leadership group rather than resting on one individual.
Depth within the squad has further supported that approach. The arrival of new players has injected hunger and intensity into the environment, raising standards across the board.
“When new guys come in hungry for opportunity, it pushes the older players to show why they’re here,” he said.
“The internal competition is tough, but that’s a positive. It creates a strong blend between new players and experienced campaigners.
“Not everything is going to go your way on the day,” said the captain. “You must adapt and find solutions. We’ve tried to build that into our training, putting ourselves in tricky situations and learning how to respond.”
FNB SPU Provisional Squad:
Stèphan du Toit, Jaiden Faviers, John Southward, Kamogelo Leshupi, Emile Noble, Jan Potgieter (C), Liam Harmse, Raqeeb Kapery, Ntokozo Ndwalane, Kwandokuhle Dlamini, Tumelo Papane, Lihlumelo Gunguta, Jacobus Johannes Fourie, Kabelo Keagile, Gareth Maree, Tyron China, Luke Davids, Dwayne Lubbe, Divine Ambrose, Ashwen Rademeyer, Calvin Paulsen, Cameron Primo, Fuzuledean Saim, Liyabona Maplanga, Michael Prinsloo, Raees Sahabodien, Keletso Seoposengwe, Kwanda Mhlongo, Enzo Machaba, Aiden Holtzhausen, Tadean Barkley, Mvelo Ndwalane, Sthabiso Dube, Tshifhiwa Jnr Mudau, Jade Peterson, Joshua Vomberg, Malwande Hlophe, Chadwin Sellidon, DeAndre Mouwers, Tshiamo Tsiane, Malachi Mafaro.