The FNB Emeris Comets start their new life in the FNB Varsity Cup when they take on FNB UJ at the UJ Stadium on Monday evening, starting at 19:00 (SA Time). It's been a rapid rise to the country's premier university rugby competition for the Comets, who won the FNB Varsity Shield in 2025 and gained promotion to the top table after two strong seasons in the second division.
As the first KwaZulu-Natal-based tertiary institution in the Varsity Cup, the Comets have already made history before they step on the pitch on Monday.
The Comets will go into the new season with a number of new faces. They will rely heavily on a group of players that got them into the Cup competition.
Jacques Marais and AB Mthembu will lead the side and have been instrumental in getting the Comets into the Varsity Cup.
Head coach Jeremy McLaren says that the preparation has gone as well as it could have as they prepare for what's going to be a difficult opening match in the competition.
"The last 15 weeks have definitely given us some time to get through our processes, and I think we are ready to go," McLaren said. "The guys are eager to get going, and we'll be able to see where we are after this opening match."
It's a different start for the Comets, who will be on the road for their opening two matches of the tournament.
"We had two home games to start both of our Varsity Shield campaigns, so this is going to be a challenge playing away in our first two matches this year. UJ is a well-respected team with good coaches, so I think that the reality is that we don't have too much to go on, but that means that our focus has to be on our processes. We are wary of the x-factor players that UJ have got, but we've also got those players who will make it a good game," McLaren added.
With very little Varsity Cup experience amongst the group, McLaren's message to his side was that he wanted his players to show confidence in their ability.
"I want the guys to go out there and express themselves," the coach mentioned. "I don't want them to come off the field and regret anything. I've given them the licence to give it a go, and we'll see what happens."
"We might not have a lot of experience playing at this level, but we've prepared at the highest level possible."
There will be a number of debutants for the Emeris Comets on Monday, with six players in the starting line-up earning their first cap for Emeris.