FNB UP-Tuks were crowned Varsity Cup champions (34-27) after an exciting final against FNB UCT Ikeys at the Tuks Stadium in 2021. Tuks also won the Varsity Cup in 2012, 2013 and 2017.
FNB UP-Tuks head coach Nico Luus said "Obviously we want to play an exciting brand of running rugby, but you need a good defence and kicking game to win the tournament. We won’t lose sight of those aspects. There are a lot of teams gunning for us this year, and a lot of good coaches who may be looking to prove a point. The threat of relegation will make for a fierce contest right through the tournament. We know what we’re up against."
"We lost 14 players at the end of last season. That’s what happens when you enjoy some success, there’s a cross on your back. But it’s not an excuse, we will be going all out again this year. It’s quite a young squad, but if we start the campaign well I believe that we will be a force."
Squad:
Loosehead Prop: Ethan Burger, Milan Ferreira.
Hooker: Temba Boltina, Werner Fourie, Dian Marais, Edwin Till, Ruan van Blommestein, Allister Williams.
Tighthead Prop: Jaco du Toit, Barnard Nortje, Damien Swartz, Daniel Wessels.
Lock: Roald Hattingh, Gomo Jiane, Louis Meiring, Justice Nkombua.
Flanker: Franco Enslin, Hilton Gie, Sihle Hadebe, Juandre Jooste, Eduan Lubbe, Dian Schoonees, Marco Venter, Herman Visser.
Eighth Man: Orateng Koikanyang, Dillon Smith.
Scrumhalf: Keean Barnard, Keeun Kirkham, Johan Muller, Jayden Sam.
Flyhalf: Jandre Burger, Walter Visser, JP Wentzel.
Centre: Emmanuel Bhiya, Stefan Coetzee, Lincoln Daniels, Divan Esterhuizen, Pierre Fourie, Keane Gelant, Waldo Noeth, Jacques Olivier, Reynier Overweg.
Wing: Frederick Malgas, Bayanda Ngubane, Enrique Oranje.
Fullback: Brandon Cronje, Jason Edwards, Clyde Lewis, Tharquinn Manuel, Kabelo Mokoena, Mangaliso Ntimba, Stephan Spies, Chad-Lee Valentine, Campwill Willemse, Ambesa Zenzile.