Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi see the next generation of players coming through the FNB Varsity Cup as a breeding ground for upcoming stars which gives them great hope for the future of South African rugby.
Erasmus and Kolisi, two of South Africa’s most influential rugby figures, were honoured by the North West University and attended the second round FNB Varsity Cup clash between the home team, FNB NWU Eagles and visitors FNB Maties.
The men from Stellenbosch just managed to beat the hosts 29-27 in a close-fought encounter at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom.
The FNB Varsity Cup, which has consistently been a platform for young talent to showcase their skills, was the perfect stage for NWU to pay tribute to Erasmus and Kolisi.
Both men played pivotal roles in the success of the Springboks, leading the Rainbow Nation to back-to-back Rugby World Cup glory in Japan in 2019 and France in 2023.
In a heartfelt address, Erasmus expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“It’s truly humbling to be honoured by a prestigious institution like North-West University. Rugby is not just about winning trophies, but about shaping young people’s futures and teaching them important life lessons,” Erasmus said.
“This is a sport that has brought us all together, and seeing the next generation of players coming through Varsity Cup gives me great hope for the future of South African rugby.”
Kolisi, who has become a global symbol of hope and determination, also shared his thoughts on the recognition and reiterated what the Varsity Cup means to SA Rugby.
“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged in this way,” Kolisi said.
“Growing up, I never could have imagined I would be standing here today as the captain of the Springboks. This honour means a lot to me, but more importantly, it’s about inspiring young players to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
“The Varsity Cup is a great breeding ground for future stars, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for these players.”
The moment was a powerful reminder of the strong bond between the professional game and the next generation of players coming through the FNB Varsity Cup system.
In a year that promises to showcase the growth of South African rugby, the recognition of Erasmus and Kolisi at the FNB Varsity Cup event is a fitting tribute to the legacy that the competition continues to build.