The final fixtures for the 16th edition of the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield rugby competitions are now available.
Both tournaments are to return to full-capacity stadiums at campuses across the country.
The Varsity Shield season begins on February 16, with all games played on Thursday evenings. The Varsity Cup will set Monday nights alight, with the opening round kicking off on February 20.
Varsity Cup founder Francois Pienaar said, “The heat is on in 2023, and we can’t wait to see the rugby that rocks returning to packed stadiums at campuses around the country. Brace yourself for hot rugby, hot fans, and hot entertainment where rivalry will be celebrated, memories made, and new champions crowned.”
Pienaar also announced some changes to the tournament: “For the first time in the tournament’s history, there will be eight teams in the Varsity Cup and eight in the Varsity Shield vying for the honour of lifting the trophy.
With the added pressure of it being a promotion-relegation year, we can expect sizzling competition as teams put everything on the line.
“I’m also excited to announce that we will be introducing a women’s competition in 2023. As one of the fastest growing team sports around the world, we are proud to ignite women’s rugby at university level in South Africa.”
The opening round of the FNB Varsity Cup features defending champions FNB UP-Tuks and FNB UFS at 17:00 on February 20.
The Cape derby between FNB Maties and FNB UCT follows at 19:00. Both games will air live on SuperSport.
The Varsity Shield sees the defending champions FNB UFH take on rivals FNB WSU at 19:00 on February 16.
For the full fixtures for both competitions, see www.varsitycup.co.za.
Ticketing and match details will soon be released.
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