THE FNB Varsity Cup will take centre stage on Monday evenings when it returns to the universities for the eleventh edition in 2019.
The opening fixtures will take place on February 1 with the rest of the campaign for the coveted trophies scheduled to be played from February 11through to April when the semi-finals and finals will take place.
Bonga Sebesho, FNB head of sponsorships, said: “The 2019 season will be filled with entertainment and exciting encounters that have become synonymous with FNB Varsity Cup. We encourage the players to make the most of the competition by showcasing their talent through this incredible platform. Over the years, this tournament has been an important stepping stone for South Africa’s rugby talent, and we would like to wish all participating universities the best of luck for the 2019 season.”
FNB Varsity Cup marketing manager Vuyolwethu Gabelana said: “What’s just as amazing as the rugby on the field, is the incredible action that happens off the field. Whether it’s building your own giant burger, to figuring out a mystery word; our in-stadium activations have something for everybody. Our partners, FNB and Steers have some activities such as the FNB Scramble, these are tailored for fans that rock.”
Gabelana continued: “And, back through popular demand, every university will be able to put forward their own Miss Varsity Cup and Miss Varsity Shield contestant, a feature we are so proud to reinstate.”
Over the past 11 years, the FNB Varsity Cup has supported key issues that help drive change in South Africa. The now iconic Pink Shorts campaign helped raise awareness for the fight against cancer, women and child abuse, and more recently, broke blood donation records with the South African National Blood Transfusion Services.
In 2019 Varsity Cup is taking on a new cause, water safety. Working with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa (PCMFSA), the FNB Varsity Cup will take the message of water safety across South Africa.
Rayno Nel (FNB CUT), Henk Pretorius (FNB Shimlas), Constant Beckerling (FNB Wits), Louis van der Westhuizen (FNB NWU), Edwill van der Merwe (FNB Maties), Adrian Paarwater (FNB UWC), Nama Xaba (FNB UCT), Adriaan Bester (FNB UJ) and Marius Verwey (FNB Tuks).
“We are excited to partner with the FNB Varsity Cup to reach the youth of the country and teach them water safety. Our aim is to reach one million children this year and we’re confident with the help of each university we will succeed,” said PCMFSA CEO Ryk Neethling.
The opening fixtures will be between the University of Johannesburg ( UJ) and University of North-West (NWU) on February 1 at UJ Stadium at 4.45pm.
This is followed by FNB University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of Western Cape (UWC) at UCT Rugby Stadium at 6.30pm; University of Pretoria (Tuks) and Cape University of Technology (CUT) at Tuks Stadium at 6.30; Stellenbosch University(Maties) and University of Witwatersrand (Wits) at Danie Craven Stadium at 7pm.
Ticketing:
For all FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield matches, visit the FNB Varsity Cup website at https://varsitycup.co.za. You can get to your stadium on the day of the match and purchase your ticket at the gate.
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