Since launching in 2008, the FNB Varsity Cup has always been at the forefront; whether it be in 'sportainment', rules or innovation. Here, in short, is how the tournament has led the way:

2008

FNB Varsity Cup launched with the tournament taking place over just six weeks, including a bumper weekend of matches in George. Koshuis Rugby also started this year. *The White Card rule was adopted.

2009

The competition expanded 2009 to a weekly format and the Miss Varsity Cup competition was added.

2010

FNB Maties remained undefeated, going on to win the third title in succession. *Pink Shorts were introduced

2011

FNB Varsity Shield was founded. Meanwhile, FNB UCT won the FNB Varsity Cup with Demetri Catrakilis setting the competition record for most points in a season (136).

2012

FNB Wits won the FNB Varsity Shield to earn the first promotion (to the FNB Varsity Cup) in the tournament’s history. *A new point scoring system was trialled

2013

FNB UP-Tuks won the final as future Springbok Handré Pollard kicked five conversions and one penalty with a 100% success rate. Oupa Mohojé, another future international, of FNB Shimlas was voted the FNB Player That Rocks for the season.

2014

FNB UCT famously came back from 33-15 down with five minutes to play, to win the final 39-33. This year was also the year of the first ever penalty shootout aired on live TV, as FNB UFS Young Guns beat FNB UP-Tuks Young Guns in the FNB Young Guns final.

2015

FNB Shimlas won their first FNB Varsity Cup title, remaining undefeated for the entire season under coach Franco Smith. *The Dream Team was added

2016

The Nine-Point Try was introduced, with players able to score seven or nine points for a try, rather than five, for play beginning further out than the opposition’s 22.

2017

In the 10th year of the FNB Varsity Cup, three new universities joined (FNB WSU, FNB Rhodes and FNB CPUT) as FNB Varsity Shield increased to seven teams and FNB Wits were added as a ninth team in FNB Varsity Cup. *New Red Card rule was introduced

2018

Former Springbok, Chester Williams leads FNB UWC to promotion from the FNB Varsity Shield.

2019

FNB Maties have another perfect season, to extend their title record to five.

2020

Tournament suspended due to COVID

2021

FNB Varsity rugby returns, but due to COVID restrictions it takes place in bubble at the University of Pretoria where FNB Tuks win their 4th title.

2022

Covid restrictions are lifted and the regular format resumes. FNB Tuks finish 4th on the log, but go on the beat FNB Maties in a dramatic final to win back-to-back trophies and their 5th title

2023

FNB NWU Eagles claimed their second FNB Varsity Cup title with a hard-fought 27-25 victory over FNB UCT Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom while defending champions FNB Tuks dont win a single game and are relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield

2024

FNB UFS Shimlas win their second title after beating FNB UCT in another dramatic final decided by a penalty in added time. FNB Tuks go unbeated to win the Shield competition and are promoted back to the FNB Varsity Cup.