The FNB Varsity Cup has long been recognized as one of South Africa’s premier breeding grounds for rugby talent, providing student athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and transition into the professional ranks. Each year, the tournament serves as a launchpad for future stars, bridging the gap between university rugby and the elite level of the sport.
As we approach the start of the 2025 season, we take a look at some of the standout players from 2024 whose efforts were recognised and rewarded by securing professional contracts and taking their careers to the next level.
Prince Nkabinde: FNB UJ to Cheetahs
Position: Wing/Centre
Accolade: Nominated for FNB Backline Player of the Tournament
The Orange Army big winger bulldozed his way over the line to score some memorable tries during the season and made his debut for the Cheetahs against the Bulls in July.
Zander Reynders: FNB UP-Tuks to the Springbok Sevens
Position: Centre
Accolade: Won the FNB Varsity Shield 20245 tournament with Tuks
The 191cm centre was a big part of the undefeated Tuks team that won the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield and earned promotion to the Cup competition. After the tournament he earned selection for the Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side and then made his Blitzbok debut at the Cape Town Sevens which they won.
Ethan Wentzel: FNB UFS-Shimlas to Cheetahs
Position: Flyhalf
Accolade: Won the FNB Varsity Cup 2024 title with UFS
Throughout the season, the Shimlas pivot commanded the midfield and was instrumental in them being crowned champions. His clutch penalty in extra time of the final to win the game was the highlight. Made his debut for the Cheetahs in May last year.
Ethan Burger: FNB UP-Tuks to Exeter Chiefs
Position: Prop
Accolade: The Tuks captain lead the Stripe Generation to their domination of the 2024 Varsity Shield which they won unbeaten.
The Stripe Generation co-captain was instrumental in leading Tuks to win the FNB Varsity Shield 2024 title unbeaten. "Getting the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing club is a dream come true. Exeter Chiefs are one of the best teams in England with an amazing track record... I’m extremely excited to play in the Premiership, it’s one of the most prestigious competitions in the Northern Hemisphere and the world...I look forward to making the most of it," Burger shared with exeterchiefs.co.uk.”
Jonathan Roche: FNB UCT to Stormers
Position: Centre
Accolade: Scored in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup final for the Ikeys
The Ikeys centre was devasting in midfield for the Ikeys and his line-breaks and offloads resulted in several tries. He scored in the final and was drafted into the Western Province team in July where he scored a hattrick in their season opener against the Griffons. His efforts for WP didn’t go unnoticed and he made his Stormers debut in Jan this year.
Likhona Finca: FNB UJ to the Lions and Junior Boks
Position: Wing
Accolade: Was voted as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year after the 2024 season
Likhona made his debut for UJ and it didn’t take long for him to get noticed after scoring several sensational tries. After the season the Lions player was selected to represent the Junior Springboks in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town.
Zinedine Robinson: FNB NWU Eagles to Griquas
Position: Flyhalf/Wing
Accolade: Won the FNB Varsity Cup 2023 title with NWU and was the top points scorer for the Eagles in 2024
The veteran Eagles pivot has been a key part of their success over the past years most notably helping them to win it in 2023. He was signed by the Griquas just after the 2024 season ended.
Zane Bester: FNB UFS-Shimlas to Griquas
Position: Centre
Accolade: Won the FNB Varsity Cup 2024 title with UFS
The Shimlas centre terrorized defenders during the 2024 season and scored several brilliant tries to help the Shimlas to lifting the trophy. Here’s one of them.
Honourable mentions:
Kelvin Kanenugo: FNB Wits to Falcons
Pierre Raymond Uys, Jandré Nel, Jooste Nel, Michael Annies, Neels Volschenk, Asanda Kunene and Francisco Dos Reis: FNB UFS to Cheetahs
Rowan Malgas: FNB UJ to Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side
Duran Koevort: FNB UCT to Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side
Phillip Ape Adu: FNB UJ to Falcons
RF Schoeman and Heinko Poleman: FNB UJ to Lions
Cilliers Viljoen: FNB Varsity College to Aviron Bayonnais in France
Uli Walker, Singele Mkhize and Siso France: FNB UKZN to Sharks juniors
We can’t wait to see which stars emerge during the 2025 season and who will take it to the next level.
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