Former Springboks Juan de Jongh and Rudy Paige, credit the FNB Varsity Cup as playing a pivotal role in their rugby careers, offering them the platform to showcase their skills and make their mark.
These players have come a long way from their days playing Varsity Cup rugby, eventually rising to international prominence.
But their journey doesn't end there. After retiring from playing, they have found new purpose and success as podcast hosts and broadcasters, continuing to influence the game they love.
De Jongh (36), who played for FNB Maties and represented the Stormers in 102 games, stands out as the first player from the Inaugural Varsity Cup tournament in 2008 to go on to represent South Africa in international rugby.
The fleet-footed center, from Wellington holds the distinction of being the first of 60 Varsity Cup graduates who would eventually go on to play for the Springboks.
His debut for the Springboks came in 2010 against Wales, where he not only earned his first cap but also scored a memorable try, slicing through the Welsh midfield with a dazzling break.
Reflecting on his Varsity Cup days, De Jongh credits the competition with shaping his early career.
“The Varsity Cup was where I learned how to compete at a high level," said De Jongh who also captained Western Province to Currie Cup glory in 2014.
"It gave me the confidence and platform to take my game to the next level, and ultimately, that led to my Springbok debut.
For Paige, who played scrumhalf for FNB UJ in 2011 and 2012, the Varsity Cup was similarly a stepping stone to greater things.
The boy from Heidelberg in the Cape who played for the Lions, Bulls, Cheetahs and Clermont in France made his Springbok debut in the 2015 Rugby World Cup during South Africa's dominant 64-0 win over the USA. He remembers the Varsity Cup competition fondly.
“The Varsity Cup was an eye-opener for me. It pushed me to raise my game and gave me the exposure I needed to catch the attention of national selectors. Without that experience, I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to wear the green and gold.”
After retiring from playing professional rugby, both De Jongh and Paige transitioned seamlessly into the world of rugby media. Together, they launched the popular podcast Behind the Ruck, which offers listeners a unique, in-depth look at rugby both on and off the field. Their insights, shared with humour and honesty, provide a refreshing perspective on the sport.
“The idea behind Behind the Ruck was to give fans a deeper understanding of the game, the culture, and the personalities behind it,” says De Jongh.
Paige adds, “We want to give people an inside look at rugby. It’s not just about the game, but about the stories, the challenges, and the lessons learned from our careers.”
Their podcast has resonated with listeners, especially with their unique blend of knowledge and storytelling. But their collaboration doesn't stop there—they’ve also partnered with SuperSport as broadcasters and work alongside the Varsity Cup, helping to elevate the competition that helped launch their careers.
Both de Jongh and Paige are passionate about giving back to the sport that gave them so much. Through their involvement with the Varsity Cup, they aim to inspire and guide the next generation of rugby players. “The Varsity Cup played such a big role in our careers. Now, we want to help the young players coming through,” de Jongh explains.
Paige agrees, adding, “We’ve been fortunate to travel the world and play at the highest level, and we’re always looking for ways to help the next generation achieve the same. The Varsity Cup is where it starts for a lot of players, and we want to make sure it continues to be a springboard for success.”
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
By: Adnaan Mohamed
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