Jan 312 min read

Recap of FNB Varsity Cup 2023

With the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup season due to kick-off on 19 February it’s only fitting that we set the stage by looking back at how last season brought the heat. One of the most memorable tournaments ever ended with the FNB NWU Eagles lifting the trophy on home soil in Potchefstroom while the defending champions FNB UP-Tuks were automatically relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield without winning a single game. For the first time in the competitions history eight teams competed for glory and the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s competition was introduced.

The season began with a bang as FNB UFS Shimlas clutched a one point victory over defending champions FNB Tuks while the Cape derby saw FNB Maties pick up a narrow win over rivals FNB UCT. Eventual winners FNB NWU made their intentions clear early on stringing together successive wins as many of the powerhouses struggled to maintain consistency. The FNB CUT Ixias emerged as the surprise package in the early rounds scalping notable wins over Maties and Tuks.

With the battle for semi-final spots raging all eyes were on the the bottom of the table as the reigning champs Tuks lost their seventh straight game to be automatically relegated.

The final took place at a sold out Fanie Du Toit stadium in Potchefstroom where the Eagles beat UCT in a thrilling game to be crowned champions.

2023 saw some epic tries being scored that showcased sensational teamwork coupled with individual brilliance the best of which featured in the Steers Tries of the Season highlights.

It was a year of firsts with the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s competition taking place and FNB Maties dominated to be crowned champions after an emphatic 63-9 victory over FNB UJ in the final.

FNB Shimlas scooped the end of season FNB Players of the Tournament awards while Ikeys scrummie Asad Moos was named as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year.

If last year is anything to go by then the 2024 season promises to be another sizzling tournament. Can the Eagles defend their title or will another team emerge to lift the trophy? On 19 Februray we find out.