The five-time FNB Varsity Cup champions FNB UP-Tuks are back in the top-flight with sterling performances in their two opening matches. The Stripe Generation first toppled FNB Wits away in Johannesburg before beating the Orange Army in their first home game of the three for the season. Leading by example is skipper Dillon Smith, the experienced 8th man who won the FNB Player That Rocks in the match against Wits and opened the scoring against UJ.
“It’s a great feeling to be back in the FNB Varsity Cup and very thankful we got to win the opening matches. It was very important for us to start the campaign well as there is a lot of pressure and expectations from us.”
Smith impressed in the colours of Affies (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool) during his matric year, with the then Tuks head coach Nico Luus attending school rugby matches.
“I was in matric and it was during Covid-19, so I could not get a contract with the union.
“I think it was during my matric, when covid-19 was at its peak so I could not get a contract with the union as we only played limited matches. We played our last game against KES as we were only allowed to play five games.
“At the time Nico Luus was there, he spoke to my father after the game. the decision was taken then that I will play for Tuks.”
The 22-year-old Tuks forward hopes to one-day play in professional rugby with the standards set by many former Tuks players, with recently being Ethan Burger who bagged a contract with Exeter Chiefs.
“Things are going well so far, there were a couple of things we had to look at after the Wits game. I’m glad for Ethan for doing well and signing for Chiefs, my aspirations are definitely to play professional rugby one-day. Not sure where I will be doing that but I would not mind going overseas and living my dream of professional rugby.
“I think rugby is our blood, I was exposed to rugby from a very young age, from when I was in Hennops Park primary and then moved to Affies and continued my rugby career there and I am here now.”
The Pretoria born believes his side have a huge task ahead of them this season.
“I think our forward pack did well from the first game and me winning the man-of-the-match would not be possible without them. It’s important for us to make a statement just to prove that we deserve to be back in the Varsity Cup and to our fans, we have to prove to them that we are proud.
We as a group have a huge responsibility to bring the pride back into the Tuks jersey and earn the stripes again.” Concluded Smith.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego
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