Rugby fans gathered at the V&A Waterfront’s amphitheater in numbers, as the official launch of the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield 2026 season set the tone for another epic year of student rugby and what promises to be another unforgettable season. The iconic venue was transformed into a celebration of rugby, entertainment and campus culture on Saturday 7 February, with the launch bringing the team captains of all three tournaments together.
The team captains were formally introduced on stage alongside their university mascots.
There was also energetic cheerleader performances, sponsor giveaways and activations. SuperSport presenter Cato Louw hosted interviews with the captains, giving fans insight into team expectations and leadership roles. The season starts with the Shield competition this Friday (13 February) and the opening round of the Cup tournament on Monday 16 February.
The launch also featured an explanation of the newly introduced Tap or Kick rule, which is aimed at promoting attacking rugby by giving teams who score a try to go for the conventional conversion or opt for a tap on the 22 m line, where they will have 120 seconds to score another try and gain a further five points.
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