Varsity Cup tournament enters its second decade
The 2018 Varsity Cup tournament will kick off on Monday (29 January) and Tuks will start the defense of their title at home against Shimlas.
The Varsity Cup enters its second decade of rugby that rocks and the 2018 season promises some exciting changes.
“Innovation has been driving the success of the Varsity Cup and this year we’re doing it again,” said Duitser Bosman, CEO of the Varsity Cup at the tournament’s official launch this week.
“A new PowerPlay rule, new theme, new social initiative and much more will be added to the amazing match-day atmosphere that thousands of fans have come to expect from the Varsity Cup. FNB will have an increased presence in the 2018 tournament, including rebranding Koshuis Rugby to be known as FNB Res Rugby. Together with 3rd tier sponsor Steers, we are confident that this premium intervarsity tournament will continue to be a major success,” Bosman added.
Faye Mfikwe, FNB Chief Marketing Officer said they are excited to once again see the spirit of innovation taking centre stage in the 11th edition of the tournament.
Since its inception Varsity Cup has been a rugby nursery for the stars of tomorrow, playing a part in moulding Springboks such Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx and most recently Warrick Gelant.
This sentiment is echoed by Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.
“Varsity Cup matches continue to attract massive in-stadium and television crowds, and through this, many professional rugby careers have been launched. Many of the players go on to represent at the various provincial rugby unions, displaying their competitive, uncompromising, attacking and running rugby skills,” said Roux.
Varsity Cup 11 also boasts a brand new theme: #MakeTheTeam. The ‘Make The Team’ campaign is aimed at including all fans into the Varsity Cup team, showcasing the inclusivity of student rugby not only on the field, but also in the stands, on campus and in the community.
Every fan, every organiser, every player forms part of their home team. The new theme calls on everyone to embrace their home university team and be part of the action. The Varsity Cup anthem further emphasises the call to stand together and be part of the team.
The Varsity Cup has rooted itself in South Africa’s future and has made changing South African lives its number one priority. From 2018, the tournament is partnering with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) to bring blood donation into the fore at universities. This is in support of the incredible work that is championed by the two organisations.
The first match of the season will see defending champions, Tuks play host to Shimlas at 16:45 at Tuks Stadium on Monday 29 January, while Maties will travel to UJ Stadium where they will open their campaign against UJ at 19:00. Both these matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
All fixtures can be viewed on the brand-new FNB Varsity Cup website at: www.varsitycup.co.za
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