With the 2024 season of the Varsity Cup kicking off on Monday, 19 February, here are players to watch from each of the eight teams.
Here is the Varsity Cup‘s selection for the players that will be bring the heat and deliver outstanding performances in the 2024 season.
NWU – Arminn Posthumus
The dynamic flanker played in huge role in helping the Eagles lift the trophy and they will be looking to him once again to dominate the rucks and mauls if they are to be crowned back-to-back champions this year. He also has the ability to carve open the defence so keep an eye out for his snipping runs.
Arminn Posthumus on the angle 📐! What a run from the Eagles flanker for his brace and the packed @theNWU crowd show their approval. #RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/20LAznAXmD
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) March 7, 2023
UJ – Prince Nkabinde
An absolute tank on the wing for the UJ orange army who has bulldozed his way over the line to score some memorable tries like this.
Prince Nkabinde is an absolute tank on the wing for the @UJ_Sport orange army 💥! #RugbyThatRocks #FNBVarsityCup pic.twitter.com/Ihhrh5qMXR
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) May 24, 2021
Wits – Setshaba Mokoena
Don’t sleep on the Wits fullback who has ability to produce spectacular runs from the deep.
Remember the name Setshaba Mokoena😲🤩!
Only round 1, but the @WitsSport fullback has already put his name on the try of season contender list after carving his way through the Madibaz defence.
This is the #RugbyThatRocks! pic.twitter.com/gYdAfidVXT
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) February 15, 2022
Maties – Grant De Jager
The maroon machine centre made his debut last year and immediately made an impression and was named as the tournament’s Impact player. The Junior Bok will be looking to dominate the midfield this season.
UWC – Conwill Conradie
The UWC scrummie was instrumental in marshalling the team to win the Varsity Shield tournament unbeaten last year and be automatically promoted to the Cup competition. He was named as the overall Player of the Tournament and you can expect him to be heavily involved once again as the Cape side return to the top tier.
Conweezy! Congratulations to Conwill Conradie who was voted as the @fnbsa Overall Player That Rocks for Varsity Shield 2023!
He collects the R10 000 cheque for a brilliant tournament!#RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/RDBfpzuOPz
— Varsity Shield (@varsityshield) April 13, 2023
CUT – Zac Bester
The Ixias centre was simply unmanageable last season and caused endless problems for opposing defences. He broke the line at will and scored several outstanding tries.
‘He’s a one man army!” Zac Bester beats three defenders and gets his brace for the @cutfsonline Ixias!#RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/VTxdEJxlPe
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 17, 2023
UCT – Enos Ndiao
The Ikeys made the final last year and one of their breakout players was young Enos Ndiao who was a powerhouse in the forwards and a driving force of most of their tap and go set plays. He was nominated for the Suzuki Rookie of The Year award so expect big things from him in his second season.
Brute strength from Enos Ndiao who bullies his way towards the line and then politely places it over the line for the @ikeytigers!#RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/i9qeWIGJpn
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 3, 2023
UFS – Kwezi Dlamini
A top try scorer for the Shimlas last year and a crucial part of their success in making the semi-finals. The loose forward will no doubt be making good use of his speed and power this season.
Some serious wheels on @UFSweb flanker Kwezi Dlamini! The Shimlas no 7 easily outstripping the Madibaz defence 🔥!
Also did he dive through the legs of one his teammates that was warming up?!#RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/DQ9rJXtd6g
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 13, 2022
Photo: Nasief Manie