Varsity Cup takes rugby to cloud nine
The ninth season of Varsity Cup promises innovation and development
As the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International continues to elevate rugby development in South Africa, it was fitting that the official launch for the 2016 season was hosted inside Cape Town’s tallest skyscraper.
Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield captains and coaches, as well as media were in attendance as SARU CEO and Varsity Cup Chairman, Jurie Roux opened proceedings at FNB’s Portside building in Cape Town on Monday morning.
Roux spoke candidly on the impact that Varsity Rugby has had on the development of rugby in South Africa, highlighting a number of players who have launched Springbok careers from the Varsity Cup platform.
“This competition doesn’t only provide university players with an opportunity to launch their careers,” said Roux. “If you look at this year’s South African Vodacom Super Rugby franchises, four out of the five coaches have emerged through the Varsity Cup coaching ranks. The competition is playing an integral role in the development of rugby in South Africa.”
Varsity Cup founder Francois Pienaar announced a number of innovative changes to be introduced in 2016. Probably the most innovative addition to the 2016 competition is the exciting new points system for tries.
This will undoubtedly add a new dimension to Varsity Cup, as teams will be rewarded for ball retention and running rugby. Teams scoring tries where possession was gained within their own half and kept until the try is scored, will score an additional four bonus points to the traditional five-point try, in what many are labelling ‘the nine point try’.
Similarly, teams gaining possession between the halfway and their opponent’s 22-metre line and going on to score a try will earn an additional two bonus points, creating a ‘seven point try’.
“South Africans are immensely passionate about sport,” said Pienaar. “And we don’t only attend sporting events for the 80 or 90 minutes of sport on display, but rather the entire experience surrounding the event. That’s why we strive to bring fans what we like to call ‘sportainment’.
“Adding these exciting and innovative new rules encourages development in the sport as well as enhancing the experience and entertainment factor for fans and even for the players.”
In 2016, Varsity Cup will honour former Varsity Cup players who have gone on to play for the Springboks by adding their names to the iconic pink rugby balls.
Fans will be glad to know that it was announced that the popular Varsity Cup Dream Team exhibition match against the Junior Springboks will also return on 19 April.
Players sin-binned will take a seat on the ‘Afkoelstoel’ in 2016. This is meant to encourage players to keep the agro off the field and cool down, while also generate conversation and fan engagement on social media.
Ultimately the development of players, officials and coaches, while bringing innovation to the game is what makes the competition such an integral part of South African rugby.
“We are proud of the fact that we can change lives through sport in South Africa,” said Pienaar. “This competition has always been a sleeping giant waiting to be awakened and thanks to sponsors FNB, Steinhoff International, Spur and Cell C – we’ve awoken that giant. And it’s only just getting started.”
By Luke Thorrold / Varsity Cup
PICTURE: HALDEN KROG/SASPA
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