The University of KwaZulu Natal Rugby Club have been given a new lease of life in this their Centenary year and no doubt the KZNRU will be there to back their team. Certainly that was the call that came across loud and clear at the launch of the inaugural FNB Varsity Shield Rugby Tournament that took place at the Universities Piet Booysen’s Varsity Stadium in Golf Road, Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday.

The club that will now be known as FNB UKZN Impi for the tournament and for all the local KZNRU club competitions, open their Varsity Shield campaign on Monday 31 January against the University of the Western Cape. It certainly will be a proud moment for the club as the match will broadcast live on SuperSport at 7pm.

Duitser Bosman Managing Director of the FNB Varsity Cup was clearly delighted to have UKZN on board in the inaugural Varsity Shield competition. “How could we not have a side from the Sharks in our tournament?” he quipped-“we are thrilled to have a side from the Currie Cup champion province”.

The wonderful thing about this competition FNB UKZN Impi could well work they way through to Varsity Cup status as each year there will be promotion relegation games and with their new sponsors on board it all augers well for Varsity rugby in KZN.

The first match against the University of the Western Cape kicks off tonight at 7pm with the game broadcast live on SuperSport.

Standing L-R: Duitser Bosman (MD Varsity Cup) with players Justin Meanwell (Capt), Mazisi Ostrich, Dylan Campbell (Ass Coach) and Brian Bateman (Head Coach). Kneeling L-R: Nico du Plooy, Avuma Ndongeni & Chris Maas