Rugby spectators can look forward to an innovative FNB Varsity Cup programme geared towards fast-paced action when the University of Johannesburg hosts its first home game against the University of Cape Town at 7pm on Monday, February 13.

Featuring a new try-oriented points system designed to encourage running rugby, and entertainment à la American college football, this year’s tournament presented by Steinhoff International aims to deliver “Rugby that Rocks”. UJ rugby manager Michael Dick said they had decided to adopt the spectator-focused model used in the overseas version of the game because it had proved so highly popular and successful. “It’s all about ‘sportainment’ and creating heroes.”

As a premier feeder vehicle for provincial sides, Dick said the games were an exciting platform for spotting future rugby talent. “Each year an average of 50 Varsity Cup players are awarded provincial contracts for the following season.” The tournament’s UJ alumni include Lions players Earl Lewis, Jaco Taute and Derrick Minnie, Cheetahs number-eight Francois Uys and Pumas wing Hennie Oosthuizen.

He said the UJ cheerleaders and Hoopie the mascot would be out in full force to get the crowd behind the home team. “The cheerleading squad has grown into a fully-fledged club as a direct result of their Varsity Cup participation.” Dick said the Miss Varsity Cup finalists, featuring students from all four UJ campuses, would also be in attendance and supporters could vote for their favourite. “The competition draws more than 5 000 votes annually and seems to be getting more and more popular every year.”

Hip-hop artist D Smith has also collaborated on a song called “UJ Bring it Back Home”, which he will perform live.

A number of competitions and sponsored giveaways will add to the carnival atmosphere on game day. “A ‘Babe that Rocks’ will be selected by SuperSport, while the Spur at Cresta will choose a ‘Family that Rocks’.”
Donning creative outfits in their university’s colours and getting a “fan hand” at the game would put supporters in line for prizes in the FNB & Steinhoff “Fans that Rock” competition, he said.

Spectators can also complete the entry form in the programme to be eligible for the Rotary “Box that Rocks”, where one lucky entrant stands to win a Rotary watch worth R5 000 at the final home game.

“In addition to the usual entertainment, UJ will for the first time introduce a tunnel run complete with smoke, pyrotechnics, confetti and flamethrowers. When our team runs out onto the field, it will be something spectacular.”

The university will host four Monday night fixtures at the UJ Stadium in Westdene over the next two months. The UCT game will be followed by encounters with NMMU on February 20 (5pm) and TUT on March 5 (7pm) before the much-anticipated clash with three-time former champions Maties on March 19 (7pm).

Dick said the games would be focused on value-for-money, family-friendly entertainment and additional braai areas had been constructed to cater for the crowds. “There will also be a supervised play area, where parents can leave their children while they watch the game.”

Tickets cost R10 per game or R40 for a season ticket and are available at the sport shop in the Madibeng Building on the Kingsway Campus or at the gate.