The 2026 Varsity Cup was the 19th season of the Varsity Cup, the premier competition in the annual Varsity Rugby series in South Africa for men's rugby union. The tournament took place between eight university teams and played between 16 February and 13 April 2026.
This competition forms part of the broader Varsity Rugby programme administered by Varsity Sport, which aims to promote university rugby and provide a pathway for emerging talent into professional rugby structures. Matches were broadcast nationally on SuperSport.
The entered the 2026 season as the former winners of the Varsity Cup Trophy after beating Maties in the 2025 final. The 2026 edition was staged under the campaign theme "WhoâÂÂs NXT?", highlighting Varsity CupâÂÂs role as a launchpad for future professional and international players and introducing the new Tap-or-Kick post-try power play law to further encourage attacking rugby. Matches were broadcast nationally on SuperSport.
Eight university teams participated in the 2026 Varsity Cup. During the pool stage, each team played the other seven sides once, either home or away.
Teams were awarded:
Teams were ranked primarily by log points, and then by points difference (points scored minus points conceded).
The top four teams at the conclusion of the pool stage advanced to the semi-finals. The two highest-ranked teams hosted the semi-finals, and the highest-ranked remaining finalist hosted the final.
The teams that played in the 2026 Varsity Cup were:
The final log for the 2026 Varsity Cup was:
Results
The following matches were played in the 2026 Varsity Cup:
<small>* Correct as at 31 March 2026 (Round 7)</small>
<small>* Correct as at 31 March 2026 (Round 7)</small>
<small>* Correct as at 31 March 2026 (Round 7)</small>
<small>* Correct as at 31 March 2026 (Round 7)</small>
The honour roll for the 2026 Varsity Cup was as follows: