Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku | GP News Media – Community Newsroom
Tshwane, South Africa
The University of Pretoria’s TuksRugby community united in celebration as players, coaches, and teams were honoured for their exceptional performances at the highly anticipated 2025 TuksRugby Awards. The ceremony showcased a year defined by grit, discipline, academic balance, and sporting excellence across multiple national competitions.
TuksRugby teams delivered standout performances throughout the year, excelling in the FNB Varsity Cup, USSA Men’s 15s, Blue Bulls Carlton League, Blue Bulls Women’s League, and TuksWheelchair Rugby.
Among the season’s most memorable achievements was the FNB Varsity Cup team’s inspiring campaign to the semi-finals — a run marked by breaking a multi-year losing streak away at Wits, a triumphant 29–19 win over Maties, and a hard-fought 26–17 victory against NWU.
In women’s rugby, the UP-Tuks team reclaimed their title as Blue Bulls Carlton League Champions, further underscoring the depth and strength of the programme, despite falling short to Maties in the Varsity Cup final.
The Power of Sport and Education
Speaking at the event, Brad Guymer, Sponsorship Marketing Lead at FNB Brand Experience, applauded the role of the Varsity Cup in shaping the future of South African rugby.
“The FNB Varsity Cup has created a platform for young talent to shine and continues to uncover a strong pipeline into provincial and national squads. It brings together thousands of fans in the spirit of sportsmanship, youth, and student life.”
He added that the competition reinforces academic values alongside athletics:
“Beyond the field, it teaches the importance of academia, discipline, and balance — crucial traits for these young athletes’ futures.”
This commitment to balance was evident as more than 30 TuksRugby players graduated in 2025, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on intellectual and athletic growth.
“Proud of Every Player” – TuksRugby Head of Programme
Conrad Boshoff, TuksRugby Head of Programme, praised the collective achievement and commitment shown across the year.
“These awards reflect the strength and heart of our rugby community — from the youth structures to senior squads. We are proud of every milestone reached, and the dedication of our players makes every effort worthwhile.”
2025 TuksRugby Award Winners
Youth Rugby Awards
- Primary Schools – Forward Player: Janson Steyn
- Primary Schools – Backline Player: Tumisho Mabiletja
- High Schools – Forward Player: Logan Knott
- High Schools – Backline Player: Luhan Mostert
- Women’s Youth Player of the Year: Chemikè Visser
Franchise League Winners
- 2nd League Champions: Onderstepoort 2nd Team
- U/20 League Champions: Sonop U/20 Team
- 1st League Champions: Sonop 1st Team
TuksWheelchair Rugby
- Most Improved Player: Sue Jordaan
- Most Consistent Player: Botlhale Valencia Mongake
- Player of the Year: Prince Nyangasya
Women’s Rugby Awards
- BBRU Women’s League Champions: FNB UP-Tuks 1
- USSA Sevens Cup Winners: FNB TuksWomen’s 7s
- Most Improved Player (7s): Ester Prinsloo
- Most Improved Player (15s): Leoné du Bruyn
- Sevens Player of the Year: Jané Mulder
- Fifteen Player of the Year: Mbali Ndlovu
- Women’s Varsity Cup Player of the Year: Gina Moya
- Players’ Player of the Year: Thandi Mokatse
- Most Committed Player: Thato Nkadimeng
- Women’s MVP of the Year: Lerato Tshabalala
Men’s Rugby Awards
- Bergman Claassen Shield Winners: FNB UP-Tuks 1
- USSA 15s Winners: FNB UP-Tuks 1
- Most Improved Player: Thuthani Mlauzi
- U/20 Player of the Year: David Engongo
- Carlton Cup Player of the Year: Van Reenen Kruger
- Varsity Cup Player of the Year: Dillon Smith
- Men’s Players’ Player of the Year: Dillon Smith
- Sevens Player of the Year: Ambesa Zenzile
- TuksRugby Men’s MVP of the Year: Kamohelo Tlome
Overall TuksRugby Player of the Year
MJ Nel
The 2025 TuksRugby Awards once again demonstrated why the University of Pretoria remains one of South Africa’s leading rugby institutions — producing athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities. As the programme continues to build future leaders and champions, TuksRugby’s legacy of excellence shows no signs of slowing down.
