Maties (rugby union)

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Maties are the official rugby union team of Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape, South Africa. Competing in the FNB Varsity Cup, the country’s premier university rugby competition, Maties are widely regarded as one of the most successful and historically significant university rugby programmes in South Africa.

Rugby has been central to the identity of Stellenbosch University since the late nineteenth century, and the Maties rugby club has produced numerous provincial and international players over the decades. Within the Varsity Cup era, Maties have established themselves as one of the competition’s benchmark institutions.

Since the inception of the FNB Varsity Cup in 2008, Maties have consistently ranked among the top-performing sides. They were crowned inaugural champions in 2008 after defeating the UCT Ikey Tigers 16–10 in the final.

The period from 2008 to 2010 is widely regarded as Maties’ golden era in the Varsity Cup. During these three seasons, Maties won three consecutive titles (2008, 2009 and 2010), becoming the first team in the competition’s history to achieve a championship hat-trick.

The 2010 campaign was particularly notable, as Maties completed an unbeaten season, winning all nine matches. Their 17–14 victory over the UCT Ikey Tigers in the final intensified the historic Intervarsity rivalry between the two institutions.

Maties added further championships in 2018 and 2019, with the 2019 campaign seeing the team complete another unbeaten season. As of the end of their 2026 campaign, Maties have played 164 Varsity Cup matches, winning 124, drawing 7 and losing 34, with an overall win percentage of 77%. They have scored 5,567 points and conceded 3,239 points across all seasons. Their sustained playoff appearances and high overall win rate have cemented Maties’ reputation as one of the flagship teams of the Varsity Cup era.

Statue of Danie Craven at Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch

Danie Craven Stadium, home of Maties Rugby

Danie Craven Stadium is the home ground of Maties Rugby and is situated in the Coetzenburg sporting precinct on the campus of Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 16,000 spectators and is widely regarded as one of the most historic university rugby venues in the country. Originally opened in 1921 as Coetzenburg Stadium, the venue was later renamed in honour of Dr Danie Craven, former Springbok captain and long-serving rugby administrator who played a significant role in the development of South African rugby. Over the decades, the stadium has become synonymous with the identity and traditions of Maties Rugby. The facility has undergone multiple upgrades to meet modern competition and broadcast standards, particularly following the introduction of the Varsity Cup in 2008. In addition to hosting Varsity Cup fixtures, the stadium has staged provincial matches, youth international fixtures, and other major rugby events, reinforcing its status as a premier rugby venue in the Western Cape.

Maties’ fiercest and most historic rivalry is with the Ikey Tigers. Both teams are among the most successful and supported sides in the Varsity Cup, and their clashes are rooted in longstanding geographical, cultural and sporting competition between the two Western Cape universities.

Matches between Maties and the Ikey Tigers regularly draw large crowds and are often televised on SuperSport, reflecting the intensity and popularity of the fixture within South African university rugby. Historically, the teams have met at key stages of the Varsity Cup, including finals and semifinals, contributing to a competitive head-to-head record.

A recent high-profile example occurred in the 2025 Varsity Cup final, where UCT Ikey Tigers defeated Maties 44–21 at Danie Craven Stadium, ending an 11-year title drought and denying Maties a home-ground victory in front of a packed crowd.

The rivalry extends beyond results; these fixtures are widely anticipated each season and are seen as marquee matchups that showcase the passion, skill and tradition of South African university rugby.

*Stats correct as of 6 April 2026 (Semi Finals)

The following table summarises Maties Rugby's head-to-head record in the Varsity Cup. As the most successful side in the competition’s history, Maties have established sustained dominance across multiple eras, combining one of the highest overall win percentages with the strongest cumulative points differential in the tournament.

Across 164 matches against 12 opponents, Maties have recorded 124 wins, 6 draws and 34 defeats — an overall win rate of 77%. Maties continue to maintain unbeaten records against TUT Vikings, Wits and UWC.

Stats correct as of 6 April 2026 (Semi Finals)

Stats correct as of 6 April 2026 (Semi Finals

Most tries in a match

12 - Maties 84–26 UWC (2019)

Accolades

• First team to 100 wins in Varsity Cup history.

• Fewest losses in Varsity Cup history.

• First team in Varsity Cup history to exceed 4,500 points scored in the competition.

• Most points scored in a Varsity Cup semi-final - 65 points against Wits in 2018.

• Highest winning margin in a Varsity Cup semi-final - 47 against Wits in 2018.

Most tries in a match

4 - Andre-Hugo Venter, Maties vs FNB UWC (2021)

Most tries in a season

12 – Sean Swart (2022)

10 – Duncan Saal (2018)

9 – Dewet Marais (2024)

9 – Craig Barry (2017)

Most tries in a career

Edwill in a press conference room for the Springboks

23 – Edwill van der Merwe (2016–2019)

20 – Duncan Saal (2016–2019)

18 – Therlow Pietersen (Maties 2008, UCT 2009–2011)

16 – Craig Barry (2014–2018)

14 – Tythan Adams (Maties 2010–2011, Madibaz 2014–2015)

Most points in a season

125 – Jordan Chait (2019)

117 – Nevaldo Fleurs (2023)

105 - Donald Stevens (2008)

84 – Robert du Preez (2014)

Most points in a career

217 – Donald Stevens (2008–2012)

166 – Chris Smith (2014–2018)

Most appearances in a career

44 – Niel Oelofse (2013–2018)

41 – Craig Barry (2014–2018)

37 – Edwill van der Merwe (2016–2019)

35 – Wesley Adonis (Maties 2015–2017, UP Tuks 2018)

35 – Neethling Fouché (UP Tuks 2014–2017, Maties 2018)

35 – Andre Smith (UJ 2008–2011, Maties 2012)

The Honour Roll for Maties' Varsity Cup is as follows:

A number of players who represented FNB Maties in the FNB Varsity Cup and related competitions have gone on to represent the Springboks. The Varsity Cup pathway has produced numerous Test players, including Rugby World Cup winners. Below are Maties alumni who made their Springbok Test debut after playing in the Varsity Cup system.

Springbok Test debutants

2010 (under Peter de Villiers)

Juan de Jongh (2008 FNB Varsity Cup champion)

2012 (under Heyneke Meyer)

JJ Engelbrecht

2013 (under Heyneke Meyer)

Lourens Adriaanse (2009 and 2010 FNB Varsity Cup champion)

2016 (under Allister Coetzee)

Ruan Combrinck

2017 (under Allister Coetzee)

Louis Schreuder

2018 (under Rassie Erasmus)

Robert du Preez

2019 (under Rassie Erasmus)

Rynhardt Elstadt

2024 (under Rassie Erasmus)

Andre-Hugo Venter

Jordan Hendrikse (Young Guns)

Edwill van der Merwe

Ben-Jason Dixon

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

Semi Finals

The following players played at previous editions of the Varsity Cup:

The Maties Young Guns are the under-20 rugby side for Stellenbosch University (Maties) and play in the junior division of South Africa's Varsity Cup. Known as a breeding ground for future professional talent, the team is one of the most competitive U20 setups in the country, playing their home games out of the famous Danie Craven Stadium. Their most recent championships include their infamous back-to-back wins in 2018 & 2019.

" Try Bonus points not included.

• 2022 excludes points against UWC Young Guns (Please update if score is found).

• 2019 excludes points against UFS Shimlas Young Guns (Please update if score is found).

• Please note Stats correct as of 17 April 2026.

• Please note the table above only displays the log standings prior to any knockout games (Semi finals & finals).