Comets to begin Varsity Cup life against UJ

The FNB Emeris Comets start their new life in the FNB Varsity Cup on Monday when they take on FNB UJ at the UJ Stadium on Monday evening starting at 7pm.

It's been a rapid rise to the country's premier university rugby competition for the Comets who won the FNB Varsity Shield in 2025 and gained promotion to the top table after two strong seasons in the second division.

As the first KwaZulu-Natal based tertiary institution in the Varsity Cup, the Comets have already made history before they step on the pitch on Monday.

The Comets will go into the new season with a number of new faces, however they will rely heavily on a group of players that got them into the Varsity Cup.

Jacques Marais and AB Mthembu will lead the side and have been instrumental in getting the Comets into the Varsity Cup.

Head coach Jeremy McLaren says that the preparation has gone as well as it could as they prepare for what's going to be a difficult opening match in the competition.

"The last 15 weeks have definitely given us some time to get through our processes and I think we are ready to go," McLaren said.

"The guys are eager to get going and we'll be able to see where we are after this opening match."

It's a different start for the Comets who will be on the road for their opening two matches of the tournament.

"We had two home games to start both of our Varsity Shield campaigns, so this is going to be a challenge playing away in our first two matches this year.