2017 Varsity Rugby is the 2017 edition of four rugby union competitions annually played between several university teams in South Africa. It is contested from 30 January to 17 April 2017 and is the tenth edition of these competitions.
Contents
Varsity Cup
The following teams compete in the 2017 Varsity Cup: CUT Ixias, Maties, NMMU Madibaz, NWU Pukke, UCT Ikey Tigers, UFS Shimlas, UJ, UP Tuks and Wits. Wits were promoted from the 2016 Varsity Shield to return to the Varsity Shield competition after a two-year absence.
Varsity Shield
The following teams compete in the 2017 Varsity Shield: CPUT, Rhodes, TUT Vikings, UFH Blues, UKZN Impi, UWC and WSU All Blacks.
Competition rules
There is nine participating universities in the 2017 Young Guns competition, the Under-20 sides of each of the nine Varsity Cup teams. These teams are divided into three regionalised pools and each team play every team in their pool twice over the course of the season, once at home and once away.
Teams receive four points for a win and two points for a draw. Bonus points are awarded to teams that score four or more tries in a game, as well as to teams that lose a match by eight points or less. Teams are ranked by log points, then points difference (points scored less points conceded).
The top four teams overall will qualify for the title play-off semi-finals.
Standings
The current standings for the 2017 Varsity Cup Young Guns are:
Matches
The following matches will be played in the 2017 Varsity Young Guns competition:
Competition rules
There is nine participating teams in the 2017 Koshuis Rugby Championship competition, the winners of the internal leagues of each of the nine Varsity Cup teams. These teams are divided into two pools (one with five teams and one with four teams) and each team play every team in their pool once over the course of the season, either at home or away.
Teams receive four points for a win and two points for a draw. Bonus points are awarded to teams that score four or more tries in a game, as well as to teams that lose a match by eight points or less. Teams are ranked by log points, then points difference (points scored less points conceded).
Three teams will qualify for the title play-offs.
Standings
The current standings for the 2017 Varsity Cup Koshuis Rugby Championship are:
Matches
The following matches will be played in the 2017 Varsity Koshuis Rugby Championship competition: