Special rules for Varsity Cup and Shield 2017
Varsity Cup has always been at the forefront of introducing and experimenting with new rules and this year, updates to the rules include:
Point of Origin try (POR)
Two new exciting rule changes are added to the official Varsity Cup rules in 2017. The POR try has been reviewed, and the nine-point try has been disregarded. This year only a sevenpoint try and a five-point try will apply. The seven-point try will be awarded to the team who scores a try originating from their own half, while the five-point try will be awarded if the try originates in the opposition’s half. Conversions will remain at two points.
Red Card rule
The red card rule is a new rule that will be implemented in the 2017 season. If a red card is given to a player that player will leave the field immediately, and his team will play with 14 men for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes any other player part of the final match day squad may go back on to the field, but not the player who received the red card. This rule will only apply to Varsity Cup.
Other rules exclusive to Varsity Cup include the white card rule, strategy breaks, free catch rule, 23 players, defending nine, mauling, and scrumming law. All players are required to abide by the current Regulations of World Rugby and the Constitution and Regulations of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), which include Bok Smart Regulations, as well as that of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
Activations
Varsity Cup is known for its unique approach to match day entertainment, and it’s through its philosophy of sportainment that fans flock to the various stadiums to back their boytjies. Fans will be entertained by the official Varsity Cup mascot, Prof, as well as university mascots. These mascots will also form part of FNB’s exciting marketing campaign.