A twist of fate has seen the FNB Ikey Tigers opposition change from FNB UKZN to neighbours and Cape varsity rivals FNB UWC, after the Natal team was docked points for having fielded an ineligible player throughout the 2016 Varsity Shield season. 

Earlier in the competition Cup team FNB CUT was docked points as well, albeit to a lesser extent for a lesser offense. 

The Ikeys Tigers vs UWC promotion/relegation match takes place at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, on Monday 11 April, ahead of the Varsity Cup final where Maties host UCT's 2014 final opposition NWU Puk. The match will kick off at 14h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 1.

UCT and UWC last met in a pre-season friendly in January, this time around there is much more at stake of course. 

Here the official Varsity Cup statement: 

FNB UKZN have been docked 12 log points in the FNB Varsity Shield presented by Steinhoff International after it was brought to the attention of the Varsity Cup Board that FNB UKZN-Impi fielded an ineligible player throughout the 2016 Varsity Shield season.

“A disputes hearing was held, where an impartial chairman took the decision to deduct points from UKZN,” said Varsity Cup CEO, Duitser Bosman. “We realise that this has a major impact on their season and final log standing, but our rules regarding player eligibility are very clear and we stand firmly by them.“

FNB UKZN’s 12-point deduction, moves them into third position on the log with 20 points, while FNB UWC move up to second. This means that the Varsity Cup promotion/relegation match will now take place between FNB UCT and FNB UWC. The winner will take part in the 2017 Varsity Cup, making up the final team of the nine teams taking part in the expanded 2017 competition.