2023 Varsity Cup

2023 Varsity Cup
CountriesSouth Africa
Date20 February – 17 April 2023
ChampionsNWU Eagles (2nd title)
Runners-upUCT Ikey Tigers
RelegatedUP Tuks
Matches played59
Top point scorerNtokozo Makhaza
(127 - UCT Ikey Tigers)
Top try scorerVernon Paulo
(11 - NWU Eagles)

The 2023 Varsity Cup was the 16th season of the Varsity Cup, the top competition in the annual Varsity Rugby series in men's rugby union. It was played between 20 February and 27 April 2023 and featured eight university teams.

The 2023 season included notable upsets and intense competition, such as UJ securing a home victory over defending champions UCT Ikey Tigers in March. In the championship match, NWU Eagles edged out the UCT Ikey Tigers 27‑25 to claim their second Varsity Cup title. The tournament also marked the return of full‑capacity crowds at campus stadiums and the ongoing growth of varsity rugby following COVID‑19 disruptions.