Varsity Cup innovations spark debate over future of SA rugby and Springboks playing style

The Varsity Cup is increasingly being viewed as a laboratory for South African rugby innovation, with new rules and formats being tested that could influence the game’s future at higher levels, including the Springboks.

Rugby analyst Jordan Buhrs said the competition has become a platform for trialling experimental ideas before potentially filtering into the wider game.

He noted that technologies and rule changes have historically been introduced in the Varsity Cup environment, and the latest season continues that trend with several new tactical innovations.

New rules designed to promote attacking rugby

Among the most talked-about changes is the tap-try option.

Instead of kicking for a standard conversion after scoring, teams can choose to tap from the 22-metre area and attempt to score another try within 120 seconds. Each team is limited to two attempts per half.

Buhrs explained that the rule is designed to encourage more attacking rugby, more tries and greater entertainment value for spectators.

During the 120 seconds, play continues without stoppages such as scrums, lineouts or drop goals, further increasing the pace of the game.

He said the system also adds a tactical dimension, as teams must decide when to use their limited tap-try opportunities.

Bonus points reward risk-taking rugby

Another innovation is the point-of-origin bonus, which rewards teams for scoring from their own half.

This rule is intended to encourage teams to run the ball more rather than rely on territorial kicking.

Buhrs said it reflects a broader shift towards more attacking rugby in South Africa, pointing to the Springboks’ recent increase in try-scoring under assistant coach Tony Brown.

He added it will be interesting to see whether the playing style being developed in the Varsity Cup filters into professional structures and eventually the Springbok system.

Red card rule also under scrutiny

The competition is also testing a 15-minute red-card rule.

Under this system, a team reduced to 14 players can return to full strength after 15 minutes, rather than playing the remainder of the match a player short.

Burns said this keeps contests fairer while maintaining more ball-in-play time, another priority for organisers trying to make the game more engaging.

He acknowledged that traditionalists may prefer the older system but said the Varsity Cup provides a safe environment to test changes and assess which ideas are worth keeping.

Rugby is at a crossroads globally

The debate around Varsity Cup innovations comes at a time when rugby union globally is discussing the sport’s direction.

Buhrs said the game appears to be at a ‘fork in the road’, with administrators, referees and unions meeting internationally to discuss the shape of the sport.

Despite this, he believes rugby is currently in a strong and balanced position, suggesting stability may be preferable, particularly with a World Cup approaching in the next 18 months.

For South African rugby supporters, however, the Varsity Cup remains a key window into what the future of the Springboks and the national playing style could look like.

For more information, listen to Buhrs using the audio player below: