Since the inception of the
FNB Varsity Cup in 2008, Maties have consistently ranked among the top-performing sides. They were crowned inaugural champions in 2008 after defeating the
UCT Ikey Tigers 16–10 in the final.
Golden Era The period from 2008 to 2010 is widely regarded as Maties’ golden era in the Varsity Cup. During these three seasons, Maties won three consecutive titles (2008, 2009 and 2010), becoming the first team in the competition’s history to achieve a championship hat-trick. The 2010 campaign was particularly notable, as Maties completed an unbeaten season, winning all nine matches. Their 17–14 victory over the UCT Ikey Tigers in the final intensified the historic Intervarsity rivalry between the two institutions.
Modern Era Maties added further championships in 2018 and 2019, with the 2019 campaign seeing the team complete another unbeaten season. As of the end of their 2026 campaign, Maties have played 164 Varsity Cup matches, winning 124, drawing 7 and losing 34, with an overall win percentage of 77%. They have scored 5,567 points and conceded 3,239 points across all seasons. Their sustained playoff appearances and high overall win rate have cemented Maties’ reputation as one of the flagship teams of the Varsity Cup era.
Danie Craven Danie Craven Stadium is the home ground of Maties Rugby and is situated in the Coetzenburg sporting precinct on the campus of
Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 16,000 spectators and is widely regarded as one of the most historic university rugby venues in the country. Originally opened in 1921 as Coetzenburg Stadium, the venue was later renamed in honour of Dr
Danie Craven, former Springbok captain and long-serving rugby administrator who played a significant role in the development of South African rugby. Over the decades, the stadium has become synonymous with the identity and traditions of Maties Rugby. The facility has undergone multiple upgrades to meet modern competition and broadcast standards, particularly following the introduction of the
Varsity Cup in 2008. In addition to hosting Varsity Cup fixtures, the stadium has staged provincial matches, youth international fixtures, and other major rugby events, reinforcing its status as a premier rugby venue in the Western Cape.
UCT Rivalry Maties’ fiercest and most historic rivalry is with the
Ikey Tigers. Both teams are among the most successful and supported sides in the
Varsity Cup, and their clashes are rooted in longstanding geographical, cultural and sporting competition between the two Western Cape universities. Matches between Maties and the Ikey Tigers regularly draw large crowds and are often televised on
SuperSport, reflecting the intensity and popularity of the fixture within South African university rugby. Historically, the teams have met at key stages of the Varsity Cup, including finals and semifinals, contributing to a competitive head-to-head record. A recent high-profile example occurred in the 2025 Varsity Cup final, where UCT Ikey Tigers defeated Maties 44–21 at Danie Craven Stadium, ending an 11-year title drought and denying Maties a home-ground victory in front of a packed crowd. The rivalry extends beyond results; these fixtures are widely anticipated each season and are seen as marquee matchups that showcase the passion, skill and tradition of South African university rugby. ==Maties Records==