Tuks may be the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup Champions, but there is no time for the players to rest on their laurels.

Some of them will be back on the field training. Saturday, Tuks is playing Centurion in the Carlton Cup tournament. 

"The preparation for the 2022 Varsity Cup tournament starts this afternoon," said Nico Luus, Tuks head coach, who can't help but feel proud about what his team had achieved. 

"I love it when a plan comes together. Last night's 34-27 victory over Ikeys in the Varsity Cup final is undoubtedly one of the gutsiest in the history of TuksRugby. The players never gave up. They fought to the last minute to ensure victory. That is what makes coaching worthwhile." 

It is the fourth time that Tuks won the Varsity Cup Tournament. They were also victorious in 2012, 2013 and 2017. Only Maties (5 times) have been more successful. 

Tuks captain Sango Xamlashe who scored one of his team's four tries was afterwards at a loss of words.

"Yo, it was a hard and long journey for the team. It all added up to the final. I could not be more grateful to win. It is my first Varsity Cup victory. I don't think what we achieved has yet sunk in."

Eduan Lubbe lauded the captain as the one who kept the team believing they can win through the good and bad times.

"It is easy to be at your best and not give up when you know your captain has your back."

Xamlashe is the first player of colour to captain Tuks to a Varsity Cup victory. 

The "Big Man" Etienne Janeke (tighthead prop) was the "Player that Rocks". He secured Tuks's victory in the 83rd minute, making a crucial turnover. It was not his only heroic moment. He also scored a try and was from the moment he took to the field in thick things. He left the field with his moustache being bloodstained. 

"I did not expect to get awards. It is not a prop thing," Janeke joked before thanking his mom for her support in a television interview.

According to Janeke, he has been waiting for five years to be part of a team that wins the Varsity Cup.

Hanru Sirgel, who was instrumental in disrupting Ikeys's play in the lineouts in the second half, admits to being dog tired in those last few minutes of the game. But he was not going to give up. There was a game to be won, and he had a part to play even if he felt like crawling from play to play. 

As always, Luus is hesitant to single out specific players.

"Rugby is a team sport. We would not have achieved what we did if everyone was not prepared to give 100%. I dedicate our victory to each of the coaching staff and each player. It is a fantastic team. 

"But I got to say Zander du Plessis, Hanru Sirgel and Jaco Bezuidenhout were fenomonal throughout. Louritz van der Schyff was brilliant in the last three games, while Clyde Lewis was undoubtedly our most valuable player. It did not matter where he played - scrumhalf, centre or wing - he made a difference."