A dispute hearing between UP and the Varsity Cup relating to this player’s inclusion in the Tuks Varsity Cup side, resulted in the independent presiding officer ruling that a player may not interrupt his studies in this manner. There is no explicit rule in either the Constitution, or the Regulations of the Varsity Cup dealing with this issue. The finding was based on the interpretation of the presiding officer and the University accepts the outcome. The chairperson in his finding pertinently stated that there had been ‘no malicious intent or negligence’ on the part of the University and Tuks was sternly reprimanded. 

 It is disappointing that the University’s actions in this regard are questioned from some quarters. The problem stems from the Varsity Cup’s vague rules and the interpretation thereof. The University of Pretoria will never intentionally transgress any rules – neither in the Varsity Cup nor any other competition. Yes, the University’s aim is to win, but definitely not at the expense of the integrity of the game or the University.