Defending champions Maties, 2019 finalists UP-Tuks and semi-finalists NWU will all have new coaches at the helm for the 2020 Varsity Cup season.

Former Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius headlines the changes made to the various coaching setups during the off-season. The 2007 World Cup winner has taken over as NWU head coach, replacing Jonathan Mokuena, who stepped down after a successful time at the helm.

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Pretorius, who played 31 Tests for the Springboks between 2002 and 2007, had been involved in coaching at the Leopards over the past few seasons.

Maties will also have a new head coach as Hawies Fourie departed after last season to take up a role as Cheetahs head coach. Former Western Province player Drikus Hancke has been promoted after serving as Fourie’s forwards coach. The 40-year-old played for Maties during his time as a student before playing provincially for Eastern Province, the Lions and Montpellier.

Meanwhile, Nico Luus will get the opportunity to impress as UP-Tuks head coach as he comes in for Nollis Marais, who steered the reins over the past couple of seasons.

UWC will also have a new head coach after the untimely passing of former Springbok wing Chester Williams, with assistant Lionel Langenhoven serving in the role on an interim basis.

Photo: Theo Garrun