The hearing into the alleged contravention of the Varsity Cup regulations by champions Pukke in relation to an ineligible player has been postponed.

Tighthead prop Bart le Roux played 614 minutes of this year's campaign as a first-year student, having represented the UKZN Impi in last year's Varsity Shield as a first-year student. The tournament rules state that a player is only allowed to play as a first-year student in one campaign.

If Pukke are found guilty, they could be stripped of the title, with Maties (who lost 7-6 in the final) being crowned champions.

'Advocate Stelzner SC, acting as the independent chairperson, ruled that the matter should be postponed to a further date to allow time for scrutiny of further relevant documentation and to hear evidence in person from certain witnesses to get clarity on key issues in dispute,' said Varsity Cup CEO Duitser Bosman.

The case is postponed until a date in early May to be agreed by the parties. 

'Obviously we are working hard to finalise this matter as soon as possible. However, out of respect for due process and bearing in mind the significance of this matter, Stelzner’s ruling was supported by both Varsity Cup and NWU,' said Bosman.