Ramón Uys of the University of the Free State's (UFS) FNB UFS Shimlas has been a standout performer in the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup, earning back-to-back Player That Rocks awards in recent home games against FNB Wits and FNB UJ. His dynamic performances in both matches, highlighted by crucial tries and strong defensive efforts, have cemented his reputation as a key player for his team.
Dominating against FNB Wits: 24 February 2025
In the Shimlas’ home clash against Wits, Uys was instrumental in securing the victory. The loose forward showcased his strength and agility, contributing to his team’s play while making a significant impact in defence. His relentless hard work saw him win multiple turnovers and execute powerful carries, keeping Wits under constant pressure.
Uys’s try in this match came at a crucial moment, giving the Shimlas a comfortable lead and shifting the odds in their favour. His ability to break tackles and find space in the opposition’s defensive line made him a standout performer. After the final whistle, his efforts were recognised with the Player That Rocks award, earning him the prestigious pink shorts, a R1 500 cash prize from FNB, and a small Enzokuhle (Varsity Cup mascot) stuffed toy – a lion with a bright pink mane that matches the bright pink shorts.
Heroic performance against FNB UJ: 3 March 2025
Just over a week later, Uys once again proved why he is one of the Shimlas’ top players. Facing the tough University of Johannesburg (UJ) team, he delivered yet another stellar performance, scoring two tries and leading his team to another crucial victory.
Uys’s first try came after a well-executed lineout move, where he powered through multiple defenders to score near the posts. His second try was a brilliant individual effort, showcasing his speed and footwork as he burst through UJ’s defensive line. These two moments helped the Shimlas maintain their unbeaten home record and highlighted Uys’s ability to step up in high-pressure situations.
His defensive contributions were just as valuable as his crucial tackles in stopping UJ’s attacking threats. His work at the breakdown also ensured that the Shimlas controlled possession for most of the match. Once again, his outstanding all-round performance earned him the Player That Rocks award, making it two in a row for the talented player.
Background
Uys started playing for the UFS FNB Varsity Young Guns in 2023. FNB Varsity Young Guns is a junior league in the FNB Varsity Cup made up of under-20s teams from the top eight university rugby squads in South Africa. He injured himself playing in a warm-up game and was forced to continue playing off the bench in the FNB Varsity Young Guns Cup. He also played for the Cheetahs under-19s in the same year and contributed to his team’s win. He also played in the under-21s Cheetahs team in 2024. He is playing his first year in the FNB UFS Shimlas in 2025.
He was born in George in the Western Cape and completed high school at Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale in Riversdale in the Western Cape. He is currently in his third year of studying towards a BCom degree in Business Management at the UFS.
Uys took us through his history in rugby and the love he has for the sport. He reminisced about his first time encountering the sport, when he was just five years old. He mentions playing in primary school but adds that it was not an obvious career choice for him until he reached high school, where he grew fonder of the “rough and gruesome” game.
A rising star in the Varsity Cup
With these performances, Uys has established himself as a key figure in the Shimlas’ Varsity Cup campaign to defend their championship title. His sportsmanship on the field, combined with his try-scoring ability and defensive dominance, makes him a player to watch this season. Winning two consecutive Player That Rocks awards at home is a testament to his consistency and dedication to the team’s success.
“He has a huge ruck count and tackle count, and those are some of the stuff that people don’t always see,” said Shimlas Head Coach André Tredoux. “He’s a fierce competitor – he doesn’t speak with words; he speaks with actions.”
As the Varsity Cup progresses, Uys will look to build on his impressive form and help the Shimlas push for another title. He has already made a significant mark on the tournament. “For me, it does not matter if I wear the pink or the white shorts; what matters is putting in the hard work, playing with my wonderful teammates, for the love of rugby.”
So far this season, the Shimlas are proving that greatness isn’t a one-time achievement – it’s a legacy in the making. Just as Ramón Uys has shown his relentless determination by securing back-to-back Player That Rocks awards, the Shimlas are chasing their piece of history: a second consecutive Varsity Cup title. And if the Springboks have taught us anything with their back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs, it’s that champions rise again when it matters most. Now is the time to believe, fight, and make our FNB UFS Shimlas alumni who became Bokke proud.
The journey to glory continues – one game at a time!