Illegal player knocks out Impi
UWC, who initially finished the Shield competition in third place on 24 points, have now climbed to second place on the log after UKZN-Impi were docked a whopping 12 points for fielding an ineligible player throughout the competition.
This deduction sees the Impi's points tally drop from 32 to 20, leaving them in third place and missing out on the playoff encounter.
"A disputes hearing was held, where an impartial chairman took the decision to deduct points from UKZN. We realise that this has a major impact on their season and final log standing, but our rules regarding player eligibility are very clear and we stand firmly by them," Varsity Cup CEO, Duitser Bosman said.
This ruling has no effect on Wits though, who have been automatically promoted to the Varsity Cup competition in 2017.
Two-time Varsity Cup champions, Ikeys, will be fighting to retain their spot in the premier competition after finishing the 2016 season without a win to their name while collecting three points from their seven matches.
UCT's humiliating season came to a harsh end when they suffered a hefty 100-25 loss to UP-Tuks in the final round of the tournament.
The winner of the playoff match will take part in the 2017 Varsity Cup, taking up the ninth spot in the expanded competition.
The match will be played at the same venue as the Cup Final – Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch – with kick-off scheduled at 14.30 (12.30 GMT)
