VIDEO: How Tuks overcame relegation adversity
WATCH as @rugby365com reporter @Angyboyj have a one-on-one discussion with UP-Tuks utility back Tharquinn Manuel about his career and how the five-time champions dealt with Varsity Cup relegation.
Manuel is a product of Stellenberg High, a school which produced players such as former BlitzBok and current Stormers wing Angelo Davids and Namibia international Tiaan Swanepoel.
The speedy utility back made the move to Pretoria in 2022 and immediately found himself in the Tuks Varsity Cup side. He won the trophy in his debut season against Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium.
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“My first Varsity Cup was special to win it in my first year. It was even more special winning it back-to-back at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch,” Manuel said.
“It was a special win for the majority of the boys. That was the year most of the guys were also leaving.
“It’s never easy to go down and play at the Danie Craven Stadium and get the W [win].
He added: “It was special to celebrate with the guys afterwards. I was the first one on the field to celebrate with the boys.
“Words could never describe how it feels as a junior in the set-up and be part of a back-to-back Varsity Cup winning team.”
What was to follow, no one could’ve predicted.
The joint-most successful Varsity Cup side found themselves being relegated the following season after their triumph in Stellenbosch in 2022.
Manuel described what elements kept the group together throughout one of the darkest periods of their history.
Tuks went on to make their return to the Varsity Cup in 2025 after topping the 2024 Shield table and winning the tournament by thrashing the recently promoted Varsity College.
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“It was a tough year for Tuks. There were a lot of things going on at the time,” Manuel said.
“I can’t explain what the guys went through because I was injured that season.
“Being in camp with the guys, you could see everyone was so close. What kept the team together was how we were off the field.
“Not many teams can say you’re that close with your teammates. We are always together doing social activities.
“The bond within the group was quite strong, and going into that season of the [Varsity] Shield, there were a lot of expectations on us.
“People looked down on us, and we knew the eyes were going to shift on Tuks to see how we’re performing in the Varsity Shield.
“We only cared about each other and blocked all the outside noise. We had one goal, which was to go back to basics.
“We ensured we were prepared each week and never took any match lightly. I can guarantee you.
“Honestly, you’ll be surprised playing some of those teams in the [Varsity] Shield. Sometimes the scores don’t reflect the true nature of the contest. Those boys have heart and character.
He added: “Those teams prepared us so well for this year’s Varsity Cup. Yes, we are sad we didn’t make another Final, but we achieved all the goals we had.
“[But] just to bring Tuks’ name back to where it belongs, that meant more to us.
“It was a bit sad we couldn’t win another cup, but it was still special to bring Tuks’ name [back] up.”
Watch the full exclusive interview below…
