Varsity Cup rugby will introduce a new post-try scoring option designed to reward attacking ambition.
According to Rapport, teams that score a try in the 2026 tournament will be given a choice to kick for the standard two-point conversion or opt for a high-risk, high-reward alternative that gives them 120 seconds to score another try.
If successful, that second try will count as a five-point “penalty kick”, potentially allowing a team to score 12 points from one attacking sequence.
After a try, referees will ask captains whether they want to kick for poles or take a tap kick, with teams having 20 seconds to decide. Should they choose the new option, play will restart with a tap kick from the 22m, in line with where the original try was scored, similar to a power-play scenario. The defending team must retreat 10m before play resumes.
The innovation is similar to the NFL where teams who score a touchdown have the option of a one- or two-point conversion, with the one a simple kick and the other a new attacking play.
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During the two-minute period, no scrums, lineouts or drop goals are permitted. The attacking side must keep the ball alive and score within the allotted time, otherwise the opportunity ends. If they concede a penalty or lose possession, the period is terminated.
The defending team can also turn the tables by scoring a try.
Teams will be allowed to use this option twice per half, adding a significant strategic layer to matches.
The 2026 season gets under way on 16 February.
Photo: Luigi Bennett/Varsity Cup
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