Treu played for South Africa's rugby sevens team from 1999 to 2003, before transitioning to the role of coach in 2004. 

He was at the helm of the national team for nine years, helping South Africa to their first World Rugby Sevens Series gold medal in 2009.

Treu went on to coach Kenya's sevens rugby team, before becoming the defensive coach of the Super Rugby Stormers team and the performance and innovation manager of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

His most recent post saw him serve as the high performance sevens consultant for the Japan Rugby Football Union.

Treu is now returning to his place of study, having graduated from the University of the Western Cape in 1993. 

"I just want to thank everyone at the University of the Western Cape for appointing me as the head coach of the Varsity Cup team," he said.

"I started my career at the University as a player and now I’m returning as a coach. 

"I’m really excited to start working with the team and the staff and everyone at the University.

"I regard myself as a dynamic, cutting edge leader with extensive experience in professional sport. 

"I am exploring opportunities to team up with a high performance organisation that relies on innovation and critical thinking, which in turn, prioritises best practice methods to achieve their goal."

The 49-year-old takes over from interim coach Lionel Langenhoven, who was in a caretaker role following the death of former coach and South Africa World Cup winner Chester Williams in October last year.

Never a major university rugby heavyweight, University of the Western Cape toiled in South Africa’s second-tier Varsity Shield for eight years before finally winning the competition in 2018, gaining promotion to the Varsity Cup.

They struggled in their debut appearance in the competition and were also floundering this season, before matches were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.   

"Treu is a shining example of what can be achieved when student-athletes can create a balance between their careers in sport and their academic honours," said University of the Western Cape rector and vice chancellor Tyrone Pretorius. 

"We are pleased to have him on board and wish him all the best in his new role.

"His appointment illustrates that we have to think about life beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"While we have to deal with the consequences of having to work from home, we must not become trapped by this reality, and his appointment shows we have an eye on the future."