The NWU Eagles have started their journey to defend the Varsity Netball crown with two wins from two matches, combining a dominant opening performance with a one-goal test of nerve against UP-Tuks.

The defending champions opened their 2026 Varsity Netball campaign with a 74–31 victory over Madibaz on Sunday, 23 August, before edging UP-Tuks 60–59 in Round 2 on Monday, 24 August. Both matches were played at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch.

The opening weekend marked the first steps in the bid by the NWU to retain the title they won in 2025.

The Eagles were crowned 2025 Varsity Netball champions after beating UFS Kovsies 57–49 in the final at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. The NWU overturned a five-goal deficit during the final quarter to secure the trophy.

Their return to the competition in 2026 started with little sign of a championship hangover.

Against Madibaz, the NWU took control from the first quarter and led 21–9. The advantage grew to 44–17 by half-time before the Eagles entered the final quarter 58–23 ahead. They completed the match with a 74–31 victory.

Christi-Marie Coetzee was named player of the match after helping the Eagles begin their title defence on a winning note.

The second match presented a different challenge.

The NWU faced UP-Tuks in a contest that remained undecided until the final whistle. The Eagles held a 17–15 advantage after the first quarter, but Tuks fought back and the teams went into half-time level at 31–31.

The NWU then used its power play to gain ground in the third quarter and took a 47–40 lead into the final period. Tuks responded with a late charge and reduced the gap, but the Eagles held on for a 60–59 victory.

Andrya Joubert was named player of the match.

The two victories have given the NWU contrasting early tests. The Madibaz match showed the ability of the team to build and protect a large lead, while the Tuks encounter tested its ability to respond under pressure.

Those qualities could prove important as the Eagles move deeper into a campaign in which every opponent will be looking to challenge the defending champions.

For the NWU, the task is now to build on an unbeaten opening weekend as the journey to defend the Varsity Netball trophy continues.