The dream of bringing the Varsity Cup home came to a heartbreaking end for the NWU Eagles on Monday, 13 April, in Pretoria after they fell 31-3 short against a seasoned FNB UP-Tuks side in a sold-out final. A defeat at the rain-soaked Tuks Stadium will always be remembered as one that sparked pride and identity for the Eagles.

With 300 loyal NWU fans making their way to a packed Tuks Stadium, where the rain was coming down in sheets, and thousands watching from home, all rallied behind the NWU Eagles. Reaching the final shows that the Purple Army are not merely participants in the Varsity Cup, but annual contenders for the crown.

This is not a team of individuals, but a unit with one singular focus: to make their fans proud. Champions show their worth when the odds are stacked against them, and while the NWU Eagles may not have revelled in defying the odds, not one of their supporters was left without a sense of pride.

The Eagles had nothing to lose, and this piled the pressure on UP-Tuks. However, the hosts were the favourites and were backed by diehard home supporters. Despite the title slipping away, the Eagles showed grit and determination, and kept fighting, leaving an incredible mark with their campaign.

They played with heart and courage, and there were moments in the game that could have flipped the script: well-executed combinations that reflected how far the Eagles have come. However, finals are decided by the smallest margins, and the home side rose to the occasion to win their sixth Varsity Cup title.

The overwhelming feeling is not one of disappointment, but of pride. Pride in a group of players who grew together, fought together and carried the hopes of the NWU on to the national stage. Throughout their journey, the NWU community stood united behind the Eagles, and even in defeat, the support remains resolute. The Eagles may not have returned to Potchefstroom with the trophy, but they return with respect and a renewed sense of purpose.

The NWU community is proud of the Eagles; for everything they left on the pitch and for showing what it means to wear purple with pride. Mathew Fortuin was once again voted for FNB Back That Rocks, while his teammate, Ricardo Fourie, walked away with the FNB Forward That Rocks award.

Congratulations to the Eagles on an incredible 2026 Varsity Cup campaign.

NWU forward Ricardo Fourie win the FNB Forward that Rocks

NWU flyer Mathew Fortuin wins the FNB Back that Rocks