NWU Eagles set to fly with new professional contracts

The North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute has been the breeding ground for some of the most talented rugby players in the country – this is no exception in 2026.

Six Varsity Cup stars of the NWU Eagles have signed professional contracts with South African rugby unions. They are Matthew Fortuin (Sharks), Jaco du Toit (Sharks), Stephan Krugel (Pumas), Jordan McLoughlin (Pumas), Sean Roulston (SWD) and Ricardo Fourie (Leopards).

The Varsity Cup captain of the NWU, Stephan Krugel, has put in the hard yards at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds over the past few seasons and has a golden opportunity to take his game to the next level at the Pumas. The Pumas are one of the top unions in South Africa, having won back-to-back SA Cup titles.

They also have a large contingent of former NWU players such as 2023 Varsity Cup-winning captain, Sampie Swiegers, Gustav du Rand, André Fouché, Heinz Bertram and Tino Swanepoel.

"It means a lot to me, and I am very honoured by the opportunity at the Pumas. It is difficult to secure a contract, and I am looking forward to the challenges and the opportunities ahead,” Stephan says.

According to Stephan, the Pumas are the perfect place to go after Varsity Cup rugby, as they provide a place to work hard and grow.

“There are tough days ahead, but I am excited about becoming a better player at an even higher professional level. I am looking forward to playing alongside more experienced players and seeing how they approach their matches,” he adds.

Stephan is also full of praise for the way in which the NWU supported him as a rugby player during his studies.

“The NWU gave me the opportunity to study what I wanted while providing the foundation for me to play rugby. The NWU is very professional. The coaches, the structures and the effort that is put in give players the opportunity to be ready to step into a union environment.”

Matthew Fortuin, the well-known NWU Eagles outside centre, received a one-year contract with the Sharks.

“I am excited about the opportunity to play for the Sharks in the Currie Cup. It is an amazing opportunity, and I just want to give my best. It means a lot to me and my family. I want to play as many matches as possible.”

Improvement is high on Matthew’s radar, who has dreams of representing the Springboks in green and gold.

“The NWU has meant so much to me – Coach Burger (van der Westhuizen), Coach Chaka (Willemse), Uncle Mervyn (Taylor). Not just for what I could experience, but also for what they meant to my game. God blessed me at the NWU. The NWU will always have a special place in my heart,” he says.

Closer to home, the NWU flank, Ricardo Fourie, who won the Forward that Rocks award in the Varsity Cup this year, will represent the Leopards in the Currie Cup First Division. He sees this as an opportunity to grow and impress the bigger unions.

“My goal is to help the Leopards win the First Division. That will open doors for me in my rugby career,” he says.