The Varsity Cup team and Joubert Schoeman were among the many award recipients who received recognition on a night dedicated to excellence and a passion for the game.

Coaches and players traded boots for formal wear on Monday night as the North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute hosted its year-end function and awards ceremony. Known for their grit on the field, the athletes were now dressed to the nines, celebrating a season of hard work, growth and historic success.

“Rugby is more than a game. It is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.”

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus was abuzz with excitement as it recently hosted the 12th annual NWU Mini-Cricket Festival at the NWU Cricket Clubhouse. With over 560 enthusiastic children aged six to nine from more than 17 schools participating, the event once again proved to be one of the most anticipated youth sports occasions in the region.

Two North-West University (NWU) dancers, Tebogo Baas and Matlhogonolo Bodibe, are preparing to compete against the best in the world when they represent South Africa at the 2025 World Dance Championships (WDC) in Assen, Netherlands, in November. This event includes a dance festival, congress, and WDC World Championships, featuring the world's best ballroom and Latin dancers.

The North-West University (NWU) Staff Sports Club on the Potchefstroom Campus is proud and excited to represent the university at the upcoming University Staff Sport and Wellness of South Africa (USSWSA) national tournament, taking place in Gqeberha from 9 to 11 October 2025. Hosted by Nelson Mandela University, the tournament will bring together staff teams from 16 universities across South Africa for three days of competitive action and spirited sportsmanship.

Two former North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute players who once lit up the Varsity Football tournament have stepped onto the Premier Soccer League (PSL) stage. Banele Hlophe, a midfield talent who impressed with JDR Stars in the National First Division, has joined Chippa United, while Cameron Chweu has been signed by top-flight newcomers Orbit College FC.

For North-West University (NWU) head coach Nkululeko Malgas, history is both a lesson and a motivator. The NWU Eagles thrashed the University of the Free State (UFS) 4-0 at home in last year’s semi-final, but stumbled to a 1-0 loss away this season. Now, with another home semi-final on Thursday, 25 September, he insists the slate is clean.

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles are through to the 2025 Varsity Netball final after defeating the University of Johannesburg (UJ) 58-28 in a commanding semifinal performance on Monday evening, 22 September.

From the first whistle, the NWU asserted themselves with strong defence and quick transitions into attack. Their intensity forced UJ to work hard for every chance, while the Eagles converted their opportunities efficiently to take a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

South Africans are still basking in the glow of the Springboks’ emphatic 43–10 dismantling of the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. It was a win that restored pride, silenced doubters, and reaffirmed South Africa’s place at the summit of world rugby.

Now the Springboks will host Argentina in Durban as Rassie Erasmus’ men look to defend their Rugby Championship crown in the coming two weeks.

In a battle of experience versus youth, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles emerged triumphant on Saturday, 20 September, with a well-matched 23-16 victory over Pirates Rugby Club, claiming the 2025 Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge title. The intense physicality of the match was reflected in the scoreboard, with both teams giving their all.

Pirates piled on the pressure in the opening minutes of the game and converted a penalty kick to take an early lead. The Eagles levelled the score at the five-minute mark of the game through a superb penalty kick from Divan du Toit.