It’s been 30 years since the New Zealand All Blacks last toured South Africa for a traditional rugby test series, but 2026 will see the old foes meet for three tests in the Republic and one abroad.

For rugby fans at home and in the Land of the Long White Cloud, The Greatest Rivalry Tour – which includes provincial matches between the All Blacks and the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions – is the stuff dreams are made of.

While Europe is in the icy grip of winter, athletes are sharpening their form in Potchefstroom, drawn by the altitude, climate and a high-performance sport hub that has quietly become a base for Olympic gold medallists.

Members of the Netherlands’ Olympic gold-winning 4x400 m mixed relay team, including Femke Bol, Lieke Klaver and Isaya Klein Ikkink, are among the international athletes currently training at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) High-Performance Institute (HPI).

Shouts of encouragement, playful competition and the clatter of spoons against eggs filled the air as the NWU Staff Sports Club Potchefstroom wrapped up its year with a high-energy closing celebration on 5 December.

The Tsebonokeng Hall at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) radiated with pride and celebration as the institution hosted its prestigious 2025 Annual Sports Awards ceremony.

Themed “Celebrating Excellence, Honour, and Legacy in Sport,” the evening served as a grand recognition of the remarkable achievements, resilience and unity that have defined the NWU sporting community throughout the year.

The esports team on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus delivered an electrifying performance at the Varsity Weekend held at the EFC World Sport Betting Arena in Fourways, Johannesburg. They earned themselves a coveted place in the Rocket League Grand Finale this December.

In December, when Christian Mahlalela leads his North-West University (NWU) side onto the cricket field in Stellenbosch, he will be carrying more than just his team’s hopes. He will bear the responsibility of redemption, and with the help of his teammates, this weight will be as light as a feather.

What a wonderful and historic moment for South African cricket. The Proteas have finished runners-up at the ICC Women’s World Cup after a thrilling final against hosts India on Sunday, 2 November 2025.

Although they narrowly missed out on the title, they made history by becoming the first South African senior side ever to reach an ICC Cricket World Cup final in any format. Their run to the final has been nothing short of inspirational.

“At NWU Sport, our passion is sport, and we are privileged to make our passion our work.” 

These were the words of Mervyn Taylor, manager of the NWU Rugby Institute, as he concluded the North-West University (NWU) Sports Awards on 21 October. His statement captured the spirit of an evening that celebrated commitment, teamwork and excellence across all sporting codes at the university. 

When the stars came out, running shoes were laced and goals were set. On your marks, get set and go! The inaugural North-West University (NWU) Berts Bricks Athletics Club (BB AC) Night Race recently transformed the Potchefstroom Campus into a glowing celebration of fitness, fun and community spirit.

More than 1 400 athletes gathered at the NWU Amphitheatre to take part in either the 10 km race or 5 km Fun Run, marking a spectacular comeback for the once-popular community event.