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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.
Matthew Fortuin
Jaco du Toit
Stephan Krugel
Jordan McLoughlin
Sean Roulston
Ricardo Fourie
South Africa went into its World Cup match against South Korea without Teboho Mokoena, and much of the national conversation focused on one question: Could Bafana Bafana cope without him?
They did. Bafana Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 and advanced to the Round of 32, a result that shifted the debate from individual absence to collective response.
For North-West University (NWU) football coach Nkululeko Malgas, the episode offered a reminder of what football still is, even in an era dominated by star names, endorsements and social media attention.
“Individual influence will always be there, but such individuals should be made to understand at all times that football is a team sport,” says coach Malgas. “If that is not addressed, it has a very bad impact that has destroyed a lot of individuals and teams.”
Major tournaments like the ongoing FIFA World Cup have become stages not only for countries but also for global icons. Argentina is often discussed through Lionel Messi, Portugal through Cristiano Ronaldo, France through Kylian Mbappé and Brazil through players such as Neymar and Vinícius Júnior. The trend has changed how supporters consume football, with attention often moving from national identity to individual brilliance.
Coach Malgas says commercial interests have played a major role in this shift.
“The impact of commercial endorsement has created that perception,” he says. “They became more focused on these individuals because that is how they sell their products, and that has forced us to focus on them more than their teams.”
He says the trend has affected the game because supporters, sponsors and media platforms often build stories around players who attract attention beyond the pitch.
The debate around Mokoena’s absence against South Korea showed how one player can become central to public expectations. Coach Malgas says whether a team becomes dependent on one player depends on the model created by the coach.
“It solely depends on the model that the coach has influenced,” coach Malgas says. “Coaches have to instil a ‘team first’ model.”
He says that the victory of Bafana Bafana without Mokoena was important because it showed that a team can respond when a key player is missing.
“It was a very good exercise for Bafana to win.”
For coaches working with young players, the lesson is clear: talent must be developed, but not at the expense of the team. Coach Malgas says players must be encouraged to express themselves while understanding that football rewards structure, discipline and collective effort.
The modern game will continue to produce stars. However, according to coach Malgas, the strongest teams are those that ensure individual talent serves the group, not the other way around.
NWU football coach Nkululeko Malgas.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) officially unveiled its final TeamSA squad and competition kit for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at the Olympic House in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 24 June.
The announcement marked a significant step forward in the country’s preparations for the multi-sport event, scheduled to take place in Scotland from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
Among the 112-strong national contingent, several North-West University (NWU) athletes were selected to don the green and gold alongside headline acts like Chad le Clos and Bongiwe Msomi.
They will compete across a range of disciplines, with TeamSA fielding athletes in athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para-track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para-track cycling, boxing, judo, bowls and para-bowls, 3 x 3 basketball, and 3 x 3 wheelchair basketball.
NWU athletes and events
Franco le Roux also modelled for the competition kit.
NWU management and coaching staff
Ethan Olivier, the NWU’s triple jump specialist, also received a call-up to represent New Zealand in athletics. The selection of these student-athletes once again proves that the NWU is a factory of champions, producing athletes who consistently compete at the highest level of international competition.
SASCOC chief executive officer Nozipho Jafta delivered the official welcome address. “In just 28 days, Team South Africa will proudly march into the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, carrying the hopes and aspirations of our nation. Returning to Glasgow makes this journey even more special, as we prepare to display South Africa, talent, and pride on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages,” she said.
“Our team brings together experienced athletes who understand what it takes to succeed on the international stage, alongside exciting young talent representing the future of South African sport. This blend of experience and potential gives us great confidence that team South Africa will compete with distinction and make the nation proud,” Nozipho added.
SASCOC president Barry Hendricks urged the athletes to embrace the moment and represent the country with pride. “Support one another, build lifelong friendships, and cherish every moment of this remarkable journey. As you head to Glasgow, continue South Africa’s proud tradition of excellence at the Commonwealth Games. Your nation believes in you, and we look forward to supporting and celebrating your achievements.”
Tracey Olivier offered a message of support to the NWU athletes. “Congratulations to our athletes. Being selected to TeamSA is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence,” she said.
“Representing both your country and the NWU is a remarkable honour. We are immensely proud of your achievement and have every confidence that you will make us proud. The entire NWU community stands behind you and will be cheering you on every step of the way.”
Watch TeamSA modelling the competition kit.
Franco le Roux
Bradley Nkoana
Rogail Joseph
Liezel Gouws
Ethan Olivier
