The FNB NWU Eagles will face FNB UP-Tuks in the FNB Varsity Cup 2026 final on Monday at Tuks Stadium in Pretoria, following their semi-final win over FNB Maties in Potchefstroom this week.
The Eagles now turn their focus to a Tuks side that finished top of the log in this year’s Varsity Cup season and will have a home advantage. The NWU rugby team goes into the final carrying confidence from their last meeting with Tuks, where they claimed a 30–22 win over them. NWU Eagles head coach Burger van der Westhuizen says his team’s approach remains unchanged despite the magnitude of the occasion.
“Our preparations are no different. It’s been the last four weeks that we’ve done exactly the same, and nothing is changing that,” he said.
The Eagles have been stronger at home this season, but Van der Westhuizen is not concerned about playing the final game away, even though their results on the road were inconsistent this season. “Playing the final away in Pretoria doesn't change the approach that we've had,” he said.
“We just need to go there and play the best brand of rugby that we can.”
Van der Westhuizen admitted that his team had faced challenges away from home earlier in the campaign but believes those matches offered valuable lessons.
“We had four away games. We weren't successful, but hopefully we've learnt things on the road,” he said, adding that playing in Pretoria is “a privilege” and that Tuks “earned the right to play on their home grounds.”
Looking ahead to the final, Van der Westhuizen told Varsity Cup that lifting the trophy would be a special moment for the entire NWU community.
“It will mean a lot for us to lift the trophy. That's what you're working for,” he said.
“It will mean a lot to the town, to the North-West University, friends and family. It's just amazing.”
