FNB UP-Tuks secured their record sixth FNB Varsity Cup title with a dominant 31-03 victory over FNB NWU Eagles in the 2026 final. The season’s showpiece came down to a clash between the top two sides on the log, as FNB UP-Tuks hosted second-placed FNB NWU Eagles in a rain-soaked and fully packed Tuks Stadium.
Rising to the occasion, the home side delivered a commanding performance to outclass their opponents and cap off an outstanding campaign in style.
As anticipated, the two titans produced a tightly contested affair from the whistle blow. It was the visitors who looked stronger, putting early pressure on the home side. Eagles seemed to be flowing smoothly in the wet turf of Tuks. Their efforts were rewarded as they registered the first points on the board.
MJ Mostert slotted home from the spot to grab the lead in the 18th minute. The Stripe Generation responded swiftly from the boot of Divan Du Toit, also a three-pointer. The Pretoria outfit unleashed their solid forwards and piled pressure on the NWU. The intensity paid off as Tuks were awarded a penalty try and took the lead for the first time.
The visitors had a chance to reduce the deficit on the stroke of halftime, but Mostert’s effort went wide. Tuks are taking a seven-point cushion at the break.
The second stanza depicted a one-sided contention as Tuks squeezed on the NWU defence and scored back-to-back tries to extend their tally. Andile Myeni produced a brilliant solo run to score a point of origin try before Jean Fourie pushed through the line. Both conversions missed by Divan du Toit.
The experienced fly-half redeemed himself with a 50m penalty to take Tuks to a 22-point lead. Divan du Toit went on the boot in two more kicks from the spot to seal the victory for Stripe Generation.
Scorers:
FNB UP-Tuks: Tries: Penalty try, Andile Myeni POR, Jean Fourie. Penalties: Divan du Toit (4)
FNB NWU Eagles: Penalty: MJ Mostert.
FNB Player of the Match: Andile Myeni (FNB UP-Tuks)
Teams:
FNB UP-Tuks: 1 Buhle Mpaka, 2 Jean Fourie, 3 Jayd Austin, 4 David Engongo, 5 Duncan Blignaut, 6 Abel Pretorius, 7 Oelof De Meyer, 8 Dillon Smith, 9 Akha Mjawule, 10 Divan du Toit, 11 Munashe Dukuswa, 12 Christiaan Vlok, 13 Kobus Janse van Rensburg, 14 Andile Myeni, 15 Hopewell Ntshangase. Replacements: 16 Gustav Van Der Merwe, 17 Randy Muzungu, 18 Barnard Nortje, 19 Jacques Oberholzer, 20 Guvandre Moses, 21 Ighnatius Jantjies, 22 Dennis Obi, 23 Van Reenen Kruger.
FNB NWU Eagles: 1 Alethwa Buthelezi, 2 Jordan Mcloughlin, 3 Jason Oosthuizen, 4 Stephan Krugel, 5 Raniel Turner, 6 Ricardo Fourie, 7 Guhan Du Bois, 8 Sean Roulston, 9 Zack Serfontein, 10 MJ Mostert, 11 Logan Janeke, 12 Leejay Petersen, 13 Matthew Fortuin, 14 Luyolo Doyi, 15 Luan Van der Walt. Replacements: 16 Hanro Venter, 17 Bradley Stanfliet, 18 Jaco Du Toit, 19 Schalk Du Plessis, 20 Zihan Bensch, 21 Gary Otto, 22 Angelo Daniels, 23 Jamaine Dampies.