FNB NWU Eagles ended fourth on the 2022 Varsity Cup log and lost 36-54 in a semi-final in 2021 against the eventual runners up, FNB UCT Ikeys. NWU won the Varsity Cup in 2016.
NWU Eagles head coach Andre Pretorius said "We had a really good pre-season, and I’m optimistic about the coming campaign. We placed an emphasis on team cohesion and building relationships in the pre-season. We believe that it’s important to install a strong team culture and get everyone on the same page in terms of our game plan. Hopefully, it will take us far in this tournament."
"It’s a very young group, and we’ve lost a lot of experience. There are some impressive specimens coming through the U20 ranks, though, and we’re excited to see how they will respond to this opportunity."
Provisional Squad
Loosehead Prop: Ruben du Plessis, Jason Jansen, Xongani Ngobeni
Hooker: Brandon Beukes, Vernon Paulo
Tighthead Prop: Waldo Crous
Lock: Marvelous Mashimbyi, Burger Minnaar, Wihan Nel
Flanker: Heinz Bertram, Jandre de Beer, Jakkie Eloff, Arminn Posthumus
Eighth Man: Calvin Clack, Ruben Dreyer, Gustav Erlank, André Fouché
Scrumhalf: Riaan Genis, Sylvester Hassien, Aphelele Madaka
Flyhalf: Nivan Petersen
Centre: Brandon Keevy, Meyer Kriel, Isrome Phatudi, Theuns Pretorius
Wing: Naiden Jaarts
Fullback: Heinrich Botha, Elzandro Fredericks, Zinedine Robinson
