The countdown to the 2026 Varsity Netball season has officially begun with South Africa's top eight university teams preparing to battle for championship glory when the tournament gets underway on 23 August. Following another thrilling season in 2025, defending champions NWU will return looking to retain their crown against familiar rivals UJ, Maties, UP-Tuks, Wits, Madibaz and newcomers CUT, who replace Varsity College in this year's competition. For defending champions NWU