Varsity Netball 2026 ready to showcase South Africa's future stars

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, last year's title remains a source of pride, but head coach Elsunet du Plessis insists the focus has already shifted firmly towards the new challenge ahead.

"Winning the Varsity Netball title was an incredibly special moment for our players, staff and the entire NWU community. It was the reward for months of hard work, resilience and belief in one another."

Despite lifting the trophy in 2025, Du Plessis says there will be no complacency as the champions begin their title defence.

"Every season presents a new challenge, and we know that last year's success doesn't guarantee anything. We've prepared with intensity and purpose, focusing on continuous improvement rather than defending a title. "

"Our players are proud to represent NWU and understand the responsibility that comes with wearing this dress. Our expectation is to compete with courage, consistency and humility, and to give ourselves the best opportunity to challenge for the title again."

While the champions retain valuable experience, the squad also features an exciting new generation of talent.

"This year's squad has a fresh look, with around half of the team being new to the Varsity Netball environment. The blend of experienced players and exciting new talent has created a competitive group, and we're looking forward to seeing them showcase their talents throughout the tournament."

Following its overwhelming success in 2025, #ILoveIt returns as the official theme for the 2026 Varsity Netball season. More than just a catch phrase, it captures the passion, pride and unforgettable moments that define the competition celebrating everything that makes Varsity Netball one of South Africa's most exciting university sporting competitions.

Varsity Netball Tournament Manager Anouschka Swart believes the competition continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of South African netball stars.

"Varsity Netball has evolved into more than just a competition. Every season presents an opportunity for new stars to emerge, new rivalries to unfold and the standard of university netball to reach even greater heights. The competition continues to provide a stage where South Africa's top student athletes can showcase their talent, pursue their dreams and inspire the next generation of netball players.”

The opening bumper weekend takes place at the Coetzenburg Sports Centre in Stellenbosch on 23 and 24 August, where fans can look forward to an exciting opening round of fixtures, including defending champions NWU taking on Madibaz, UJ facing Maties, CUT making their Varsity Netball debut against Wits and netball powerhouses UP-Tuks taking on Kovsies. The tournament will conclude with the final on 28 September, where a new champion or a successful title defence by NWU will be decided. 

Get to the games or catch all the action live on SuperSport.

All fixtures HERE. 

Tickets coming soon.