Women In Sports

"That's the main reason, or part of, why I'm here – that I can provide for my family and I can provide for myself being in this environment"

"So, yes, this environment does not require me to go and look for work, this is my work. And every rugby player would appreciate that, especially for women in the country"

"I went to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and that's where I started playing rugby in my final year. My mom did not want me to play any sport before I got my degree and qualification."

"The trick for the weekend will be to look to what we want to achieve and to go out there and enjoy it."

"What we did see against the New Zealanders in Cape Town was that our physicality is tough to live with, and that gives us confidence for the weekend."

"We have prepared well for this one and we have showed that we can play with the best. This is what this tournament is all about, proving that we belong."

"But she was happy with me playing as soon as rugby wanted to pay for my tertiary fees, so that's how I started playing, and I played for the Sharks for over nine years before I now joined the Bulls Daisies"

"It will be good for us to train against France, as they are in the middle of their current campaign and will be full of speed and intensity, whilst we have not played together since the WXV. Also, as you can see, the weather is quite nice now to play rugby"

"Although there have been notable advancements in women’s sport sponsorship, more work remains until women’s sports are on level with men’s sports. I think the following actions can be made to guarantee that more funds are allocated to supporting female athletes."

"Increased internet and television coverage of women’s sports can draw in new sponsors, viewers, and sources of income. It is important to encourage sponsors to develop focused advertising strategies that highlight the distinctive qualities and experiences of female athletes"

"We also need to be clear on our goals and vision. As well as outlining our present and future goals, both on and off the pitch. That will show our determination, drive, and success potential. Unique value proposition by emphasising our unique promoting points, such as our abilities, character, or community service, helps companies see how supporting us will enhance their brand."

"Organisations ought to launch targeted campaigns and programs aimed at assisting female athletes and women’s sports. Governments as well as companies can fund grassroots initiatives, top athlete development, and the infrastructure of women’s sports. The idea that women’s sports are truly less important or marketable must be eliminated."

"I mean, equity is what it’s about in business. For them to be able to have equity at this young of age, I think that that’s power.”"

"The pace, spacing, physicality, and overall athleticism have all taken major leaps, making the women’s game faster, deeper, and more dynamic than ever."

"My goal is to build myself as a reliable player and solidify my spot on the national squad. Make myself a consistent player and join the team for the 2025 World Cup."

"As a young athlete, I think there are a few essential aspects that can improve our prospects of getting sponsorship. Professional online presence so employers can more easily locate and evaluate us. When we have a great website and social media profiles that highlight our accomplishments, abilities, and personalities (it can work in our favour)."

".I don’t know if I will miss touch or drop a high ball, but what I do know is that I will leave nothing out there. I will play my heart out on that field, in honour of all who made this possible."

"Making my Springbok Women debut last year was an absolute dream come true! It was a moment I had worked towards for years, and to finally wear the green and gold jersey was an incredible honour."

"My immediate goals are to absorb as much as I can from the coaches, senior players, and the team’s culture. I want to develop a deeper understanding of the team’s playing style, strategies, and expectations."

"There were so many emotions and thank yous that flooded me, It will be such a special occasion for me, but emotions aside, I have a job to do out there"

"In fact, at one stage that year I almost quit, but I realised that criticism towards me was not personal, but to improve as a player"

"I am a quiet person, but was told that I had to become more forceful in communicating if I wanted to succeed on the field of play. Once I understood not to take it personally and to actually do that, I became a better player"

"Even though women’s rugby is becoming more and more popular, there is still a big support and sponsorship imbalance. It is more difficult for female athletes to find support since many potential sponsors give preference to men’s sport."

"It made me realise that I was noticed by the national coaches and the fire to one day play for the Springbok Women was burning bright after that"

"You're gonna live longer than the ball is bouncing, God willing, and so there's a whole lot of life after basketball. So you kinda have to learn how to be a good human and, I can't think of a better person than coach Summitt that modeled that."

"That first year was tough for me, I was young and it was tough mentally, as I was suddenly playing amongst senior players"

"We have had memorable battles with them, and we are quite unfortunate to lose against them last year. We have grown as a team and playing in the Challenger has hardened us, and we are looking forward to doing well on home soil"

"Having a sponsor would offer inspiration and emotional support. It would increase my confidence and motivation to succeed to know that someone thinks highly of me and my skills."

"I grew up with two older brothers who excelled at every single thing. And so, their shadows were very large and daunting at times."

"If I don’t keep winning penalties then someone else will come and take my position. And if I lose my position, if I lose my contract, then my family won’t eat. I can’t let that happen"

"But I want to tell girls that it’s OK to look how you look. I am grateful for my strength. I use my strength to push for my country. Why would I not be proud of that?"

"I’ll keep pushing hard. For my family and for South Africa. For all young girls who want to play rugby. Ya, I can say that I’ll always keep pushing"

"I can an really look back at this day for a long time. Here I was, being part of the opening match of the World Cup and when the action began, I felt at home."

"But because of my body shape, people kept saying, ‘you need to play, you need to play’. I was 18. I just thought, ‘why not’. So I tried. And the rest is history."

"Some ugly perceptions about women and women’s rugby still exist in South Africa,To be honest, it’s a pain in the arse."

"And I want to assist in mauls, make tackles, and carry the ball. The nice thing about all of that is that I can do so with my team and when we play together, we get things done."

"I want to create spaces where young people are seen, heard, and inspired to take up space."

"Just start! Whether it’s watching games, writing, taking pictures, or even starting a YouTube channel, begin where you are."

"It won’t be easy, but it’s the journey that shapes you and builds your character. Along the way, you’ll be reminded of your ‘why,’ and that’s what will keep you going."

"The knowledge that I can compete at this level was just such a boost and for me the biggest achievement of my life. Look, no prop scrums alone, so it is not about me, but it was great to force my opponent to concede penalties and for our forwards to enjoy dominance over a highly-rated French pack."

"When it happens I just smile and maybe just move on to something else. But it’s hard to hear. My parents stand behind me fully so I know that I have their support. So what other people think shouldn’t bother me. But it’s not nice to hear. I know that I’m not like a typical female. I’m built differently."

"It won’t happen overnight, I’m not sure we can change a whole culture. There will be lots of people who will never support us. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything. If we start winning and challenging the really good teams."

"I believe we’re moving in the right direction, and starting not to hold back against New Zealand."

"Our mindset is to stay focused, disciplined and also be consistent with everything we are doing, not stopping our physicality going direct to them"

"I’ve been in the system for about a decade, and this is probably the pinnacle of it. It’s been a big honour to be on that journey for so long, and to witness the growth and depth of the squad. I think there’s a lot of improvement in terms of how well the system has been invested in."

"We’ve developed an edge- a competitive edge. There’s just an overall better understanding as to what it means to be a professional athlete. All these factors contribute to the quality of the group that we are now and to where we’re headed."

"Rugby has changed my life, and for the best, I don’t come from a great background, but with rugby, I know how to take care of my family and myself. There are a lot of things that rugby has changed for me. I am very grateful that I chose this sport. It came into my life and did good things."

"We understand that we come from various different backgrounds, but we are able to have a beautiful melting pot of different cultures and different characters even. We tap into that and embrace that because we are South African."

"They always have something to say about playing rugby, but it is a sport for all sizes and shapes. Anyone is welcome to play rugby because it accommodates everyone."

"I enjoy the freedom. You can do anything you want on the field, provided it is legal. Maybe if you have anger issues, you can sort that out. There are a lot of things, and you have fun while doing them."