Mokwai: “Reality has kicked in and it feels wonderful”

It started as a dream more than a decade ago and on Friday morning when Nomsai Mokwai stepped out of the plane that carried the Springbok Women to England and saw the “Welcome to London-Heathrow” sign, she realised that dreams do come true.

Having missed the boat to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2022, Mokwai thought her dream to play for the Springbok Women on the biggest stage was over.

On 30 August, Mokwai will not only celebrate her 33rd birthday amongst her rugby family but also as someone – as she dreamt of all those years ago – who represents her country on the biggest stage.

“I was thinking of quitting back in 2022 but then realised that is not who I am,” said Mokwai, a professional emergency care nurse who knows how to deal with real life dramas.

“That is not me giving up on something I really wanted, so I decided to give it another go and I am so happy I did. So today, seeing that Heathrow sign, being welcomed by the High Commission staff and getting onto the bus to travel to Northampton, made me realise that indeed, this is what I worked for. And that is such a great feeling.”

Mokwai is far from relaxing and resting on her laurels though: “The final push starts now. We all have to be the best teammate, the best opponent and the best player we can be. It is not about the individual here; this is a team representing all of South Africa and that is where the focus will be. I am happy to be all those at the 2025 World Cup.”

The Bok utility forward reflected on her omission from the 2022 squad but when she was recalled into the national team by caretaker coach Louis Koen in 2024, only positive thoughts and actions followed.

“This time I had a much better feeling that I will get selected but it was still a relief to be told by the coaches that I made the squad,” she said. “This team is determined to do special things and I am grateful to be part of that effort.”

The Springbok Women will attend the official RWC welcome ceremony in Northampton alongside Japan, Ireland and Brazil on Saturday.

They play Brazil on Sunday, 24 August at Franklin’s Garden in their opening Pool D match of the tournament.

Springbok Women 2025 Rugby World Cup squad

Props: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Babalwa Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki.

Hookers: Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Luchell Hanekom.

Locks: Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Danelle Lochner, Nomsa Mokwai, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi.

Utility and loose forwards: Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke.

Scrumhalves: Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey.

Flyhalves: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Mary Zulu.

Centres: Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe, Eloise Webb.

Outside backs: Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya.

Utility backs: Byrhandré Dolf, Nadine Roos.

Pool D schedule (SA times)

Sunday 24 August

3.45pm: SA v Brazil (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton)

Sunday 31 August

4.30pm: SA v Italy (York Community Stadium, York)

Sunday 7 September

5.45pm: SA v France (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton)

The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of 13/14 September, with the semi-finals on 19/20 September and the final on Saturday, 27 September.

Team Management

Swys de Bruin (head coach)

Laurian Johannes-Haupt (assistant coach)

Bafana Nhleko (assistant coach)

Franzel September (assistant coach)

Naasier Parker (strength and conditioning coach)

Zenay Jordaan (World Rugby Gallagher High Performance Academy coach)

Moshe Magethi (team doctor)

Neda Isaacs (physiotherapist)

Lezane Ward (physiotherapist)

Thandiswa Nxomani (team manager)

JJ Harmse (media manager)

Zwonaka Mbedzi (analyst)

Thembisa Nxopo (operations)