Pumas Women crowned WFD champions for 2025

The Pumas dethroned the SWD Eagirls this weekend to claim the Women’s First Division title for 2025 after beating the Leopards by 21-8 in the final in Nelspruit on Saturday.

The team from Mpumalanga lost only one of their league games, against the Eagirls, to qualify for the semi-finals, where they beat Griquas by 31-22.

On the same day, the Leopards – who snuck into the top four with three wins and three defeats – upset the defending champions with a late try in their semi-final to beat SWD by 24-22 and book their spot in the decider.

The final was played at Nelspruit Rugby Club and although each team scored only one try, the Pumas were awarded a penalty try and slotted three penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The host team led 13-0 at the break after two penalties and the penalty try but the Leopards pulled one back to make it 13-5 early in the second half.

However, the Pumas never relinquished control of the match, adding another try and a penalty to cruise to the victory.

The Women's First Division again featured seven teams who played each other over a single round of league matches. Apart from the Pumas, Leopards, SWD and Griquas, the other teams who participated in 2025 were the Griffons, Limpopo Blue Bulls and Valke.

Score

Pumas Women 21 (13) – Tries: Ntombi Mhlongo, Penalty try. Penalties: Sandisile Mkhabela.

Leopards Women 8 (0) – Try: Martha Yokwane. Penalty: Verana van Heerden.