Springbok Women ready to tackle new era of opportunity

With South Africa’s Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign now underway, there’s a growing sense that with increased awareness and some much-needed sponsorship muscle, the Springbok Women stand on the brink of new era in their game.

Their historic victory in their opening match against Brazil certainly validated this belief.

SA Rugby’s recent announcement of their landmark partnership agreement with Vodacom, making the company the first and exclusive official telecommunications partner to all men’s and women’s national Springbok teams and SA Rugby affiliated competitions, came shortly before the kick-off of this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

The Springbok Women responded with a comprehensive 66-6 victory over Brazil in their opening pool game to claim their first ever victory in the competition.

For those who’ve been tracing the rise of South African women’s rugby, it was a powerful statement of what this kind of investment in the national women’s teams can mean.

“I think for the first time at this Women’s Rugby World Cup we’ll be able to see a Springbok Women’s team that takes to the field with only rugby in mind,” says veteran SuperSport rugby presenter Motshidisi Mohono.

“The main thing is now the main thing. The players have no worries about what’s happening at home or how to put food on the table. Finally, the focus can be just on the game. We’re now seeing so many more corporates becoming part of the Springbok Women’s teams. It’s wonderful to see companies like Vodacom coming to SA Rugby and stating that they’re encouraged by what they’ve seen in the women’s game. People are starting to shift their focus, and probably for the first time in the case of some of the veterans of the team like captain Nolusindiso Booi, they’re completely ready for a tournament like this because of the support they’re receiving.”

With regards to the women’s game in particular, the new partnership between SA Rugby and Vodacom covers the Springbok Women’s 15s and Sevens teams and the Junior Springbok Women’s Under-20 team.

“Through rugby Vodacom can now have an even greater impact on the broader community that we’re a part of,” says Njabulo Mashigo, Executive Director HR at Vodacom South Africa.

“This sponsorship means everything to us because it talks to who we are from a purpose perspective, and we’re able to keep on expanding on this.”

The Springbok Women face Italy in their second pool match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this Sunday.