Saru looks to build on the momentum of Bok Women's RWC campaign

Their performance at the Rugby World Cup promises to be a springboard for greater investment in women's rugby in SA. By Keanan Hemmonsbey

- Keanan Hemmonsbey

The two EPD squads follow in the wake of a talent identification process conducted by Saru during the recently held Grant Khomo and Girls Week for U16s in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

“The naming of our first-ever under-16 Girls EPD squad is a landmark achievement in our journey to elevate women’s rugby,” said Herman Masimla, Saru’s manager for junior high-performance players.

“It’s also a powerful intervention at a critical stage in the development of these young players. Their inclusion signals our commitment to building a truly inclusive and representative pathway for young girls in South African rugby.”

Several of the Springbok Women in this year's Rugby World Cup squad were athletes in other sports before taking up rugby later in their sport-playing careers.

Lock forward Danelle Lochner played professional netball, even going on to represent the national side before picking up the oval ball.

Utility back Nadine Roos also swapped sports at university after initially pursuing hurdles on track and field before being persuaded to take up rugby.

Retiring captain Nolusindiso Booi only discovered rugby at university a path shared by many of her teammates who have similar stories.

But Saru is creating pathways for young sportswomen to come through rugby channels that will help them become more technical players at younger ages.