The Springbok Women touched down in South Africa to a rapturous welcome after completing their most successful Rugby World Cup campaign to date.
The side, led by outgoing captain Cindi Booi and coached by Swys de Bruin, returned from England having made history, and a lasting impression on the global stage.
South Africa won two pool matches and pushed rugby powerhouses like New Zealand and France to the brink. In a landmark moment, the Boks went toe-to-toe with the six-time world champions (NZ) in a 10-10 first half.
COACH OVERJOYED AND SPRINGBOK WOMEN CAPTAIN BOWS OUT ON A HIGH
For De Bruin, the campaign was more than a professional milestone, it was deeply personal.
“I’m emotional. If I cry, the girls know it’s tears of joy,” he said. “These women made us proud beyond words. The belief kept growing,” De Bruin said. “Once there’s belief, anything can happen.”
Booi, who confirmed this was her final World Cup, reflected on a 15-year career that started in 2010.
“We used to only beat Kazakhstan back then,” she said with a smile. “Now we’re beating teams in the pool stages and playing quarter-finals against the best in the world.”
Asked if she would reconsider her retirement, Booi replied candidly: “My body won’t give anything now. But I’m proud to leave with the team in this space. Women’s rugby in South Africa is growing, and we’ve shown that.”
SOUTH AFRICAN UNITY ON FULL DISPLAY IN UK
Veteran lock Danelle Lochner, who plays professionally in the UK, credited the team’s rapid growth to increased exposure to high-performance environments and international experience.
“Having that club-level exposure takes the shock factor out of a World Cup,” Lochner explained. “But nothing could prepare us for the incredible South African support in the stands. It was unreal.”
De Bruin emphasised that the success wasn’t only measured on the field. He praised the team’s off-field character and the way they connected with fans across the UK.
“These women are the best ambassadors I’ve ever seen,” he said. “The World Cup organisers couldn’t believe how well-mannered, humble, and tough they were. They tackle, they hit, they play hard and they smile while doing it.”
THIS PROGRESS MUST NOT GO TO WASTE, SAYS DE BRUIN
As the team now looks to the future, De Bruin urged SA Rugby and fans alike not to let the momentum fade.
“We can’t stop now. This is not the end, it’s the beginning. We’ve shown we can compete. Now we need more tests, stronger competitions, more game time. We must go strength vs strength.”
For Booi, that future lies with the next generation.
“Girls are already asking, ‘Where do I start? Who do I talk to?’” she said. “That’s the impact we’ve made. That’s legacy.”
SHOULD SWYS DE BRUIN BECOME PERMANENT SPRINGBOK WOMEN COACH?
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