Women’s Rugby in South Africa Steps Into a New Era with Club Championship and Expanded U20 Tournament

South African women’s rugby is about to take a giant leap forward. This October, two major tournaments will run side by side in Gauteng: the inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship in Alberton and the largest-ever U20 Women’s Tournament at Queens High School in Johannesburg. Together, they mark a milestone moment for the women’s game.

A Groundbreaking Club Championship

The Betway Women’s Club Championship is the first national competition of its kind, giving 16 club teams from across South Africa a chance to showcase their talent. Drawn from all 15 provincial unions plus a wild card entry, these sides will compete over three match days between 6 and 10 October.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer called the launch “an important milestone,” stressing that this isn’t just about a new competition but about building pathways for women to rise from grassroots rugby to the provincial and even international stage.

For title sponsor Betway, the partnership represents a deepening of their commitment to the local game. Mark Rowles, Betway’s Head of Marketing, highlighted the company’s pride in supporting the next generation of players: “This tournament provides a vital platform for women to showcase their unbelievable talent and hopefully one day represent the Springbok Women on the world stage.”

Who Will Take The Field

Among the 16 clubs are community powerhouses and university sides such as the Durban University of Technology (Sharks), Sol Plaatje University (Griquas), and the University of Limpopo (Limpopo Blue Bulls). Traditional clubs like Walker Bay (Boland), Pirates (Lions), and Van der Stel Evergreens (WP) will also be there, bringing plenty of local pride to Alberton Rugby Club.

Teams have been split into Premier and First Division groups, ensuring competitive balance and giving every squad meaningful game time.

U20 Women’s Week Gets Bigger

At the same time, Johannesburg will host the U20 Women’s Tournament, which has grown from 12 to a record 14 teams this year. The Pumas and a Northern Invitational XV are the new additions. The expanded field reflects the growing hunger for women’s rugby at junior level, with unions using the week as a vital scouting opportunity.

“The U20 tournament is strategically important because it feeds directly into the Springbok Women’s pathway,” explained Oberholzer. “It also helps unions strengthen their Premier and First Division squads with young emerging talent.”

Tier 1 at this year’s tournament includes heavyweights like the Bulls, Sharks, Lions, and Western Province, while Tier 2 offers rising teams such as the Pumas, Griquas, and SWD.

Social Media Buzz And Public Excitement

News of the new competitions has sparked excitement across rugby circles. On social media, fans and players have praised the move as overdue recognition for women’s rugby. “Finally, our daughters have the same opportunities as our sons,” one user posted on X. Others called it “a game-changer” and “the future of South African rugby.”

Why This Matters For South African Rugby

For years, women’s rugby has fought for greater visibility and investment. With Betway’s backing and SA Rugby’s push to grow the game, October’s doubleheader of tournaments represents more than just fixtures on a calendar. It signals a cultural shift: women’s rugby is no longer on the margins but moving into the mainstream.

From grassroots clubs in small towns to the Springbok Women at the World Cup, the pathway is clearer than ever before. And as South Africa continues to champion equality in sport, these tournaments could inspire a whole new generation of players to pick up a ball and dream big.

{Source: Springboks.rugby }

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