Nadine Roos Says Women’s Rugby In South Africa Is Entering A Powerful New Era

For many years, female rugby players in South Africa fought for recognition, opportunities and game time. Today, that picture is starting to change and few players understand that shift better than Springbok Women star Nadine Roos.

The 29-year-old playmaker recently stood centre stage at the SA Rugby Awards in Cape Town, collecting not one but two major honours. Roos was named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, while also becoming the first-ever recipient of the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award.

For Roos, the recognition goes beyond personal achievement. She sees it as a sign of how quickly the women’s game is evolving in South Africa.

A Milestone Moment For Women’s Rugby

Winning the inaugural sevens award carried special meaning for the versatile playmaker.

Roos described the honour as a reflection of the steady rise of women’s rugby in the country. The creation of new awards and competitions signals that the women’s game is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

South Africa’s women’s rugby structure has historically lagged behind the men’s game, with limited development pathways and fewer opportunities for international competition. In recent years, however, investment and visibility have begun to increase.

For players like Roos, that shift is opening doors that previously did not exist.

From Farm Fields To The International Stage

Roos’ journey into rugby started far from stadium lights and television cameras.

Growing up on a farm, she spent most of her childhood playing sport alongside boys. Rugby, soccer, cricket and even golf were part of daily life.

That environment shaped her competitive spirit.

Playing against boys helped her develop resilience and sharpen her skills. She recalls constantly trying to outplay them, whether it meant running past defenders, passing quicker or kicking further.

Those early experiences laid the foundation for a career that would eventually see her represent South Africa in both sevens rugby and the traditional 15-player format, a rare achievement in the sport.

Balancing Two Demanding Versions Of The Game

Few rugby players successfully compete at elite level in both formats of the sport. Roos has managed to do exactly that.

Although sevens and fifteens share the same foundations, the tactical demands differ significantly. Switching between the two requires intense concentration and constant adaptation.

For Roos, the key lies in staying present and enjoying every moment on the field. She views playing at the highest level as both a privilege and a reward for years of dedication.

Preparing For A Big Year Ahead

Roos is currently preparing with the national sevens squad for upcoming tournaments in the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series.

Under the guidance of coach Cecil Afrika, the team has been pushing through intense training sessions as they aim to remain competitive at the highest level.

Afrika, a former Blitzboks star himself, understands the pressures of elite tournaments and the level of commitment required to stay at the top.

For Roos, the environment within the squad has been positive and motivating as they build toward a demanding international calendar.

A Historic Season For The Springbok Women

The year ahead promises to be one of the most significant in the history of South African women’s rugby.

The Springbok Women are set to face a challenging schedule that includes a historic series against New Zealand’s Black Ferns, widely regarded as one of the most dominant teams in women’s rugby.

The team will also compete at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, one of the sport’s biggest global stages.

Just a few years ago, opportunities like this were rare. Roos points out that the national team previously struggled to secure regular Test matches.

Last season the team played five Tests. This year, that number is expected to double to ten.

For players eager to develop and compete internationally, those matches are invaluable.

A Turning Point For The Women’s Game

According to Roos, the growing number of fixtures, competitions and development initiatives marks a turning point.

In the past, players often voiced frustration about the lack of exposure and match experience. Now, those opportunities are slowly becoming reality.

More games mean more growth for the athletes and more visibility for women’s rugby across the country.

Roos believes this moment represents a new chapter not only for South Africa but for the global women’s game.

Looking Ahead And Giving Back

While Roos is currently playing club rugby in Japan and focusing on sevens commitments, she hopes her journey will eventually lead her back home.

After building her career abroad, she would like the chance to contribute to the local system that helped shape her.

If the sevens programme continues to grow, Roos believes there could be opportunities for players like herself to return and strengthen domestic rugby structures.

For now, though, she remains focused on the task ahead.

And as the sport continues to expand, one thing is clear from her perspective.

There has never been a better moment to be a female rugby player in South Africa.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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