Top 5 Best Female South African Rugby Players of All Time

Top 5 Best Female South African Rugby Players of All Time

South African women’s rugby has evolved from a largely overlooked sport into a growing national powerhouse, thanks to a combination of passion, talent, and tenacity. The progress made over the past two decades owes much to the women who paved the way—through individual brilliance, leadership, and relentless commitment to the game. Here, we count down the top five best female South African rugby players of all time, celebrating their contributions to the game and their lasting legacies.

—

5. Vuyolwethu Maqholo

A rising star turned national hero, Vuyolwethu Maqholo is a versatile and explosive backline player known for her pace, agility, and tackling power. While her international career is still unfolding, Maqholo has already made a name for herself in both 15s and sevens formats. Her standout performances in international sevens tournaments have brought attention to South Africa’s potential on the world stage. She has also been instrumental in inspiring a younger generation of girls to pursue rugby professionally, especially in underrepresented communities. With each match, she cements her place in the history of South African women’s rugby.

—

4. Babalwa Latsha

Babalwa Latsha is more than just a formidable prop—she’s a trailblazer. In 2020, she became the first South African woman to sign a professional rugby contract overseas, joining Eibar Rugby in Spain. Latsha’s dominance in the scrum, leadership qualities, and off-the-field advocacy for women’s sports have made her a symbol of empowerment. She captained the Springbok Women during critical rebuilding years and helped the team earn respect on the global stage. Latsha combines power and intelligence on the field with humility and purpose off it, pushing for progress in a sport long dominated by men.

—

3. Zintle Mpupha

A dynamic playmaker and fierce competitor, Zintle Mpupha has left her mark in both sevens and fifteens. A former cricketer for South Africa’s U19 team, she transitioned to rugby and quickly made an impact with her speed, game sense, and try-scoring ability. She represented South Africa in the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens and was also a key player during the 2021 fifteens season. In 2021, Mpupha signed with the Exeter Chiefs in England’s Premier 15s league—another landmark move for South African women’s rugby. Her adaptability, professionalism, and consistently high performances have elevated her to elite status.

—

2. Mandisa Williams

For many years, Mandisa Williams was the heart and soul of the Springbok Women. A natural leader and tenacious flanker, Williams captained South Africa in multiple World Cups and was known for her high work rate, aggression at the breakdown, and defensive capabilities. Making her debut in 2005, she was one of the pioneers of women’s rugby in South Africa and helped guide the team through its formative years. Her leadership off the field has also been crucial in mentoring younger players and advocating for better conditions and support for the women’s game. Williams is widely respected as one of the foundational figures in South African women’s rugby.

—

1. Zenay Jordaan

At the top of the list is Zenay Jordaan, arguably the most influential and skillful female rugby player South Africa has ever produced. A gifted fly-half with excellent game vision and technical ability, Jordaan made her Springbok debut in 2009 at just 18 years old and has since become the country’s most-capped player. She has represented South Africa in multiple Rugby World Cups and sevens tournaments, earning accolades for her tactical kicking, attacking creativity, and leadership. Jordaan’s longevity, adaptability, and consistent excellence over more than a decade make her not only a legend in South Africa but a respected figure in the global rugby community.

 

These five women have helped shape the course of South African rugby, not only through their achievements on the field but also through their roles as leaders, pioneers, and role models. As women’s rugby continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, the legacies of these players will inspire future generations to dream bigger and aim higher. Their stories are proof that excellence knows no gender, and that South African women’s rugby is destined for even greater heights.