Top Ten Best Female Springboks Players of All Time
South African women’s rugby has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past two decades. Once overlooked, the Springbok Women are now an emerging force on the world stage. Behind this growth is a core group of pioneers—talented, tough, and trailblazing players who have left their mark on the game. These are the athletes who stood tall in an often-underfunded system and raised the profile of women’s rugby in South Africa.
Below is a countdown of the top ten best female Springbok players of all time, based on skill, influence, leadership, and overall impact on the sport.
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10. Tayla Kinsey (Scrumhalf)
Known for her intelligent play and pinpoint passing, Tayla Kinsey made her mark as a dependable scrumhalf in the Springbok Women’s ranks. She featured prominently in the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup and brought structure and control to the backline during high-pressure matches. Kinsey’s tactical acumen, sharp kicks, and consistent distribution made her one of the top playmakers of her era. Her work ethic extended off the field, where she contributed to rugby development and inspired many young girls to take up the sport.
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9. Mathrin Simmers (Scrumhalf)
With international experience in both fifteens and sevens, Mathrin Simmers has proven herself as one of the most versatile and reliable players in Springbok history. Her quick footwork, eye for the gap, and crisp passes made her a go-to scrumhalf for the national team for many years. Simmers has competed in multiple Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments and brought that high-tempo sevens energy into the fifteens format. Her cool head in tight situations and leadership qualities make her a valuable asset to any team.
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8. Aseza Hele (Number 8)
Aseza Hele has become a cornerstone of the Springbok pack in recent years. Known for her unmatched physicality and explosive ball-carrying ability, she consistently gains meters in tight spaces and delivers bone-rattling tackles. A natural athlete, Hele has been compared to some of the best number eights in the men’s game, and she continues to elevate the standards for loose forwards in South African women’s rugby. With each performance, Hele proves herself not only as a powerhouse but also as a role model for aspiring young players.
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7. Cindy Cant (Scrumhalf)
A veteran of the early 2000s, Cindy Cant was among the pioneers of the Springbok Women’s team. Representing South Africa at the 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Cant brought stability and tactical insight to the scrumhalf role during a time when women’s rugby was still finding its place in the country. She played when resources and support were minimal, yet her passion and professionalism set a standard for future generations. She is remembered as one of the first truly elite female players to wear the green and gold.
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6. Asithandile Ntoyanto (Lock)
Asithandile “Ntoya” Ntoyanto is a dominant force in the engine room. A powerful lock with a strong set piece presence, she has anchored the Springbok scrum and lineout through some of the team’s biggest tests. Ntoyanto’s commitment to physicality and her tireless work rate around the park have made her a mainstay in the national setup. In addition to her on-field prowess, she has taken on a mentorship role, helping to nurture younger players and support grassroots development in women’s rugby.
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5. Babalwa Latsha (Prop)
Babalwa Latsha is a trailblazer in every sense. She became the first African woman to sign a professional rugby contract abroad when she joined Spanish club Eibar in 2020. As a tighthead prop, she brings power and grit to the scrum and has captained the Springbok Women with distinction. Latsha is also a qualified lawyer, using her platform to speak on gender equity in sports. Her impact goes beyond rugby — she is a national figure representing the resilience and potential of South African women.
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4. Zintle Mpupha (Centre/Flyhalf)
A dual-code star, Zintle Mpupha has excelled in both sevens and fifteens formats. Her flair, vision, and footwork make her a game-breaking backline player, equally comfortable at flyhalf or centre. Mpupha led the Springbok Women’s Sevens team before transitioning to the fifteens game, where she became an integral part of the team. In 2021, she joined the Exeter Chiefs in England’s Premier 15s, becoming one of the first South African women to compete in a professional European league. She’s proof that South African women can thrive on the world stage.
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3. Mandisa Williams (Flanker/Captain)
One of the fiercest competitors in the history of Springbok Women’s rugby, Mandisa Williams captained the national side during a critical growth period. She played in multiple World Cups and was known for her relentless work ethic, fearless tackling, and vocal leadership. As one of the earliest Black women to captain a national rugby team, she broke barriers and represented the hopes of an entire generation. Williams also served as a mentor and motivator long after her playing days, remaining an active figure in rugby circles.
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2. Zenay Jordaan (Flyhalf)
Zenay Jordaan is South Africa’s most capped female rugby player — a tactical genius with a calm demeanor under pressure. Making her debut as a teenager in 2009, Jordaan became the lynchpin of the Springbok backline for over a decade. Her exceptional kicking game, distribution, and field vision made her the heartbeat of the team in multiple World Cups. Jordaan’s influence extended to the sevens game, where she also represented South Africa with distinction. Her consistency and leadership make her one of the greatest rugby players the country has produced, male or female.
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1. Nomawethu Mabenge (Wing)
At number one, Nomawethu Mabenge, also known as “Sbu” (after Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi), has become the face of the modern Springbok Women’s team. Known for her explosive pace, electric step, and eye for the try line, she has racked up tries against top-tier opponents like France, England, and Japan. Mabenge’s performances at the 2021 Rugby World Cup and in subsequent Tests elevated her to international stardom. More than just a finisher, she’s a player who brings excitement and flair to every game. As the Springbok Women continue to gain recognition, Mabenge stands out as the beacon of this exciting new era.
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These ten players have each left an indelible mark on South African rugby. They have broken down barriers, carried the team through its formative years, and inspired young girls across the country to dream of wearing the green and gold. The journey of women’s rugby in South Africa is far from over — and thanks to these pioneers, its future is full of promise. As more investment and recognition flow into the women’s game, one
can only imagine the heights that the next generation of Springbok stars will reach.
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