Five Unbeatable Moments Behind the Rise of the Springbok Women
Fresh from their victory over Fiji, OMO, proud partner of the South African Rugby Union, shines a light on the defining moments behind the Springbok Women’s rise and the resilience that continues to shape the future of women’s rugby.
The Springbok Women continue to demonstrate why they have become one of South African sport’s most inspiring stories of resilience.
Fresh from an impressive victory over Fiji, the result marks another important milestone in the team’s remarkable rise, reflecting the momentum behind a squad that has grown from amateur beginnings into a genuine force in the international game.
As South Africa marks Women’s Month, OMO, proud partner of the South African Rugby Union, celebrates a team whose journey continues to inspire and break new ground.
The Springbok Women’s transformation into an international rugby force can be traced through five defining moments.
1. From amateur beginnings to a professional squad
The journey began with women who played largely for the love of the game. From self-funded, amateur beginnings in 2004, the Springbok Women have developed into a fully professional squad capable of competing on the international stage.
That transformation has helped create a stronger foundation for women’s rugby in South Africa and opened the door to greater opportunities for players.
2. Reaching a first Rugby World Cup knockout stage
Another defining moment came in 2025, when the Springbok Women reached their first-ever Rugby World Cup knockout stage.
The achievement represented an important step forward for the team and demonstrated just how far the programme had progressed.
3. A rapidly growing fan base
The growth of the Springbok Women is not only happening on the field.
Interest in the team has expanded dramatically, with broadcast consumption soaring by 673%. The growing audience reflects increasing enthusiasm for women’s rugby and the powerful connection the team is building with South African sports fans.
4. Building a pathway for future generations
The future of the Springbok Women is also being built from the ground up.
The establishment of U16 and U18 Elite Player Development Camps is helping create a sustainable pipeline for future generations of rugby players.
By giving young talent greater access to development opportunities, the programme is helping ensure that the next generation can continue building on the progress already made.
5. Staying unbeatable through resilience
Perhaps the defining quality behind the Springbok Women’s rise is resilience.
Their journey embodies OMO’s “Stay Unbeatable” philosophy through sustained perseverance, determination and the courage to keep moving forward both on and off the field.
Springbok Women captain Babalwa Latsha says today’s success belongs just as much to the women who came before the current generation as it does to those wearing the jersey today.
“The women who wore this jersey before us laid the foundation without the recognition, support or opportunities we enjoy today. We stand on their shoulders every time we pull on the green and gold.”
Latsha says the momentum behind women’s rugby continues to grow, but the work is not yet complete.
“To every young girl watching us: don’t be afraid to get muddy, don’t be afraid to work hard, and never be afraid to step onto the field and claim your space. That’s how the next chapter of South African rugby will be written.”
The story of the Springbok Women is still being written
The remarkable rise of the Springbok Women is far from over.
With every Test match, every young player inspired and every barrier broken, the team continues to shape the future of women’s rugby in South Africa.
Their story is a reminder that staying unbeatable is not defined by a single result, but by the courage to keep moving forward.
