Jake White’s Springbok team are rounding up their preparations before heading off to France for IRB Rugby World Cup, and no doubt South Africa’s wishes them all the best.
But the Springbok women’s rugby team haven’t played competitive rugby since their appearance at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Canada last August.
gsport caught up with Springbok Women’s Rugby captain, Nomsebenzi Tsotsobe, for a quick chat, and asked her about the state of women’s rugby, one year after South Africa’s first ever appearance in the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup.
When last did the Springbok women’s rugby team play competitively?
In August, at the world cup last year.
When last did the team get together for a camp?
On the 17 – 19th of August this year at the HPC in Pretoria, but that was not only the national players but some new players too.
Looking back, what did you make of the team’s performance at last year’s women’s rugby world cup?
The performance was good and could even be better and be the best. The only thing that we needed then and still need now is experience and exposure. We can only get that through more opportunities to compete in world rugby.
What have you heard from SARU regarding the possibility of more international competition?
Nothing at present, but its promising for next year, and other years to come, because there would be a World cup for SA Sevens in 2009 and again, the IRB Women’s World Cup in 2010.
What are your hopes for the women’s national team?
More development (from the schools and technikons), sponsorship (private companies & public sector) and definitely more games (tri-nations, super 14, Currie Cup like the men do it) to get exposure.
How are you expecting the Springbok men’s rugby team to do at the IRB rugby world cup in France?
They can do well but they need to bring in new faces now because it’s about time (when they come back). There is talent but they are not looking in all the right places.
How would you describe the current state of women’s rugby in South Africa?
Average, but we’re getting there. We need to start addressing all these issues I’ve mentioned, development, sponsorship, and more competitive rugby to increase exposure.
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