Springbok Women’s Babalwa Latsha has joined the Allianz Premiership club Harlequins Women, until the end of their 2023 season, as announced on Thursday, 23 February 2023.
The tight head prop joins the 2020/2021 Allianz Premier 15s Champions from the DHL Western Province, in the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division, with immediate effect.
🃏 Welcome Babalwa! 🇿🇦
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of @WomenBoks prop @BabalwaLatsha with immediate effect 💥
📦 Delivered by @dhlexpressuk
#COYQ pic.twitter.com/U7fPJN4l0A— Harlequins Women 🃏 (@HarlequinsWomen) February 23, 2023
The 28-year-old was the first South African Women’s player to sign a professional contract in 2020, with Spanish side SD Eibar Femenino, before returning to South Africa due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latsha has been the first-choice tight head prop for the Springbok Women, since her debut against Wales in 2018, and she also captained her country in nine of her 20 Tests so far.
Commenting on joining Harlequins, Latsha said: “It’s incredible to be here really; I’m super excited to get stuck in. This seems to be a wonderful group of people; it’s just a great environment to thrive in as a rugby player and as a person.
“To be able to experience what it’s like to be on one of the biggest stages at The Stoop and at Twickenham is amazing, so I’m really excited to represent South African Women’s rugby but also to be in the space where I can do my thing.”
Head Coach Amy Turner said: “Babalwa is a great addition to the squad and brings a wealth of experience to the front row group. She’s a physical player who boasts a strong skillset ball in hand.
“Her international experience speaks for itself and to have represented South Africa in both 15s and 7s World Cups is testament to her versatility and skill. She’s a good character and will add a lot to this group both on and off the field, we’re excited to see what she can do in a Quins jersey.”
SA Rugby’s High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby, Lynne Cantwell, welcomed the invite from Harlequins and feels Latsha and Springbok Women will benefit from this experience.
Latsha joined her new teammates earlier this week and she plans to return to South Africa in June, when the competition concludes.
🃏 Checking out her new home at The Stoop 😍#COYQ @MJHudsonCorp pic.twitter.com/TSL9Jrr5GU
— Harlequins Women 🃏 (@HarlequinsWomen) February 23, 2023
Photo 1 Caption: South Africa’s Babalwa Latsha has joined the Harlequins Women for the remainder of the 2023 season, as announced on Thursday, 23 February 2023. Photo: Harlequins Women (Twitter)
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
