Nadine Roos attributes her success to “hard work and dedication”, having been named Women’s Player of the Year for two years running and Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year at the recent SA Rugby Awards. She expressed gratitude for the awards, crediting her diligence and determination for her achievements.
“It’s really just hard work, dedication, and determination that got me to where I am today as a rugby player, but also as a human being. It’s just a privilege and honour representing your country, putting that green and gold jersey over your head and just working hard towards a common goal. And to the coaches and the management staff from both the Fifteens and Sevens recognising me and honouring me as a player, that means a lot, and that is really special.”
Given the key role that Roos plays within the Springbok Women’s teams, it comes as no surprise that she walked away with the top accolades. This is the third time she has won the top award in the last four years, but the influential player says she didn’t expect to take the gong again this year.
“I never go in with that expectation that I will just get the awards. I think with the Fifteens Women’s award, obviously, there were good players who were also nominated.”
“Ultimately, receiving the award is truly special, and it highlights the depth within the women’s system, showcasing the numerous great players we have.”
SARU Women’s Rugby Player of the Year, Nadine Roos
“I think from a Sevens point of view, it’s the first award that we see at the SA Rugby Awards, that’s also quite special, and it shows that the Sevens system is also going somewhere.”
Both awards were closely contested, with nominees including Babalwa Latsha, Aseza Hele, Libbie Jansen van Rensburg, and Byrhandre Dolf. Roos says this indicates the depth of the team with the experienced players as well as newcomers nominated.
“There is progress within women’s rugby, but if you look at all the nominations, it’s players who have played rugby for at least six years. So it’s just experience. But looking at the depth of women’s rugby, there are young players coming through, and they are talented players. Now it’s just up to hard work, dedication, and respect for the badge to also soon be within these nominations.”
Roos’ accolades and awards are seen as a reflection of the effort and attitude put into training, not the sole measure of success for her. So, how does she keep herself motivated as she wants to maintain her high standards?
“I keep myself motivated by always doing the things, working on my weaknesses, getting better as a regular player on and off the field, and also just knowing it’s a privilege and honour to do what I love and get paid to do what I love, and at the end of the day, it’s what I choose to do. So when moments get tough, know that they don’t last; it just builds character and resilience.”
“But just always knowing, if you have a goal in mind, working towards that goal and achieving that goal, it’s those things that keep me motivated always to give my 100% and if on a day I don’t have 100% but I have 70% then that 70% is my 100% so it’s those things that keep me motivated and keeps me going.”
She believes maintaining high standards in training helps drive the team forward and hold herself and her teammates accountable.
Springbok Women Turn to Italy After WXV Global Series Opening Defeat in Cardiff
Springbok Women Name Rejigged Side for WXV Global Series Opener in Cardiff
Springbok Women Name Settled Squad for WXV Global Series Tour of Europe
Brave Springbok Women Fall to Classy Black Ferns in Historic FNB Stadium Test
Babalwa Latsha to Captain Springbok Women in First Home Test Against the Black Ferns
Monalisa Freitas Hat-Trick Sinks Mary Zulu’s SA Women ‘A’ Side in Sao Paulo
“As an individual, I set high standards in terms of how I train, how I approach my training every day, to just be professional, disciplined, and respectful towards the system. Awards and accolades don’t define these standards. It just shows a small part of the work that you put in, and obviously, coaches and management staff practicing it and giving you the recognition for it.”
“So for me, standards are basically my effort and attitude towards every training session and everything that I do. I know that if I set high standards, and I can keep myself accountable and responsible towards the standards, I can expect it from my teammates around me, and that just drives the system and the game forward.”
2025 was a transformative year for the Springbok Women’s team, who recorded their best-ever finish at the Women’s Rugby World Cup when they made it to the playoffs.
Roos says 2026 is a year where she hopes to help get the Sevens team back to the pinnacle of the game. In addition, the national team will play top international opponents, as they look to test themselves against the top teams of women’s rugby.
“2026 is a big season for both the Sevens and Fifteens.”
“Sevens is currently playing in the HSBC SVNS 2. So getting a spot in the top four will give us the opportunity to play in the World Championship tournament to get the Women’s Sevens back onto the World Series, and then for the Fifteens, there are ten Test matches upcoming from June.”
“So that’s also quite exciting, and it’s against quality sides to basically boost the game, and also hopefully for some youngsters to get an opportunity to play and represent the country.”
Main Photo Caption: Nadine Roos attributes her success to “hard work and dedication”, having been named Women’s Player of the Year for two years running and Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year at the recent SA Rugby Awards. All Photos: Gallo Images via SA Rugby
Photo 2 Caption: Roos expressed gratitude for the awards, crediting her diligence and determination for her achievements.
Photo 3 Caption: The prolific South African points scorer was humble: “I never go in with that expectation that I will just get the awards.”
(+6 rating, 6 votes, rated)
Loading...
