Ahead of International Women’s Day, HSBC – title partner of the World Rugby Sevens Series and Sevens Challenger Series – has commissioned the film to celebrate a true pioneer in women’s rugby and flagbearer for South Africa.
South African women’s sevens legend Zenay Jordaan has appeared in a new short documentary which captures her incredible rugby journey. Commissioned by HSBC, the film explores Zenay’s life growing up in the Eastern Cape, one of South Africa’s poorest areas and the same territory as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Released ahead of International Women’s Day, Jordaan’s previously untold story in which she overcame countless challenges to excel in women’s rugby at a time of little opportunity, is an inspiration for young female athletes all over the world.
Growing up, Jordaan didn’t have a women’s rugby team to play for. She was forced to sneak out the window of her parent’s house, with her mother unsupportive of a career in rugby, and the only way she could play was against the boys on the streets of her hometown of Middleburg.
Jordaan Persevered to Become a Professional Rugby Sevens Player
But despite these challenges, she persevered and was among the first female players to receive a professional contract in South Africa, going on to star in both the sevens and 15s formats, appearing in two Rugby World Cups and three Rugby World Cup Sevens.
With Jordaan’s career spanning 13 years, she has witnessed women’s rugby sevens develop from humble roots into one of the more progressive sports in the world. This year, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series expanded to eight women’s events, with more combined tournaments than ever before. In the year that sevens has taken a great step towards gender parity, HSBC is celebrating Zenay as one of the sport’s true pioneers.
As a demonstration of its brand promise ‘Together we thrive’, HSBC has been central to driving significant growth in the global rugby sevens fan base. One of the ways of achieving this has been introducing new fans to the incredible individuals that are part of the sport, including athletes such as Jordaan.
“I’m really excited to share my story with you all especially just before International Women’s Day, an important day for women across the world. It’s a topic close to my heart and one that rugby sevens continues to drive positively.
“My journey hasn’t been easy, but without the incredible support network I have I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope you all enjoy the film and that it inspires women to become part of this amazing sport.”
“Zenay’s story is particularly resonant this year following the recent expansion of the women’s series.” – Senior Manager of Global Rugby at HSCB, Sven Gloor.
Sven Gloor, Senior Manager of Global Rugby at HSBC said of the release: “Zenay Jordaan is a wonderful ambassador for sevens and rugby as a whole. Her journey is one of determination and ambition in the face of real challenges.
“We’re delighted to tell her story and truly hope it inspires the next generation of athletes. Zenay’s story is particularly resonant this year following the recent expansion of the women’s series. We truly believe that as a result of greater gender parity in rugby sevens, the sport can thrive in the long term.”
The film was produced for HSBC by the Sports department at H+K Strategies, one of the UK’s leading Public Relations agencies.
Photo 1 Caption: Zenay Jordaan in action for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team. Jordaan was among the first female players to receive a professional contract in South Africa, going on to star in both the sevens and 15s formats, appearing in two Rugby World Cups and three Rugby World Cup Sevens. Photo: @WomenBoks (Twitter)
With editing by gsport
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