Bok Women’s Journey to the Quarter Finals.

2025 has been a phenomenal year for the Springbok Women’s team. The team managed to do what could not be done before and make it into the Women’s top ten ranking teams.

Our national women’s rugby team also made it through to the quarter finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England earlier this year! Therefore looking back, the Bok Women Rugby 2025 campaign is something fans have been super excited about. Let’s take a look at the road that Coach Swys de Bruin and Captain Nolusindiso Booi took to take the women into the history books.

The Bok Women Journey

It’s been a long journey to get to this point for Bok women rugby South Africa. The first time that we competed on the international stage was only in 2004. This puts them behind the rest of the world’s women’s rugby in terms of time on the field and playing against professionals. To put it in perspective the first Women’s Rugby World Cup was played in 1991 and the Bok Women only competed their first world cup in 2006.

Much has changed since the early days of women’s rugby in South Africa and around the world. Although the women in South African rugby do not earn enough to live off of the earnings professionally. Things are improving but a lot more has to be done by SA Rugby to improve earnings. Some players are playing for clubs abroad to build on their skill and experience more on a international level.

The Road to the Women’s World Cup

The build-up to the quarter-finals began long before the first whistle of the World Cup. It started when the Bok Women proudly lifted the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup trophy in 2024. A moment that signalled their dominance on the continent and reignited belief in their growing potential. Their hard-fought campaign through that tournament showcased not just skill, but resilience, teamwork, and heart. Qualities that have become synonymous with South African rugby.

That continental victory crowned them the best in Africa. Thus earning them a coveted spot in the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the fifth time. It wasn’t just another qualification, it was a powerful statement that the Bok Women had arrived as serious contenders on the global stage. As the only African nation represented at the tournament, the pressure was immense, but so was the pride.

From the moment they touched down at the World Cup, the team carried not only their own ambitions but also the hopes of a continent. Every training session, tackle, and try reflected years of dedication from players who had fought for recognition, resources, and respect in a sport that continues to grow for women in South Africa. Their journey to the knockout stages was a blend of determination, unity, and belief. A true testament to how far Bok Women rugby has come in the last few years as well as 2025 and how much further they’re ready to go.

Warm Up Matches

The team prepared with a few warm up matches which kicked off in June. Their first couple of matches was against a strong Canada who travelled to Mzansi to prepare for the upcoming WRWC. Their first encounter was at Loftus Stadium where Canada won the match 50-20. The two teams then travelled to the Eastern Cape for their second match. Which was at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Canada also won the match with 33 points to 5 after the final whistle.

The Bok Women then faced the Black Ferns who travelled to South Africa to two warm up matches. The Black Ferns has the most World Cup titles under their belt having won it six times before. The first match took place late in July at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. It was an exciting match with the Black Ferns winning with 10 points. The score at the end of the match was 34-26. Cape Town was also hosted the second match but this time with a different outcome in the score after. The Springbok Women won the match convincingly with 41-24.

Road to the 2025 WRWC Quarter Finals

South Africa landed in Group D alongside France, Brazil, and Italy. They opened their campaign against newcomers Brazil. In Brazil’s first-ever World Cup match, the Bok Women outclassed the South Americans with a dominant 66–6 victory. Our ladies in green and gold took that gees and motivation into their second match against Italy. The game was tight with only five points separating the two teams. The Bok women dug deep to win the match 29-24. Their last group stage match was against France. France has been one of the dominating forces in women’s world rugby and was a big hurdle to overcome. France won the match but South Africa had qualified for the quarter finals which was what they set out to do.

The Bok Women’s quarter finals clash was against the Black Ferns. Although the two teams had tied their earlier matches this year. New Zealand’s experience allowed them to take the game away from the Bok Women. The Black Ferns won 46–17. South Africa’s women’s rugby will only grow from here. The team is already building toward the next World Cup, which Australia will host in 2029.

Bok Women Rugby 2025

The Bok Women’s 2025 World Cup campaign has inspired a new generation of players, fans, and young girls across South Africa. Their journey from regional triumphs to competing among the world’s best on the grand stage has shown what passion, grit, and belief can achieve. Every try, tackle, and hard-earned victory proved that South Africa’s women belong among rugby’s elite and the best is still to come.

Behind this rise stands the continued support of sponsors like Betway. They have become key partners in driving the growth of women’s rugby in Mzansi. Through their Betway SA Women’s Rugby Development Programme, the brand has invested in training facilities, coaching clinics, and grassroots opportunities aimed at unearthing the next generation of talent. Betway’s commitment doesn’t stop with players, they’ve also backed the upskilling of coaching staff and referees, ensuring that women’s rugby in South Africa develops with strong leadership both on and off the field.

This level of investment is vital for creating sustainable progress. By empowering not just the athletes, but also the ecosystem that supports them, Betway is helping build a pathway that allows women’s rugby to thrive for years to come. Their involvement shows that corporate backing can make a tangible difference. One that strengthens communities, inspires equality, and grows the game at every level.

As the Bok Women look ahead to their next chapter and the road to Australia 2029, South Africans can take pride in knowing that their team is not only competing with the world’s best, but also redefining what’s possible for women’s sport on home soil. With continued passion, national support, and partners like Betway by their side, the rise of South African women’s rugby is only just beginning and the world is taking notice.