The number of teams that participated in the Hermanus Women’s Sevens Rugby Tournament is testimony to the fact that women’s rugby has grown and continues to grow exponentially.
Altogether 17 teams – 10 senior and seven junior – competed in this year’s tournament held from Saturday 25-Sunday 26 February at the grounds of Hermanus High.
Michelle Bosch, one of the organisers of the event, reports that more teams were scheduled to attend. Six teams – two teams from Zimbabwe, one from Mozambique, two of the Titans and one from Kareedouw – however, had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.
Some of the teams that competed include Gansbaai Academia, Groenberg Secondary School and the Cape Agulhas Little Giants in the junior division and the Middelburg Stormers, Malmesbury Daisies and the Elsies River Women’s Rugby Club in the senior division.
The Springbok Women’s Sevens Rugby team emerged the winners in the senior’s division, beating Walker Bay Wildcats 35-0 in the final. Thomas Chowles, one of the organisers and coach for Boland Women’s Rugby, congratulated the team for winning the tournament for the fifth time. The Wildcats were the runners-up in the senior division and Up and Under NTK won the junior division.
Thandiswa Nxomani, the SA Women’s Sevens team manager, described the tournament as a great opportunity to showcase women’s rugby.
“This is my second year at the tournament with the team and I can definitely say it has grown with more teams participating.”
She added that the tournament provided the national team with much-needed game time as they prepare for the World Sevens Rugby Challenger Series taking place in Stellenbosch in April.
Nxomani also had good things to say about Aseza “Blommie” Hele who ran out for the Walker Bay Wildcats during the tournament. She not only played for the SA Sevens team last year, but also for the 15-woman Bok squad.
“Blommie is a phenomenal player,” said Nxomani. “Her performance in the World Cup last year was admirable especially as she had just returned after a serious injury.”
Hele left for the Boks’ training camp before their departure for the UK on 14 March.
Bosch thanked all donors who contributed to the success of the event.
“Thank you to Wildcat Inflatables, Faircape Health and the staff of Onrus Manor, Faircape Inpower (Claremont), Marietjie Dalbock and Wonderland, Super Solar, Greeff Properties, Autohaven, Water Soluble Compositions (WSC), Estian and his dancers from Haus of Performance, Percy Basson Transport, Incredible Castles, Dial-a-Physio and Physio SA for your support.”
