CAPE TOWN – Three talented women from Eerste River Rugby Club are set to make their mark on the international stage after being selected to represent South Africa at the Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Ennicke Briesies (22), Nuraan Jack (23), and Lucretia van Hooi (29) will travel to Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, from 15 to 18 October to compete against the world’s best tag rugby players.
Runs in the family
For 22-year-old Ennicke, rugby runs in the family.
“I was watching my dad play club rugby on Saturdays. I would stand on the sidelines and admire the way he played with passion, strength, and determination,” she recalls.
“At home, we would watch every Rugby World Cup game with family, which made the sport an even bigger part of my life. Those moments with my dad turned my early memories into a lifelong passion for rugby.”
After transitioning from traditional rugby to tag rugby, Ennicke worked her way through various tournaments and leagues before being selected for the national squad following an impressive performance at an inter-squad tournament.
“The chance to play at the World Cup represents years of commitment and sacrifice coming together on the biggest stage,” she says. “It’s an honour to represent not just yourself, but your team, family, and community.”
Wife and mother
Lucretia, a wife and mother of two who has been with Eerste River Rugby Club for eight years, discovered tag rugby through a friend’s recommendation.
“The feeling when you step onto the field is unexplainable. Not knowing what to expect but feeling powerful and strong is the best feeling,” says the student teacher.
“I’m highly blessed to have reached this milestone in my rugby career. We are thriving and thrilled for this opportunity. I’m proud of myself and my teammates to represent South Africa.
Nuraan Jack credits her rugby passion to her grandfather’s influence.
“Hearing his stories of when he played and where his love for rugby came from shaped my passion,” says the Human Resource Management graduate who works at Food Lover’s Market head office.
“Growing up in rural Eersteriver, my grandpa would watch every rugby game – international, provincial, men’s, women’s – and I would watch with him. Being selected for the women’s tag world rugby squad is phenomenal.”
Financial hurdle
The trio now faces their biggest hurdle – raising R60 000 each to cover travel and competition costs. They are currently running fundraising projects to make their World Cup dream a reality.
“My biggest challenge is raising the required funding. Securing that support is the main obstacle to making this opportunity a reality,” Ennicke explains.
For more information on how to support the three players call Alexandria Joseph on 061 427 8715.
