South Africa Clinch Women’s Rugby Africa Cup Title, Secure World Cup 2025 Qualification
The Springbok Women’s national rugby team have secured their place at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England after a convincing 46-17 victory over Madagascar in the final of the Women’s Rugby Africa Cup on Sunday in Antananarivo.
Led by captain Nolusindiso Booi, South Africa produced a dominant performance, racing into a 22-0 lead early on thanks to tries from Veroeshka Grain, Sizophila Solontsi, and a brace from Sikholiwe Mdletshe. A yellow card for Madagascar’s Modestine Raharimalala in the opening stages proved pivotal as the visitors took full advantage.
“Qualifying for the Rugby World Cup is a massive boost to all involved, and I can only thank the stakeholders, players, and management who walked this journey together,” Koen said. “The game can only grow and improve from here.”
While the hosts managed to get on the scoreboard before halftime through Felaniaina Jeannie Rakotoarison, Jacomina Cilliers restored South Africa’s cushion to make it 27-5 at the break.
The second half saw the Springbok Women pull further clear, with Lusanda Dumke and Rumandi Potgeiter crossing the line to extend their lead. Asithandile Ntoyanto then added an eighth try for the visitors, sandwiched between scores from Madagascar’s Marie Sophie Razafiarisoa and Laurence Rasoanandrasana.
Captain Booi echoed these sentiments, believing this achievement can propel her side into the “next phase” of their development. “We play to inspire the next girl or woman to pick up a rugby ball, and I think this win and qualifying for the Rugby World Cup will mean so much to those who want to see the game grow,” Booi commented.
With this victory, South Africa become the sixth nation to book their place at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, joining host nation England, as well as New Zealand, Canada, France, and Ireland. The Springbok Women will also compete in the inaugural WXV 2 competition on home soil later this year.
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