EXETER, England - South Africa’s Springbok Women made history at Rugby World Cup 2025, reaching the quarter-finals before being defeated 46-17 by defending champions New Zealand on Saturday in Exeter. Head coach Swys de Bruin declared, “a giant has awoken” in South African women’s rugby following the team’s groundbreaking performance.
This marked the first time a South African women’s team had competed in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Captain Nolusindiso Booi described the experience as “a great moment” and “something that we had never tasted,” adding, “The taste was good and it’s something that the girls will fight for going forward.”
Despite the loss, the Springbok Women’s journey represents a notable step forward for the sport in South Africa. De Bruin highlighted the impact of the team’s success on supporters back home.
The tournament also marked the end of an illustrious career for Booi, 40, who announced her retirement following the match. “I’m so emotional right now but I am also proud of the progress of our team,” Booi said. “I feel that we did good and for sure the young generation will push for the final, hopefully next time.”
De Bruin lauded Booi as “the GOAT” during a post-match press conference, and expressed optimism about the future of women’s rugby in South Africa. “I’ve been blessed with 38 years in professional rugby and I’ve never worked with a team like this,” he stated. “it’s just a bunch of fighters. I cry every day with pride. It’s just unreal how they never moan,they just go,go,go.”
