Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated the Women Rugby team on their achievements and progress at the ongoing World Cup in England.
This despite losing to New Zealand Black Ferns 46-17 in the quarter-final stage at Exeter on Saturday.
The committee’s comments come as the team had in previous World Cups, only won three matches out of 18, but they played some breathtaking rugby against Brazil and Italy on their way to the quarterfinals.
“Their performance against mostly professional and semi-professional teams is commendable.
We need significant improvement in teams participating in the women’s Currie Cup, where only the Blue Bulls have a professional setup,” said committee Chairperson, Joe MacGluwa.
He said notwithstanding the remarkable progress made by the Women Boks, SA Rugby must develop strategies for professionalism and conditioning of elite players.
The committee also acknowledged the involvement of sponsors supporting representative teams but emphasized that financial rewards for women players should follow.
These follows global calls for female athletes and teams to be paid the equal pay, as their male counterparts.
“While we don’t demand equal pay to the Springboks, it’s essential that women can play rugby comfortably without financial burdens,” remarked McGluwa.
The committee called on South Africans to support women’s rugby, making it a sport of choice for women.
“Talent identification must start in schools, going beyond mere compliance and tick-box exercises,” appealed McGluwa.
Meanwhile, team captain Nolusindiso Booi, said despite the loss, they’re very proud of their performance and leaving the tournament with heads held high.
“This was the best Women’s World Cup performance ever by a South African team by far.
We leave with pride and just want to wish the remaining teams well in the semi-finals and final.
And we will arrive back in South Africa next week knowing that the support we received from home helped us towards this milestone performance,” said Booi, who was playing in her fourth World Cup.
