Siya Kolisi sounds the call to back the Springbok women’s team

by Nomonde Simelane

Hailed as a hero for leading the Springboks to their first back-to-back World Cup victories, with the honour of being the first black captain, Siya Kolisi continues to lead by example as he calls upon the country to show the same support to the women’s national team.

Often overlooked due to the Springbok’s world dominance, as well as the unfortunate reality of misogyny that led to the notion that women are less capable than men where sports are concerned, the women’s national rugby team has put in the work to garner some recognition and support.

With a less-than-favourable winning history, the Springbok women’s team, with the help of a new coaching staff has turned things around with a new system that is producing favourable results. The team displayed dominant performances over Japan, Spain and the Barbarians women’s team, while showing plenty of grit and determination in a seven-point loss to the dominant Australian team this past weekend.

In the time leading up to the showdown between the Springbok women and the Wallaroos, the men’s captain, Siya Kolisi consistently advocated for supporting the women as much as the men, encouraging the masses to attend and watch the games as often as they can, in the same way they do for the men’s team.

He continues to express how growing the women’s game benefits everyone in the long run,

“They deserve the exact same support we get every single weekend, but it is our duty as men in the game to make sure that we intentionally be there. Not only in the games and training but help where we can because if the women’s game grows then we all benefit,” Siya said.

Continuing to advocate for the women’s game, Siya highlights the massive improvement the team has displayed, noting how supporting the team could further elevate the game both for the women’s team and the overall game of rugby in the country.

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