South Africa's Future of Rugby is Female: Young Girls Inspired as Springbok Women Head to the Rugby World Cup

As the Springbok Women's team prepares to depart for the Rugby World Cup during Women's Month, Pick n Pay proudly reflects on a season of impactful initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of female rugby players. In close partnership with SA Rugby, Pick n Pay has continued to invest meaningfully in the growth of women's rugby at grassroots level ensuring young girls across South Africa see themselves reflected in the future of the game.

Opening the (Playing) Field

Through its Pick n Pay School Club platform, one of South Africa's largest youth education and development networks, and its national sponsorship of SA Rugby, Pick n Pay helped shine a spotlight on women's rugby during July with a series of inspiring activations.

Ahead of the Springbok Women's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches against Canada at Loftus Versfeld and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadiums on 5 and 12 July, approximately 25 young aspiring female players from underrepresented communities in Pretoria and Gqeberha attended their first live professional rugby games. The girls not only experienced the thrill of international rugby but also met their heroes (the Springbok Women's team) in what proved to be a powerful and affirming experience.

Later in the month, Pick n Pay extended its support to a coaching clinic hosted at SK Walmers RFC in Cape Town. Over 200 girls from across the region participated in the clinic, led by players from the Springbok Women and the Black Ferns XV. The session offered hands-on rugby skills training, motivational talks, match ticket giveaways, and autographs, all contributing to an unforgettable experience that showcased the opportunities within women's rugby.

Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence

For many young girls, barriers such as access to proper nutrition, sports gear, and sanitary products often stand in the way of sustained participation. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in creating an enabling environment.

"The girls we coach don't always have access to the right sports bras, boots, or even meals on match days," said Coach Mahlogonolo Gama from Nellmapius Rugby Club. "What Pick n Pay is doing, from food packs to field access, helps restore their confidence and keeps them in the game."

In addition, July saw Pick n Pay supporting the FNB U16 & U18 Girls Youth Weeks, as well as the FNB Grant Khomo U16 Boys Week and Craven Week, all renowned grassroots platforms that showcase some of South Africa's top young rugby talent in high-performance settings.

"Experiences like this plant a seed," said Tessa Chamberlain, Head of Partnerships & Engagements at Pick n Pay. "When young girls see there's a clear pathway from grassroots to elite rugby, it changes what they believe is possible. It's about more than sport – it's about building confidence, resilience, and the life skills that will carry them far beyond the field."

Despite steady growth in rugby overall, female participation still accounts for just 6.5% of all registered players in South Africa, according to SA Rugby. Closing this gap requires long-term investment at the grassroots level; a commitment Pick n Pay has made through its partnership with SA Rugby and its deep-rooted School Club network.

"This Women's Month, as the Springbok Women carry our hopes to the Rugby World Cup, we want every young girl watching to know that there's a place for her in this game," added Chamberlain. "We're proud to play a small part in building a more inclusive, inspiring future for South African rugby."

As the Springbok Women take to the global stage, they leave behind more than just fans, they leave behind a generation of young girls who now believe that one day, they too could wear the green and gold.