The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off today (22 August) in England, with 12 of the world’s elite teams converging for what promises to be the most competitive edition yet. Among them, South Africa’s Springbok Women arrive with renewed confidence and a hunger that has been months in the making.
Defending champions New Zealand will once again be the team to beat, but South African captain Nolusindiso Booi believes her squad has never been better prepared for the challenge ahead.
“The mindset right now is hungry and focused,” Booi told NovaNews from London. “Over the past few weeks, you can feel the energy among each player getting stronger during training. We’ve been putting in the work for months and have had some great matches in between, but now everything is connecting.”
Building physical and mental strength
The Springbok Women’s preparation has been methodical, with particular emphasis on conditioning and set pieces – areas Booi identifies as fundamental to their game plan.
“It was more of a conditioning focus, but in a rugby-related way because we were training how we want to play,” she explained. “We have enough systems in place, together with good defense. We can’t leave strength out of this because we are a physical team.”
Their training approach reflects the team’s strategic priorities. “We had set pieces first – that’s one of our strengths. After that, it will be attack-related drills,” Booi detailed, outlining a team that understands its identity and strengths.
Learning from setbacks
The journey to England hasn’t been without obstacles. The team identified a critical weakness that was undermining their performances – poor starts that allowed opponents to seize early momentum.
“I think it was how we start the game – if the opposing team scored first, that was killing us. But with the last game, we did very well to fight that,” Booi reflected, highlighting the team’s ability to adapt and improve.
These breakthrough moments have proven transformative. “Winning some games did give us confidence, knowing we can do better and we are a better team if we can work together all the time.”
Leadership under the spotlight
For Booi, captaining on rugby’s biggest stage requires more than just on-field leadership. Her preparation extends into mental conditioning and visualisation techniques.
“For me, it’s been about staying grounded and clear-headed. I’ve put time into visualising different moments – from handling high-pressure situations to celebrating the small wins with the team,” she said.
Her approach to leadership is deeply considered. “Leading on a stage like this is a privilege, and my goal is to channel the pressure into confidence for the group.”
The captain’s routine reflects this balanced approach: “I make sure I eat well, sleep enough, and for me, I like my own time where I can get enough time for myself to clear my mind. I’ve learned to trust my preparation, so when the game starts, I can focus on my own role, knowing the team is working together.”
World Cup anticipation
When asked what excites her most about the tournament, Booi’s enthusiasm is evident: “The chance to finally put all our hard work into action on the biggest stage. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a World Cup – the noise, the colors, the sense that every moment matters.”
She’s relishing the challenge of facing the world’s best. “As for opponents, there are definitely teams and players I admire, but honestly, I’m looking forward to every match. Each one brings a new challenge, and part of the thrill is testing ourselves against the very best in the world.”
Describing her team’s style, Booi’s pride shines through: “I can say we are a bit of everything – yes, we are a physical team with speed. And our set pieces are one of the things we want to challenge the opposition about.”
Beyond the game
Perhaps most meaningfully, Booi recognises the broader significance of her role as a trailblazer for women’s rugby in South Africa and beyond.
“It means everything to me. When I was a young girl, there weren’t many women in rugby I could look up to – so I know how powerful it is for young players to see someone who looks like them wearing the jersey,” she said.
“Being a role model isn’t just about what happens on the field; it’s about showing that they belong here, that their dreams are valid, and that there’s a place for them in this sport. If my journey inspires even one girl to pick up a rugby ball, that’s a win bigger than any trophy.”
Tournament schedule
The Springbok Women will begin their World Cup campaign on 24 August against Brazil at 15:45, followed by Italy on 31 August at 16:30, and France on 7 September at 17:45.
The tournament opens tomorrow with England facing the USA at 20:30 in what promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser.
As Booi delivers her message to supporters back home: “Expect to see passion, physicality, and a refusal to back down. To everyone back home, your support means more than you know. We carry your voices with us onto the field, and every time we put on that jersey, we’re playing for you. Keep backing us, keep believing in us, and we’ll give you everything we’ve got.”
With preparation complete and confidence high, the Springbok Women are ready to make their mark on the world’s biggest stage.
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