RUGBY NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Women's Rugby Club, established in 2022, has quickly become a formidable force in women's rugby, boasting over 40 talented players.
Their recent victory in Kirkwood on 9 September against Kowie Women Rugby of Port Alfred, with a score of 22 - 05, is testament to this.
Mark Fletcher, the coach and coordinator of the team, said that they've already reached the Eastern Province women's rugby stages, securing the third spot in the Sarah Baartman District rankings. Their journey to success has taken them to locations like George and Middleburg (Cape), and they even faced off against the Springbok women's rugby sevens team in Hermanus on 28 February.
Bennie Roman, the deputy chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Women's Rugby Club, expressed their mission to involve more girls in rugby, aiming to provide an alternative to life on the streets and the temptations of substance abuse.
The club's origins trace back to a group of women playing rugby on the streets at Selfbou. Over time, they formally established the Graaff-Reinet Women's Rugby Club, which has now risen to prominence on Graaff-Reinet's sporting scene.
One of their star players, Carmen Nompondo, has been passionate about rugby since 2007, beginning her journey at Spandau Secondary School.
She later went on to represent IRhafu Women's Rugby and Eastern Province Women's Rugby from 2013 to 2017. Carmen's rugby adventures have taken her across the country, where she competed against formidable opponents such as the Free State Cheetahs, Western Cape, and teams in Durban. Nompondo is delighted to be part of the Graaff-Reinet Women's Rugby Club and is eager to see more girls embrace the sport.
As they gear up for their next challenge, the club is diligently preparing its final squad for the EP Women's u.20 National SA Rugby Youth Training Centre Tournament.
This event is scheduled to take place from 25 to 28 September in Komani, where the Graaff-Reinet Women's Rugby Club aims to continue their winning streak and inspire even more young women to join their ranks.
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