BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
University of KwaZulu-Natal student Mary Zulu was selected to the Women’s Springbok XV’s rugby squad. She is studying for a BSc in Sports Science degree. Zulu was raised in the Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre in Mandeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
There are plans for women’s rugby in South Africa to become professional and Zulu has set her sights on making a career out of the game. A talented and determined player, she is ‘always fighting hard to become a better version of myself. Her other achievements include Craven Week U16 Champions (2018), Club Tournament Champions (2022) and USSA 7’s Plate Champions (2022) to mention a few.
South Africa is one of the top rugby-playing nations of the world but there is plenty of room for improvement in the women’s format. ‘I believe it all starts with media coverage because the more coverage we receive the better the chances are of everyone becoming more aware about women playing rugby – as we speak so many people don’t even know that there is a Springbok women’s team which is sad, but it’s just the way women are treated sometimes, she said.
Zulu belleves heightened media coverage will help women’s rugby go professional. ‘With more recognition we will get sponsors which will bring more attention. I feel if we get taken seriously, people will see the love and determination we have for the sport’, said Zulu.
Image: UKZN
