A week of women’s rugby ends in glory for Walker Babes
A thrilling week of women’s rugby came to a close at Alberton Rugby Club, with closely contested matches, outstanding talent and strong sportsmanship on display throughout the Betway championship.
Walker Babes of Boland edged reigning champions KWARU 12-10 to claim the Betway Women’s Club Championship Premier Division title at Alberton Rugby Club on September 25.
Women’s rugby took centre stage at Alberton Rugby Club as the second annual Betway Women’s Club Championship brought some of South Africa’s leading women’s club sides together for a full day of competition.
The tournament, which runs throughout the week, saw 16 teams from across the country take to the field in the First and Premier divisions, with Alberton hosting eight matches on the opening day.
The closely contested final repeated the inaugural 2025 final between the two sides, with Walker Babes securing revenge after KWARU won last year’s title decider 17-14.
Walker Babes entered the final after a narrow 21-20 victory over Pretoria’s Harlequins in Wednesday’s semi-final, while KWARU reached the final following a dramatic 12-12 draw against Pirates.
KWARU opened the scoring after five minutes through lock Esethu Mbongisa, before Walker Babes responded through centre Nasiphi Tutuka, who crossed for a try after 13 minutes.
Chloe Adams added the conversion to put the Boland side ahead 7-5.
Esethu scored her second try in the 24th minute to restore KWARU’s lead, sending the defending champions into half-time 10-7 ahead.
Walker Babes regained the lead six minutes into the second half when scrumhalf Chloe Adams found a gap in midfield following an attacking lineout and raced through from around 40m to score..
Chloe’s try proved decisive as Walker Babes held on through a tense closing period to secure the 12-10 victory.
Chloe was named player of the match, while Walker Babes received R20 000 in prize money from title sponsor Betway.
In the First Division final, Sol Plaatje University (Griquas) claimed the title after defeating Nelspruit (Pumas) 17-10. The Kimberley-based side received R10 000 in prize money from Betway.
Betway also announced the Women’s Dream Team, recognising outstanding individual performances throughout the week-long championship.
The championship showcased the talent, determination and energy within women’s club rugby, with teams fighting their way through each stage of the competition in pursuit of the titles.
Despite competing against one another on the field, the players showed strong sportsmanship and support for each other throughout the week.
The atmosphere at Alberton Rugby Club was equally impressive, with spectators bringing energy and support to the matches throughout the championship.
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