Germiston teen tackles her way to rugby success on national stage
That same year, her performance earned her selection for the Valke Ladies U16 squad, representing the team at the National Girls Week for U16s hosted at Jeppe High School.
Loots Khezhia-Raylee, a determined young rugby player from Germiston, is quickly becoming a standout name in South African girls’ rugby.
Her journey began at the age of five at Oosterkruin Primary School, where she played alongside boys from Grade R and steadily worked her way up, eventually earning a spot as left flank on the school’s first team.
In 2024, Khezhia-Raylee made headlines by scoring a standout try during Delmas Rugby Week, showcasing her strength and agility on the field.
ALSO READ: Girls from Queens High impress at rugby week under coach Xosana
That same year, her performance earned her selection for the Valke Ladies U16 squad, representing the team at the National Girls Week for U16s hosted at Jeppe High School.
Her rising rugby career reached new heights in 2025 when she was selected to represent Team Gauteng U15 Girls Rugby at the National School Sport Championships (NSSC), held from July 12 to 15 at UKZN’s Howard Campus in Durban.
“The team proudly secured bronze medals, finishing third nationally — a significant achievement for Gauteng girls’ rugby,” said Khezhia-Raylee.
Off the field, she is also using her voice to uplift and inspire other young athletes. Through her social media presence under the hashtag #LootsieseRugby, she documents her training, match highlights, and day-to-day experiences on Instagram and TikTok, encouraging other girls to pursue their dreams in sport.
“I want to show young athletes that with passion and hard work, anything is possible — no matter the challenges you face,” she said.
ALSO READ: Golden Lions and Border shine at Rugby Week kickoff
Khezhia-Raylee credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents, coaches, and the rugby community that has stood by her since the beginning.
Her story is a powerful example of how dedication and talent, paired with a strong support system, can open doors and inspire the next generation of athletes.
