Sunnyrock rugby player makes history with national selection
“It was really a moment that felt like the beginning of where I want to go,” she said.
Sunnyrock’s Lene Joubert has risen through the ranks of schoolgirl rugby to make history.
She was the first female rugby player from the Valke Rugby Union to be selected for the SA A Schools girls rugby team recently.
The Grade 11 learner at Breinmeester Akademie has spent the past four years representing the Valke at provincial level, establishing herself as a formidable player at the Number 8 position.
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However, when she joined the national squad, Joubert was required to play Number 7 for the first time.
“It was something I had to adjust to quickly. It was a learning curve for me, but I enjoyed the challenge,” she said.
Joubert’s journey to the rugby field started at Die President Laerskool in Primrose, where she became a trailblazer by playing boys’ rugby. She joined the boys’ team in Grade 4 and was the only girl in the squad.
Being the only girl came with its challenges, including having to be protected on the field and, on several occasions, being substituted in. Despite this, Joubert persevered and eventually formed part of the team that progressed to the finals of the school competition.
For Joubert, the desire to prove that she could compete with the boys was one of the biggest factors that kept her going.
“I just wanted to prove that I could do it,” she said.
Before rugby became her main sporting passion, Joubert had a background in athletics, competing in events including the long jump, 100m and 100m hurdles. Her athletic ability has since complemented her rugby career, helping her develop speed, agility and physical strength.
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Her provincial rugby journey with the Valke has been marked by consistent improvement and a collection of personal achievements.
In her first year representing the Valke, the team played against SWD, although they unfortunately lost the match.
The following year, the Valke played two matches, winning one and losing one. Joubert scored a try during the tournament and was named Player of the Match.
In her third year, she was entrusted with a leadership role as vice-captain. The Valke played three matches and won one, with Joubert scoring tries in two of the games and earning another Player of the Match award.
Her fourth season proved to be her most successful yet. The Valke won all three of their matches, with Joubert scoring in every game. She was named Player of the Match in two of the three matches, performances which ultimately helped earn her selection for the national squad.
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“It was a proud moment because I was the only one nominated from my union. It allowed me to prove myself and see all my hard work pay off,” Joubert said.
She has also represented Hoërskool Elspark in both Sevens and Fifteens rugby. During the season, she scored tries in both formats and helped the team reach the final, where she scored two tries. Although Elspark ultimately lost the final, reaching the decider was another significant milestone in her developing career
Joubert has also attended Goudrift before moving to Breinmeester Akademie, a change she believes has contributed to her growth both as an individual and as a sportsperson.
Her journey has been decorated with medals and numerous Player of the Match awards, but it is the opportunity to represent national colours that stands out above them all.
When Joubert received the news that she had been selected for the SA Schools Girls Springbok squad, she was with her father. The two celebrated the achievement together.
“It was really a moment that felt like the beginning of where I want to go,” she said.
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For Joubert, the national selection is not the end of her journey but another step towards her ambitions in rugby.
After starting as the only girl among boys at a Primrose primary school, she has now become a trailblazer for the Valke and earned the opportunity to wear the national colours.
“My story is one of perseverance, determination and a willingness to challenge expectations, proving that the young girl who simply wanted to show she could play rugby can compete at the highest level.
“I wish to inspire young girls to play rugby, and I also aspire to one day become a coach at the end of my career,” said Joubert.
