One such team is from Hudson Ntsanwisi Secondary School from Nkowankowa and is breaking down
barriers in the sport. Hudson’s rugby coach, Bryan Mashego, and his assistant coach, Artwell Makhubele, say they have big plans to grow the sport this year. Although Mashego is temporary, the
duo is mentoring girls interested in the sport which some players have already progressed to provincial and national level.

Also read: Thobile makes it to the national rugby trials

One of their players, Shalati Shivuri (15) started playing at the age of nine at Nkowankowa Primary School after she was inspired by Springbok women’s player, Rights Mkhari. Last year she represented the Limpopo schools’ team in Gauteng, where the team took third place overall. Shalati says she is training to one day also make it to the national team.

Jamela Lukheri (16) said she was driven to join rugby by the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, who made her realise that young black players can also succeed in the sport. The left flanker was last year selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls team that was victorious in a tournament in the Free State. Hudson’s team has many players who have represented the province