Reason Mabuza (24) was selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls senior women’s team recently. Mabuza says she started playing for the Hudson Rugby Club at the age of 13 with the senior players at the club. “I come from a God-fearing family and am a born-again Christian. My life centres around God and rugby,” she says. She was only 16 years old when she was selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls Rugby Union u/16 team. Since then, she has played for the u/18 and u/20 teams.

In May this year she was selected for a squad of 30 Limpopo Blue Bulls players and on June 8, she was selected for the final team of 23 players. They have been playing in the first-division league since June 15. When she is playing for her local Nkowankowa Rugby Club, she sometimes switches her usual rightwing position for that of the outside centre.

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Last year she was named the club’s backline player of the year. Mabuza says rugby has boosted her self-confidence and self-esteem and helps with anger issues. “The moment I step onto the field to play, I forget everything and concentrate on the game.” She is grateful for her family and coaches who have supported her rugby dreams.

She says she hopes to one day turn professional and play for the national team, the Springboks. “I always advise people that we learn more from failure than success. Do not let failure stop you, it builds character,” she says. “I am passionate about rugby, it is where I not only allow myself to make mistakes but also learn from them,” she concludes.