The Leopards women are on a winning streak of note, having won their second match of the Women’s First Division league by 50–12 against the Limpopo Blue Bulls women at Olën Park on Saturday, 19 June.

This follows the Leopards women’s victory away against the Valke women by 41–17 two weeks ago. The Leopards women tore the Limpopo Blue Bulls to pieces, scoring eight tries.

They are now on top of Group 2 with a perfect record. The Leopards women face their toughest challenge in Group 2 against the Lions women in an away match at Wits in Johannesburg on Saturday, 26 June. The Lions have yet to concede a point this season, having beaten the Limpopo Blue Bulls by 66–0 in their only match thus far.

A couple of the new players in the Leopards set-up have impressed this season. They have expressed their views on why they started playing rugby and why they all feel nervous excitement when putting on the jersey ahead of league games.

“I started playing rugby about three months ago. I have wanted to play the game since I was six years old, so it was a really exciting experience,” stated Marie-Louise de Nysschen.

“I played netball all my life. One of the coaches, Jackie Kriel, asked if I would like to play. I signed up for the first training session and liked it a lot. The trials were the first time I had experienced physical contact in rugby and I really enjoy playing for the Leopards,” said the inside centre, Jakkie Cilliers.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching rugby with my dad. Rugby really helps people get through stuff and if I don’t play rugby, I don’t feel like a human being. I always try to do my best,” stated scrum-half, Monique Reens, also known as “Kwagga” by her teammates.

“I started playing rugby in Grade 10. On the rugby field, I feel free to express myself. My rugby family is my family away from home. The team feels like a family to me,” stated the tighthead prop, Tarren Fortuin, who is originally from Johannesburg.