Wright Park girl breaks barriers in rugby, sets sights on Springboks

An 11-year-old, who is the only girl on her school’s rugby team and plays flank for Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck and Brakpan Rugby Club, dreams of one day becoming a Springbok player.

Elney Hattingh, a resident of Wright Park, started playing tag rugby in Grade One in 2020 and told Springs Advertiser that rugby has become her life.

She said it all started when she went to a rugby match to watch her best friend, Damian Bates, play. He also motivated her to ask the coach if she could join the team.

She explained that she had to ask her parents, Christelle Syphus and Martin Hattingh, to approach the coach. The coach confirmed that mixed-gender rugby was possible, and after her parents completed loads of paperwork, she became part of the club two weeks later.

“What keeps me passionate is my love for the game. I love it when the boys underestimate me as a rugby player because I like proving them wrong,” said Hattingh.

Hattingh joyfully recalled some of her memorable moments, including her first try in a tackle game and the surprise she caused with her tackling skills.

“In 2023, I was chosen to be a Springbok mascot and had the opportunity to run onto the field with RG Snyman,” she said.

She added that her school teammates have grown used to having her in the team, as she has been part of it from a young age.

Hattingh said that when she is on the field, she feels safe because she has 24 “brothers” protecting her when other players do not realise she is a girl, even though she can handle the roughness herself.

“The coaches at school this year were very supportive and really fought to have me in the team,” she said.

The 11-year-old started playing for the Brakpan club this year. She said that the coaches and players welcomed her warmly and were impressed by her skills.

“The teammates at the rugby club are still gentle on me during practice, but at least they are happy to welcome me into the team each Saturday,” said Hattingh.

She concluded with words of encouragement to other girls interested in playing the sport.

“Follow your heart, not the routine that limits girls from boys’ sports. Your limit is where you set it. Make your focus the sky because the sky can be your limit.

“If you have the power, use it, and when you have a dream, reach it. You do not have to be a boy to play rugby; you can be a girly girl and still play rugby just like me.”

This year could be her last playing for her school team, as there is a limit rule set by the school.