UKZN Student Selected for Women’s Springbok Rugby Squad

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UKZN student Ms Mary Zulu has been called up to the Women’s Springbok XV’s rugby squad.

The 20-year-old fly-half, who plays for the KZN Sharks women’s team, is studying for a BSc in Sports Science degree.

There are plans for women’s rugby in South Africa to become professional and Zulu has set her sights on making a career out of the game - ‘it’s what I do best’. A talented and determined player, she is ‘always fighting hard to become a better version of myself.

‘With the sport you are never guaranteed a spot, it’s your hard work and determination that keep you in the system,’ she said.

South Africa is one of the top rugby-playing nations of the world but there is plenty of room for improvement in the women’s format. ‘I believe it all starts with media coverage because the more coverage we receive the better the chances are of everyone becoming more aware about women playing rugby - as we speak so many people don’t even know that there is a Springbok women’s team which is sad, but it’s just the way women are treated sometimes,’ she said.

Zulu believes heightened media coverage will help women’s rugby go professional. ‘With more recognition we will get sponsors which will bring more attention. I feel if we get taken seriously, people will see the love and determination we have for the sport. Also, putting better systems in place and bringing more young people into the game and growing with them will make a significant difference.’

She has this advice for would-be rugby players: ‘You need to feel it within and have some sort of motivation that will keep you working extra hard every day while others are having fun, because it’s the work you put in when nobody sees you that makes the difference. You need to show hunger every chance you get - show them why you need to belong. Be humble, be yourself in all that you do and allow yourself to learn and grow.’

Zulu was raised in the Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre in Mandeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal. ‘I was brought up by guardians in the absence of my biological parents and they did a very good job of taking care of me. As much as it hurts when I talk about this or even think about it, I am very grateful for the parents who have been a part of my life. I’m also very grateful to Father Lagleder Gerard and Mr Hayne Clark as well as the loving care-givers at the Centre who have shown me so much love,’ she said.

‘Life is a journey, and all you need to do is show trust because God has nothing but greatness planned for everyone. I truly believe in God and that it’s all in God’s hands.’

UKZN’s Mark Bashe commended the young Springbok player: ‘As UKZN Sport we are very proud of Mary Zulu on her call up and performance in the Springboks. She is a role model to many young students who thought rugby was a male sport. We’ve seen Mary grow from playing for the Sharks to the Springboks u20 and now having won the Africa Cup with the Senior Springboks,’ said Bashe.

Zulu paid tribute to everyone who has played a role in her life. ‘I’d also like to acknowledge and thank my rugby coaches as they all provided input into making me a better player. Lastly, I’d like to give thanks to my friends and peers who are always there for me and always believe in me.’

Her rugby role models include Inny Hadebe of the Durban-based club side College Rovers; New Zealand rugby union player, Beauden Barrett; George Ford of England; Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, and Springbok centre/wing Lukhanyo Am. She counts Coach Lungi, Coach Omo, and Coach Mndaweni among the coaches who are her rugby heroes.

Zulu said she was ‘currently single and ready to mingle.’

Follow her on Instagram or Facebook.

•    Watch this space for an upcoming article on another UKZN women’s rugby player who has joined the ranks of the Springboks - Ms Sisanda Ndlela.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Supplied