Fresh from an impressive victory over Fiji, the Springbok Women continue to demonstrate why they have become one of South African sport's most inspiring stories of resilience. The result marks another important milestone in the team's remarkable rise, reflecting the momentum behind a squad that has grown from amateur beginnings into a genuine force in the international game.
As South Africa marks Women's Month, OMO, proud partner of the South African Rugby Union, celebrates a team whose journey continues to inspire and break new ground in every sphere of society. Here are five defining moments that have shaped one of South Africa's most remarkable sporting transformations.
1. From Playing for Passion to Playing as Professionals
The Springbok Women played their first official Test match on 29 May 2004 against Wales in Gqeberha. At the time, many players funded their own rugby journeys, purchased their own equipment and competed without professional contracts. Today, the squad benefits from professional structures and contracted players—a remarkable transformation that reflects more than two decades of resilience, investment and belief in the women's game.
2. Breaking New Ground on the World Stage
Progress has also been measured through performance. At the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the Springbok Women reached the knockout stages for the first time, marking one of the biggest achievements in the team's history. The milestone reflected years of sustained growth and confirmed South Africa's emergence as a genuine force in the women's game.
3. Winning the Hearts of South Africans
One of the team's greatest victories has happened beyond the scoreboard. Unique television audiences have grown by 334%, while total broadcast consumption has increased by an extraordinary 673%. Individual matches now attract peak audiences of more than 484,000 viewers, demonstrating the growing appetite for women's rugby and the increasing support behind the Springbok Women.
The Springbok Women's influence now extends far beyond the international stage. In 2025, SARU launched its Under-16 and Under-18 Elite Player Development Camps for girls, creating clear pathways into elite rugby while expanding opportunities for female players and coaches alike. Together, these initiatives are helping ensure today's Springbok Women inspire tomorrow's.
5. Proving That Staying Unbeatable Is About More Than Winning
For OMO, the Springbok Women's journey perfectly reflects its Stay Unbeatable philosophy. Success is rarely built on a single victory. It is earned through perseverance, learning from setbacks, embracing every muddy training session and continuing to believe when progress takes time.
Springbok Women captain Babalwa Latsha says today's success belongs just as much to the women who came before them as those who wear the jersey today.
"The women who wore this jersey before us laid the foundation without the recognition, support or opportunities we enjoy today. We stand on their shoulders every time we pull on the green and gold. It's incredibly exciting to see the momentum behind women's rugby continue to grow, but our job isn't finished. To every young girl watching us: don't be afraid to get muddy, don't be afraid to work hard, and never be afraid to step onto the field and claim your space. That's how the next chapter of South African rugby will be written."
Elizabeth Mokwena, Executive Marketing Director: Home Care at Unilever South Africa, said the team's journey embodies everything OMO stands for.
"The Springbok Women remind us that being unbeatable isn't about having a perfect journey. It's about showing up, learning, growing and choosing to play on, even when the road is difficult. Every grass stain, every muddy jersey and every moment of effort tells the story of someone becoming stronger. As proud partner of the South African Rugby Union, OMO is honoured to celebrate a team whose resilience continues to inspire South Africans from every walk of life."
The Springbok Women's remarkable rise is still being written. With every Test match, every young player inspired and every barrier broken, they continue to shape the future of women's rugby in South Africa. Their story is a reminder that staying unbeatable isn't defined by a single result, but by the courage to keep moving forward.