Springbok Women Celebrate Triumphant Homecoming Following Historic World Cup Campaign
- The Springbok Women created history by advancing to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, marking their most successful campaign on the global stage
- Despite a 46-17 defeat to New Zealand in their final match, the team returned to South Africa to a jubilant, hero’s welcome, celebrating their record-breaking achievements.
- Outgoing captain Cindi Booi and coach Swys de Bruin reflected on the team’s journey, praising their resilience, growth, and lasting impact on the development of women’s rugby in South Africa
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The Springbok Women returned to South Africa on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, following their historic Rugby World Cup campaign.
The team reached the quarter-final stage of the tournament for the very first time, before falling to New Zealand 46-17 on Saturday, 13 September.
Source: Getty Images
The squad was met with a jubilant reception upon their return, celebrating their most successful World Cup campaign to date.
Guided by outgoing captain Cindi Booi and coached by Swys de Bruin, the team left England having made history and an indelible mark on the international stage.
For De Bruin, the World Cup journey went beyond professional achievement, becoming a deeply personal experience.
He said he was emotional and that if he shed tears, the players knew they were tears of joy. He added that the women had made everyone proud beyond words and that the team’s belief kept growing, emphasising that once there is belief, anything is possible.
Watch the clip below of the Springboks Women coach:
Springboks women's team says goodbye to captain
Outgoing captain Cindi Booi, who marked her final World Cup, reflected on her 15-year career that began in 2010.
She recalled that in the early days, the team could only beat Kazakhstan, but now they were winning pool-stage matches and competing in quarter-finals against the world’s best.
Take a look at the video below of Springboks Women's coach speaking with pride on his team.
When asked if she would reconsider retirement, Booi said her body would no longer allow it, but added that she was proud to step away alongside the team, noting that women’s rugby in South Africa was growing and that they had shown what was possible.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans celebrate the Springboks women online
South Africans reacted with love and celebration as they paid tribute to the ladies' team for their historic accomplishments.
@MotshidisiM:
“So proud of what our Springbok Women achieved at the Rugby World Cup. Two wins in the group and a quarter-final berth for the first time in our history! What a fairytale. And we’re only going to get better 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾”
@Maso_90:
“Congratulations on your journey. You exceeded expectations. With more investment in you ladies, our country will yield even greater results. I’m personally proud of you, #LadyBoks 🫶 #TeamSouthAfrica #BokWomen.”
@NkanyeziVisuals:
“Women Boks, we remain proud of you. Your growth has been exceptional. You bow out with pride. It’s our task to lobby for greater investment and support for the women’s game. Shout out to the sponsors who have already put their money where their mouths are. Coaching too. 🇿🇦🫶🏽”
@ruby_clipper:
“We are SO unbelievably proud of you all! Very well done to Oom Swys & the whole coaching team. Thank you, Cindi Booi, for your immense contribution to our women’s game here in South Africa. We salute you, our Captain 🙏❤️🇿🇦🔥.”
@ConnieMogoane:
“Proud of you ladies 👸💚💛. You gave it your all and left nothing behind. It just wasn’t meant to be today, but the fight you showed proves you’re destined for bigger wins ahead. Keep shining 🇿🇦💐.”
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi had sent them a beautiful message before the quarter-final match against New Zealand.
Unfortunately, they could not emulate the Springboks who embarrassed the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington on the same day.
Heyneke Meyer in talks for return to SA rugby
Briefly News previously reported that Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer could be on the verge of a coaching comeback in South Africa, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage.
The move would see the 57-year-old reconnect with familiar territory, a union that shaped the early part of his provincial career.
Source: Briefly News
