Alichia Arries: Another Kraaifontein speedster carving her own Springbok story

INTERVIEW: Kraaifontein has produced some special rugby talent, with Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe among its most celebrated exports.

Now, Springbok Women wing Alichia Arries is carving out her own path from the same Cape Town community.

For Arries, the journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but the birth of her daughter has given her extra motivation to make her mark in the green and gold.

In May, the 24-year-old pulled on the Springbok Women jersey for the first time since 2021, playing an influential role in South Africa’s successful Rugby Africa campaign as they secured their sixth title.

She has continued to impress on the international stage and was one of the standout performers when the Bok Women faced the Black Ferns during the Greatest Rivalry at FNB Stadium on September 5.

Facing the world champions was a daunting prospect, but one Arries embraced.

“The haka was nerve-wracking, but also exciting because I got to experience that opportunity face-to-face in that moment,” Arries told Rugby365 at the Springbok Women’s capping ceremony at FNB Portside in Cape Town.

“To be honest, I was actually nervous before the game because I’m playing against a world-class team.

“But I think it was also nerves of excitement, that I’m putting myself there on the field for the team and backing myself also.

“So despite the loss, I think that was a very special moment between South African women and the Black Ferns.”

Arries made her international debut against Kenya in 2021, aged just 18, playing on the wing in both Tests at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

At the time, she was only two months away from sitting for her matric exams at Bernadino Heights High School.

Her journey since then has included representing the Blitzbok Women on the HSBC SVNS circuit, featuring in tournaments in Toulouse, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

But one of the most significant moments in her life came away from the rugby field: the birth of her daughter.

Arries believes motherhood has given her a renewed sense of purpose, with her rugby career now about more than personal ambition.

“Giving birth, I told myself that I’m actually not just doing this for myself, but actually for a little person,” Arries said.

“I’m doing this for my family.

“But most importantly, to have her my princess Tatum by my side and to see what I’m capable of, and just giving her a better future and what I can do.”

‘Pregnancy is not something to hold your career back’

For Arries, becoming a mother has not meant putting her rugby ambitions on hold permanently. Instead, it has strengthened her determination to succeed.

She believes other athletes should not see pregnancy as the end of their sporting careers, encouraging women to back themselves and return to the game if that remains their dream.

“Being a mother and just playing out there, seeing that your little one is watching you.

“My daughter has never watched me play for the Boks in person, so this weekend is something very special. Me playing at home while she’s in the stands watching me.”

Arries also had a message for women who may be navigating the same journey between motherhood and elite sport.

“If you play rugby and you’re expecting a little one, you should not give up on yourself, knowing that that’s not a setback for you. Just come back stronger with all the support you have and still believe in yourself.

“Pregnancy is not something to hold your career back. It’s just for a moment, like for nine months and it’s what you make of it. You can come back stronger if you still want to continue that dream, if you still want to achieve something, if it’s something that you love.

“I told myself that it’s something that I love. It’s a sport I want to do. And I want to show my daughter what I’m capable of.

“So I think your little one, actually your child, motivates you more to do it.”

Ireland challenge awaits the Bok Women

Arries was also part of the Springbok Women squad that bounced back from a defeat to Wales on tour to beat Italy and Spain.

Now, with Ireland, ranked fifth in the world, arriving for a historic clash on South African soil, the 12 Test-cap wing is relishing the opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd.

She expects a stern challenge from the Irish, particularly given their kicking game, but insists the Bok Women are preparing accordingly.

“Ireland are going to come hard at us, and they do have a kicking game, but the coaches have plans.

“We have a plan against them, and I think it’s going to be a tough one.”

The occasion will be particularly special at Athlone Stadium, where Arries hopes the home support can help lift the team.

“But it’s going to be special for us also playing at our own ground, having a big crowd, especially at Athlone Stadium, because there is just something special about Athlone Stadium.

“Like, I’ve seen it last year when we played against the Black Ferns XV. So I think we’re all prepared, and Ireland are going to come with a big bang.”