Bok star eager to resurrect WP Women to Final glory
EXCLUSIVE: Nomsa Mokwai has never been one to shy away from responsibility.
Whether it’s anchoring the Springbok Women’s scrum or working gruelling shifts as a trauma nurse, the powerful forward thrives under pressure.
Now, she has her sights firmly set on restoring Western Province Women to championship glory.
WP head into the upcoming Women’s Super League as one of the favourites, having reached the Final of the Women’s Premier Division in each of the past three seasons.
But for Mokwai and her teammates, near-misses are no longer enough.
“The main goal is to win the whole tournament,” she told Rugby365.
“But the focus is on us. We’re taking it game by game, because every match matters.”
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Two demanding callings
In women’s rugby, balancing two careers is not unusual.
But few embody that dual commitment quite like Springbok forward Mokwai.
On the field, she’s a powerful presence with 14 international caps to her name. Off it, she swaps her boots for scrubs as a trauma nurse at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital’s Level 1 trauma centre in Cape Town.
“It all works hand in hand,” Mokwai revealed to Rugby365.
“Teamwork is everything – whether you’re in nursing or in sport.”
Juggling international rugby and frontline healthcare is not for the faint-hearted. Both roles demand different skill sets, long hours, and immense mental resilience.
Mokwai has found a rhythm – even if it requires sacrifice.
“Usually I choose to work night shift so that after my shift I can get time to do my gym session and my training,” she explained.
“It comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of effort, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it.”
With more Springbok Women’s fixtures on the horizon, that balance is set to shift.
“I’m going to be less at the hospital because obviously my main focus now will be rugby – but I’ll still work,” she said.
“Rest will be important for me, eating proper food – purely the right stuff. Financially, it might be a little bit challenging, but there are more games to play, more opportunities.”
A New Era for Province
WP will have to navigate this campaign without inspirational captain Cindy Booi, who retired during last year’s World Cup in England.
“Cindy left a legacy,” Mokwai stated.
“The girls learned a lot from her, and they’re carrying that leadership forward.”
However, there is no shortage of firepower. Springbok prop Babalwa Latsha from England and Sinazo Mcatshulwa, who played in France last season, have returned to bolster the squad.
“We’ve got experienced players coming back, and that gives us confidence.”
For Mokwai – who also represented South Africa in the U19 netball squad – lifting the trophy would be the perfect reward for years of consistency and perseverance.
Redefining what a rugby player looks like
Beyond the pitch and hospital ward, Mokwai embraces another passion: fashion.
Her Instagram doubles as a personal runway – a space where she expresses a side of herself that challenges outdated stereotypes about women in rugby.
She admires USA star Ilona Maher for wearing lipstick on game day, but Mokwai prefers to keep that part of herself separate from match day – while still making a statement.
“There’s always a time to just be yourself,” she said.
“I’m into fashion. I love modelling. I like looking nice.
“It tells a story – you don’t have to be masculine to play rugby. You can still be a lady, do your nails, your makeup, your lashes – and still play rugby.”
As WP prepare for another title push, Mokwai’s message is clear: strength and femininity are not opposites.
