How Bok Women could tap into rugby's growing trend
EXCLUSIVE: The hybrid role is a phenomenon in the rugby landscape, with players increasingly covering multiple positions either in the backline or among the forwards.
However, some players have the rare ability to operate effectively in both the backline and the pack.
Springbok Andre Esterhuizen is the prime example. The powerful centre had tongues wagging when he first slotted into the pack after coming off the bench and taking over the No.6 position during the Boks’ 54-7 win against the Barbarians in Cape Town on June 28, 2025.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus’ experiment continued and paid off two weeks later in Gqeberha, when Esterhuizen once again filled the role after Jasper Wiese’s red card in the first half against Italy.
The growing trend has reshaped ideas around versatility in rugby, with the Crusaders also embracing the blueprint. During this year’s Super Rugby campaign, head coach Rob Penny deployed winger Leicester Fainga’anuku at flank on several occasions.
And much like the Boks, the move proved fruitful, with Fainga’anuku setting up three tries in the Crusaders’ 36-20 victory over the Blues.
The innovation has also surfaced in the Women’s Super League, where Western Province Women head coach Jongi Nokwe made the bold decision to switch No.8 Logan Welman to the wing during the team’s victory over Eastern Cape.
Welman was a standout performer in the WSL and subsequently earned a call-up to the Springbok Women’s squad.
She is incredible at the breakdown, while her pace could add an extra dynamic to the Springbok Women’s attack for the Rugby Africa Cup.
“I’m as comfortable in the backs as I am in the forwards,” Welman told Rugby365.
“I have played wing before, so I adapted easily.
“I’m thankful for the coaches, like Coach Jongi, who I learned a lot from.
“There was a lot of talent and competition in the Super League this year. It was amazing to see.”
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The loose forward is set to make her debut after being named in the Bok Women side to face Madagascar in the opening round of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kenya.
South Africa have already secured four Rugby Africa titles and head into the tournament as favourites – a status that naturally places a target on their backs.
The squad will be without key players such as Nadine Roos, Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Aseza Hele.
Meanwhile, Zintle Mpupha, Byrhandré Dolf, Catha Jacobs, Ayanda Malinga, Lerato Makua, Maceala Samboya and Eloise Webb are currently involved with the BlitzBok Women setup.
Still, Welman, who attended Mondeor Eco High School, remains confident that the team has what it takes to capture a fifth continental crown.
“I honestly can’t say that I feel the pressure,” Welman stated.
“I believe in the team, the system, and in myself.
“I know that we are capable of defending the title again.”
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A little extra on Logan Welman
How did you get into rugby, and what drew you to the sport?
I’ve been playing rugby since 2011. I started when I was only six. I played with the boys for quite a few years when I was younger. For 15 years, I have been playing. I love the game and the physicality. I feel powerful when I play, and I use every training and game to show how strong I am.
Is there a specific player you look up to?
I look up to Maddy Levi from the Australian team. Her speed is very impressive to me, and I like the way that she runs, especially on attack.
Ahead of the tournament, did your family give you any advice?
My mom told me to believe in myself and to back myself. My grandfather, who is a very wise man, told me that if he can be strong and push through, then so can I. I carry their words with me and use it to stay motivated, even when it’s difficult.
