EXCLUSIVE: The smiling assassin's oath to South African rugby fans

One thing about Aseza Hele – her radiant smile and effervescent personality light up every room she enters.

The Springbok Women’s No. 8 has this incredible aura that makes a person want to be around her – and that is synonymous with the culture of the South African team.

Born and raised in the small township of KwaDwesi in Gqeberha, Hele’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.

She and her sister lost their parents while still at school and were then taken in by both their paternal and maternal grandmothers, Joyce and Zodwa.

Joyce sadly passed away earlier this year.

Her story, while deeply personal, mirrors that of many women in South African rugby – a path marked by hardship, grit, and perseverance.

Within the Bok Women setup, stories like Hele’s are not uncommon. They are united by shared struggles and defined by their collective strength.

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On the field, the always-smiling Hele quickly switches into warrior mode – a trademark of her game that has been well-documented over the years.

She is a relentless ball carrier, known for bulldozing through defenders and delivering bone-crunching tackles. Her work rate is exceptional, making her one of the most valuable loose forwards at the 2025 World Cup.

At the previous tournament in New Zealand, she made the most line-breaks in the competition – a staggering achievement given that South Africa didn’t win a single match.

Affectionately known as “Blommie” because of her spontaneous personality, she describes herself as a “chilled girl” and is adamant not to put any extra pressure on herself.

“I don’t like to listen to a lot of outside noise,” Hele told Rugby365 at the team’s hotel in UK.

“I just keep quiet and do my thing. And if I know I’m struggling at a certain point, I’ll go to coaches or players.

“I’m comfortable going to my teammates and saying, ‘Look here, I’m struggling with this and that.’

“But for me, as Blommie, I worked very hard back at home. So being here is just the fruit.”

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Currently playing for Boland Dames, Hele also had a professional stint with English club Harlequins – an experience that continues to shape her leadership within the Bok squad and is tremendous for the team at the showpiece.

“The girls are willing to learn. It’s so difficult when you try to approach or teach people what you know, or think will work for the team – not just for you – and people ignore you or don’t want to listen.

“But my team is willing to work and listen. So, it was easy for me to just say, ‘Guys, this is what I learned in England. I think we might try it, and if it doesn’t work, it’s okay – we just move on.’

“But all I’m saying is that they are willing to learn and listen. So, it was much easier.”

Unlike past tournaments, expectations are sky-high for the Springbok Women. The class of 2025 carries the hopes of a nation aiming for a historic first-ever World Cup quarterfinal berth.

“We want to make people proud back at home,” said Hele.

“We owe it to ourselves, because we know we’re well-prepared. It’s all up to us now.

“We also want to make history – to win games.

“The support that we get back home boosts us and gives us motivation to do well – and we feel it.

“It’s not like previously, where we just went there to learn. Now, we’re there to compete.

“We’re not just going to participate.”

More than wins or line-breaks, Hele’s greatest ambition is to leave a legacy – one that inspires young girls to see rugby as a sport for them.