Mary Zulu: The new stock of Bok Women shows no nerves
There have been many heroic stories at the Rugby World Cup 2025, and one of those is the story of Mary Zulu.
The 22-year-old made her World Cup debut during the Springbok Women’s defeat to France in the final Pool D match in Northampton.
The rising star earned her 16th cap and started at flyhalf. It was a difficult outing for the youngster and the Springboks, who suffered a 10-57 loss to France.
However, despite the result, the Springbok Women had already booked a spot in the quarterfinals with wins over Brazil and Italy.
And while that in itself was a tremendous feat for the Springboks, for Zulu, who grew up in the Blessed Gerard Children’s Home in Mandeni, it was a dream come true.
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From an orphanage to the world stage
Zulu was taken into the home shortly after birth and cared for by staff, especially Father Gérard Lagleder, an ordained German priest who founded the orphanage in Mandeni in 1992.
“I don’t know my biological parents, so I was brought to the care centre at two months old. Since then, I’ve been staying here,” Zulu told Rugby365.
“Living in an orphanage has taught me a lot of life lessons and how to approach life in different ways.
“I’m grateful and appreciative of my childhood because it has made me the person I am today.”
Zulu, like many other women’s rugby players, dabbled in various sports before falling in love with the oval ball as a teenager.
Zulu first discovered rugby as a teenager after trying her hand at netball and athletics. With encouragement from children’s home manager Hayne Clark, her natural talent quickly shone through.
She was scouted by the Sharks and started playing for the Durban-based side at the age of 14. She went on to represented the SA U20s in early 2022 before breaking into the senior squad later that year.
“I played netball and did athletics, but there was just something that stood out about rugby. It was never a thing of, ‘I want to pursue something out of rugby,’ because I couldn’t see women playing the sport.
“But Mr Clark pushed me because he could see my talent.”
Reflecting on her debut, the Sharks playmaker said she felt surprisingly calm.
“Funny enough, when the team was announced, I wasn’t shocked. Throughout the week, I had a feeling that I was going to get my shot.
“Obviously, I was disappointed about the result, but I was so happy for the team.”
Zulu is now part of a new generation of Springbok Women expected to take the team forward. She cites the influence of senior players like Cindi Booi and Libbie Janse van Rensburg as crucial in her development.
“It’s very exciting for us [as the youngsters]. Just to be around those experienced players is very good and surreal.”
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More than just rugby
Away from the field, Zulu recently graduated with a B.Sc. in Sport Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Balancing rugby and academics has been a challenge, she admits, but graduating has lifted a weight off her shoulders.
Her unique personality also shines through in her trademark hairstyle – a look she credits to fellow player Byrhandré Dolf.
“My hair was always in my face during games, so I had to try something different,” Zulu explained.
“I first tied it up, but Dolf suggested I leave part of it down. She said it suited me – and it stuck.”
At just 22, Zulu embodies the fresh energy driving women’s rugby in South Africa. With her talent, resilience, and fearless approach, she represents not only the future of the Springbok Women but also the growing visibility of female athletes in the country.
