The highs of 2024 for the women's game
As we welcome the New Year, Rugby365 take stock of what has been achieved in 2024.
The year 2025 is set to be the biggest Women’s World Cup to date.
However, with most eyes on the future, we take a look at what made headlines in 2024 as the women’s game continues to grow not only in South Africa but globally as well
There was a lot to celebrate in the women’s game, but one highlight was the Springbok Women’s first-ever win over the Barbarians.
The Bok Women headed into the fixture as clear underdogs, but, they turned the tables on the Barbarians and recorded a brilliant 59-17 win in Cape Town on September 7.
The Springbok Women outscored the star-laden Baabaas nine tries to three.
It was a major statement for South Africa, who always found themselves chasing the world’s top teams.
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The WXV was another momentous moment for the game.
The three-tier competition returned for a second year with Canada hosting the WXV 1 for the first time and Cape Town and Dubai hosting the WXV 2 and WXV 3, respectively.
England secured back-to-back WXV 1 titles in Vancouver, defeating Canada in a tense final match.
In Cape Town, Australia won their first silverware, when they beat Scotland in the WXV 2 Final.
Having dropped out of the WXV 1, the title win was a significant feat for the Wallaroos under coach Jo Yapp.
The Bok Women also put in some big performances, beating Japan in the opening WXV 2 match and then in week 2 pushing the Wallaroos to the edge.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also stole the show with his appearance at the WXV 2 match between South Africa and Australia on October 5, however, unfortunately, the hosts could not manage to secure victory and had to settle for a 26-33 defeat.
WXV 3, which took place in Dubai, was won by Spain for the first time.
Spain’s win also meant they qualified for the 2025 World Cup hosted in England.
Brazil became the first-ever South American team to qualify for the Women’s World Cup after their Sudamerica play-off victory against Colombia.
Brazil is in Pool D alongside South Africa, France, and Italy. The Springbok Women secured their spot at the showpiece thanks to their Africa Women’s Cup title with a 46-17 victory over Madagascar in the Final.
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