The top three moments of 2025
The year 2025 proved to be a landmark one in rugby, with historic wins, record-breaking performances, and moments that captured the imagination of fans across the globe.
From back-to-back Rugby Championship wins to underdog triumphs, it was a year where South African rugby once again demonstrated its depth, resilience, and growing international stature – it was all about NO DNA, JUST RSA!
With the year drawing to a close, we take a look at some of the most memorable events of 2025.
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1. Boks record back-to-back Rugby Championship titles
On October 4, 2025, the Springboks achieved a historic milestone by retaining the Rugby Championship for the first time in their history.
Building on their 2024 triumph, the Boks defeated Argentina 29-27 at London’s Allianz Stadium, with Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach each scoring two tries.
It was one of the toughest tournaments to date, with the title being decided on points difference for the first time, with the Springboks’ +57 margin eclipsing New Zealand’s +8.
The All Blacks had beaten Australia 28-14, putting pressure on the Springboks. Yet, with characteristic intensity and tactical precision, the Boks secured the title in style, further cementing their reputation as one of rugby’s dominant powers.
2. Bok Women beat Italy for a quarter-final spot
This year was truly a watershed moment for women’s rugby in South Africa.
The Springbok Women entered the 2025 World Cup in England with one goal in mind – to reach the quarterfinals.
That meant they had to beat both Brazil and Italy to have any chance of advancing to the play-offs.
And they did just that. The Springbok Women opened their World Cup campaign with a commanding 66-6 win over Brazil, before making history by beating Italy 29-24 on August 31.
The victory over Italy in York meant the Springbok Women advanced to a quarterfinal for the first time ever.
It was also the first time they had beaten Italy, who were ranked four places above South Africa, ahead of the encounter.
It was an intensely competitive match, but the ladies delivered an incredible performance, outscoring Italy five tries to four.
Beyond the scoreline, the result symbolised years of perseverance, dedication, and a growing recognition that South African women’s rugby is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
3. BlitzBoks retain Cape Town Sevens Title
Back-to-back victories also defined the BlitzBoks’ 2025. For years, the Cape Town Sevens title had eluded the BlitzBoks.
The team had struggled to perform at home, but since Philip Snyman took over, they have shown massive improvement. Following their success in Cape Town in 2024, the side backed it up with another incredible title-winning campaign.
On December 7, they became the first team to win consecutive HSBC Sevens titles in Cape Town, thanks to a late Christie Grobbelaar try in a thrilling Final.
South Africa sent their home fans wild, coming from behind to claim back-to-back titles with a thrilling 21-19 win over Argentina.
Early in the second half, Argentina looked to have the gold-medal match sewn up, completing a remarkable turnaround after finishing eighth in Dubai.
But the BlitzBoks hit back with two tries in the last four minutes, as the excited crowd ramped up the volume.
The BlitzBoks’ performance in Cape Town underscored the team’s growth under the leadership of Philip Snyman and their continued dominance in international sevens rugby.
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