Three key talking points as Women’s Super League looms
OPINION: There has been growing excitement around the new tournament set to launch in South Africa, with women’s rugby players at the centre of the buzz.
After two years in the making, the Women’s Super League will officially kick off on February 14.
While it may be Valentine’s Day for some, history beckons for the players.
Women’s Super League One is the rebranded version of the Women’s Premier Division – a competition dominated by the Bulls Daisies, who lifted the title for three consecutive seasons. Women’s Super League Two, formerly known as the Women’s First Division, is scheduled to start in July.
The Bulls Daisies head into the tournament as defending champions and clear favourites after dominating the women’s rugby landscape in South Africa.
They open their campaign against the Border Ladies at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on February 14.
Elsewhere in Round One, Western Province face Sharks Women at the DHL Stadium, the Lions host the Eastern Province Queens at Ellis Park, and Boland Dames host the Cheetahs Queens in Wellington.
The tournament will run over eight rounds, with the Final set for April 4.
View this post on Instagram
KEY TALKING POINTS
Pressure on the Bulls Daisies’ all-women coaching group
The Pretoria-based franchise remains the benchmark in women’s rugby and is currently the only fully professional women’s team in South Africa.
In 2023, the Bulls Daisies awarded 35 players professional contracts and have continued to strengthen their squad, including the signing of Scottish flank Fiona Cooper.
Despite being favourites after winning the Premier Division three times in a row, the side has changed following the departure of head coach Hayden Groepes, who led the team to 35 wins from 36 matches.
Coaching responsibilities will now rest with Zenay Jordaan and Bongiwe Nhleko, with Asithandile Ntoyanto completing the new coaching setup.
The team will also carry the emotional weight of the loss of former captain Lucinda Dumke, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 29 after battling a rare gastric cancer.
Can Boland Dames end their silverware drought?
Boland Dames have consistently been among the title contenders and once again look capable of pushing for honours.
They were second on the log last season and produced some eye-catching performances, led by Springbok No.8 Aseza Hele.
A dominant 59-10 win over Sharks Women in the final round-robin fixture suggested a Grand Final place was within reach, but a narrow 32-29 semifinal loss to Western Province ended their campaign.
With a new tournament comes a fresh opportunity, and the Dames will be hoping more players step up, particularly in the backline where World Cup-experienced Michaela Samboya could prove influential.
A push for more competitive matches
One of the key hopes for the rebranded Super League is improved competitiveness across all teams.
In recent years, during the Premier Division, the Bulls Daisies, Western Province, and Boland Dames have largely dominated, often producing lopsided scorelines.
Notable results included the Bulls Daisies’ 90-5 win over EP Queens andthe Boland Dames’ 92-10 victory against the Cheetahs Queens.
Greater parity would not only enhance the quality of the competition but also boost player morale and attract more supporters to women’s rugby.
