VIDEO - Aphiwe Ngwevu: A mother, rugby star, and trailblazer for Bok Women
SPOTLIGHT: Being a female rugby player is not a piece of cake.
Adding motherhood into the mix? That takes resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination
However, it is certainly not impossible – and that’s what Springbok Women’s centre Aphiwe Ngwevu and many others are proving at the Women’s World Cup 2025 in England.
They challenge expectations and rewrite the script for women in sport.
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Currently with the South African national side, Ngwevu is helping the team chase history as they aim to qualify for their first-ever quarterfinal appearance at a World Cup.
The Springbok Women made a strong statement early, defeating Brazil 66–6 in their opening match on Sunday, August 24, in Northampton.
The side has already ticked off one of their goals by recording a win in their opener against Brazil in Northampton on Sunday, August 24.
Ngwevu was one of the stars of that emphatic win, racking up 16 carries, eight tackles, and a well-earned try.
From unplanned setback to global stage
For the 27-year-old, the journey to this moment hasn’t been easy.
Just four years ago, an unplanned pregnancy in early 2021 appeared to mark the end of her international career. With the birth of her son Luphiwe, fitness and rugby had to take a backseat – at least for a while.
But Ngwevu fought her way back. She recommitted to her training, regained her form, and earned selection for the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand.
Now, with 28 international caps, she’s not only a regular starter but also one of the team’s most dependable performers.
Reflecting on her progress, Ngwevu shared her pride after the Brazil game.
“I’ve been working very, very hard to be here now,” Ngwevu told Rugby365.
“I am still fighting for my place – it’s not easy, but I’m here.”
She added: “At the first World Cup, I had just given birth to my son.
“I had to work hard to get back in shape. It wasn’t easy, but I did it. I was part of the World Cup in 2022.
“This time, it feels very different.”
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While representing your country is a privilege, for Ngwevu, it comes with significant personal sacrifice – especially as the mother of a four-year-old.
“It’s not easy to be away from my son. Sometimes I can’t reach him because of the network issues. For example, now we only use WhatsApp. Sometimes there’s no signal.
“He comes back from school or is sleeping. But I’m coping.”
She finds comfort in knowing that she’s making her son proud.
“He’s so amazing. He knows his mother is playing rugby. He’s always like, ‘Mum, I saw you on TV playing rugby.’ It’s so nice.”
She added: “He also wants to play rugby.”
Shy off the field, fierce on it
Although Ngwevu describes herself as shy off the field, her powerful presence between the white lines has turned heads. She’s already a fan favourite at this year’s tournament in England.
“Having the crowd support is so, so nice,” she said.
“I think when people say, ‘Oh, Aphiwe, you’re number 12,’ it’s just special.”
“I know when I’m playing, there are young girls watching me, wanting to be here.
“So I have to work hard and leave a good legacy for the young ones coming after us.”
Ngwevu, who currently plays for Border in South Africa, also has personal ambitions to take her career to new heights – including playing overseas.
“My personal goal is maybe to be seen by one of the teams here in England.
“I want to get that experience and play outside South Africa.”
She’s also hoping for sponsorship to help her continue on this path.
“I’m always praying that one day I’ll get a sponsor – because I don’t have one right now.”
Making history
In terms of World Cup ambition, Ngwevu said she and her Springbok teammates want to make history.
“At the last World Cup, we didn’t win a single game. But now, you can see we’re working hard.
“We’re here, we want to make history.
“We’re pushing very, very hard. It’s not easy to play on the stage we’re on now – but God is going to answer our prayers.”
The Springbok Women face Italy this Sunday at the York Community Centre, in a match that could determine who secures a spot in the quarterfinals.
With players like Ngwevu leading the charge, South Africa’s rugby future looks not just strong – but inspiring.
