VIDEO: Why the Green and Gold jersey is worth the hard work
EXCLUSIVE: The Springbok jersey has become synonymous with pride, belonging, and unity in South Africa.
For every player who has put on the green and gold, there is an enormous responsibility. Not only do you represent your country, but also your family, friends, and neighborhood.
Therefore, for Alicia Willemse – hailing from Cloetesville, a town situated 4 km north of Stellenbosch – earning her first Springbok Women’s cap would be nothing short of a miracle.
Like so many townships across the Western Province, Cloetesville is plagued by socio-economic problems like gangsterism, drugs, gender-based violence, and teen pregnancies.
Willemse, who first played football before discovering her love for rugby, currently plies her trade for the Western Province Women’s team.
Her side narrowly lost to the Bulls Daisies in the Women’s Premier Division Final at Loftus Versfeld last month.
The result marked the Province’s third consecutive final defeat to the same opposition.
Nonetheless, it was a performance the Cape Town side should be proud of, given that they are not a professional team.
Each year, they produce some incredible rugby players, and this year is no different, with Willemse joining her teammates in the international squad.
The utility back has toured with the Springbok Women’s team on previous occasions but is yet to earn her first Test cap.
*Article continues below…
Speaking to Rugby365, Willemse – a very vocal and nippy No. 9 – stated that this time around, she is targeting a spot in the Springbok Women’s team to face Spain on April 19.
“Last year, I went on tour with the Springbok Women, but I did not get a cap. Hopefully – and I pray – that I get the cap in my 15’s career. I’m certainly targeting that Spain game.”
She added: “The coaches have been preparing us really well, and as a team, we are actually well prepared for the tour.”
For Willemse, the start of 2025 has been a whirlwind. She recently made her BlitzBoks Women debut during the Challenge Cup series in Cape Town, was part of the WP squad that contested the WPD Final against the Bulls, and now, she is with the Springbok Women in Europe.
“The last few months have been tough, especially with the WPD – it’s double training. Coming from BlitzBoks, you have to go straight into the 15s. It has really been a journey.
“It is hard work, but I’m pushing through.”
View this post on Instagram
She revealed that being in the international set-up has improved her individual game tremendously.
“Coaches will have one-on-ones with you to inform you what you need to work on and improve.
“In the national team, you can’t afford to make mistakes, so for me personally, I always work on myself.”
Willemse explained: “The Springbok senior players have been some of my biggest supporters, especially with me being new to the team.
“They’ve helped me focus, avoid distractions, and understand when and how to make the right decisions on the field.
“People like Lucinda Booi, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, and scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey have been a big help.”
Love for the hood
At the moment, Willemse is not a fully professional athlete, and making ends meet is one of the major challenges she has to deal with.
Living in Cloetesville – which is a 45-minute drive to the Western Province training grounds in Bellville – makes attending training a difficult task.
Social issues like gang violence, not uncommon in township areas of Cape Town, also impact her commute to and from training sessions.
However, her deep love for the game and her desire to change perceptions of female rugby players in her community are what keep her committed.
“I want to play more rugby and really be an inspiration for the little ones in our community.
“It is tough for our ladies to get out of their situations, so I’m trying my best to help those who would love to play rugby.
“Being from Cloetesville is really tough. We deal with gangsterism, teen pregnancies, and daily shootings, so it’s difficult for young women.
“That’s why I want to try to inspire the little girls to play rugby and focus on the things that matter – like academics.”
Willemse draws inspiration from her late grandfather, who also played rugby.
“I’m playing for my grandpa. Unfortunately, he is not here anymore, but I’m following in his footsteps because he played rugby.”
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 is coming to England. Click here to buy tickets.
