CAPE TOWN – Springbok Women Captain Nolusindiso Booi believes the goal is clear for South Africa with the Rugby World Cup 2025 preparations underway.
With a group of 38 players assembled in Stellenbosch this week to prepare for the Rugby World Cup and Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in early June as well as Test matches against Canada a month later – Booi says the team’s goal in the World Cup is quarter-finals.
Tuesday marked 100 days before the global stage event, as England is set to host the tournament this year from Friday, 22 August 2025, to Saturday, 27 September 2025.
“Our goal in the World Cup is to reach the quarter-finals, that is what we as a team talked about and that is something we will be able to achieve,” said Booi who recently made her 50 caps for Swys de Bruin’s side.
“Every team in the World Cup wants to win, we want the same thing as well. First and foremost we have our mini goals we want to achieve first and foremost.
“We want to improve our game and take it to another level which I believe with the current squad we have, that is possible.”
South Africa is likely to see familiar faces in England in August, as well as players who were featured in the 2021 World Cup.
Booi believes having experienced players will boost Bok Women’s chances in the global event.
“It’s important to have a group of senior players in our squad, players who played and are still on a global stage and players who’ve been to the World Cup before,” she said.
“When you arrive at the World Cup, you fear things you shouldn’t be afraid of, the people, the Haka and other tricks from other teams before the game. So, having experienced players helps with composure, it helps in building courage and also being able to face opponents.
“Us senior players have to lead by example and show the younger players the way.”
Booi added that even though the heart still wants to go the extra mile, she confirmed that this is her last World Cup.
It will be her fourth World Cup having participated in three Rugby World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2021).
“I think this is my last World Cup, I have to give younger players a chance to also showcase their talents,” she concluded.
Captain Nolusindiso Booi on team’s readiness. #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/obST16OxtP
— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) May 13, 2025
Image: @WomenBoks/Twitter.
