PDBY chatted to UP athlete and SA Women’s rugby player, Rumandi Potgieter, about her experience during the 2021 women’s rugby Autumn Nations Series (November Series) and her plans for the future.
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never heard of Rumandi Potgieter?
I would like to think that I am a very friendly and kind human. I sometimes might seem a little in my own world but it’s only because I’m very shy at first. And I am very passionate about the things that I love.
How did you get into rugby?
I saw an Instagram post about the DeltaDrone Womens 7’s team travelling overseas for a tournament and, a week or so later, a post about a bursary clinic and thought it sounded like a good deal.
How was the adjustment from netball to rugby?
One would think it would’ve been very hard but, to be honest, once I got over my fear of what people would think and made two or three tackles, it felt like I’ve always been a part of the team. The amazing people and team environment made it way easier as well.
How intense was the preparation for the November Series?
I had an operation/reconstruction of my ankle in August, so assuring I was ready for the November Series looked a bit different to some of the other players. I wasn’t sure that I would be included in the team for the November series as I was freshly off of the injury list. Getting back on my feet (pun intended) looked a bit like an hour physio session, two hours of rehab and one hour of cardio every day, five times a week until we went into pre-departure camp in October. Pre-departure camp was a good indication of how hard and fast the following four weeks were going to be.
What was it like to represent the SA Women’s Rugby team?
It was an absolute dream come true. It’s not actually a feeling that one can exactly put into words. To this day it still feels kind of unreal that I am a part of a team that represents a nation of strong women.
What was the team chemistry like throughout the series?
It was absolutely amazing and very professional. Travelling together for over a month and being together in the same space sounds like it will have many challenges, but the common understanding of the job that was at hand pulled all of us closer together. I think it was also a very important challenge to overcome as we are going to be together most of this year in preparation for the world cup.
Which match was the most challenging during the November Series?
Definitely the Barbarians game, not only did the crowd set a world record for attendance for a women’s game, but it was extremely cold and that team consisted of some of the most experienced players in the women’s game.
You travelled around Europe during the Series, which country was your favourite?
France was definitely the highlight of the trip. It was exactly as amazing as all movies make it out to be. It was also filled with amazing history and food.
What would you say are some of the challenges for female rugby players in South Africa?
Without a doubt support; financial support as well as support from the public.
How would you motivate other women to become rugby players based on your experience?
Rugby is definitely one of the fastest growing women’s sport around the world. It is also such an empowering environment to be in as it not only requires physical strength but also mental strength and being surrounded with strong women with that same mentality reinforces what we are all trying to achieve. That in itself is motivation enough to want to engage, especially in a country where we find the biggest growth comes from women supporting women.
What are your plans for the future concerning your rugby career?
I hope to make the team that will play in the World Cup in October and afterwards hope to get the opportunity to go play abroad. In all of this the end goal is just to help grow the sport in our country and give other girls the opportunity that I was given to live my dream.
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My name is Katherine Weber and I am currently a 2nd year BA student majoring in English and History. I enjoy writing short stories and drawing. I want to work in publishing one day because I love reading all types of books.
Leah is a pale ... awkward ... asthmatic ginger.
She used to be Head of Layout (cries) before becoming Digital Manager in an effort to take over PDBY, an effort that has since failed (its all political). She has a keen eye for alignment, an intense love for tequila and chicken nuggets, and occasionally enjoys frollicking in the hills. To end off this bio she leaves this final nugget of wisdom "You just lost the game".