THORISO PHASHA
The UP-Tuks women’s sevens rugby team has enjoyed a good run of form in the sevens circuit, both locally and internationally. At the heart of the team’s success are two talents in the form of Nadine Roos, who was a key contributor to the SA Select women’s seven’s victory at the Hong Kong Sevens recently, and Libbie Janse van Rensburg. The two ladies have been instrumental to the UP-Tuks sevens team, and their diligence was duly rewarded when they both received call-ups to the Springbok sevens women’s team.
What was your recent experience of the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens victory like?
Roos: It was great, the girls stood together and motivated each other on and off the field. The team and management worked great together. We knew we had to win our pool game against France to go through to the cup final, and our coaches helped us focus on the process and not the results [so that] our hard work would pay off.
What was your most memorable moment of the game?
Roos: The moment I set my foot on the field, hearing thousands of people cheer us on. Playing on a main field [like this] alongside experienced players is a moment I will never forget.
Did you expect the call to come up to the women’s sevens national squad to come so soon in your career?
Roos: I didn’t expect it to happen this soon. I matriculated in 2014, and in November 2015 I got called up [to] the Springboks. I was very excited. [I] was very impressed and proud, but also knew I didn’t just get this, I worked hard for this opportunity. It’s a goal [that I have] achieved, getting national colours and the opportunity to represent my country.
How did it feel to wear the Springbok jersey as a sevens player for the first time?
Janse Van Rensburg: Walking out onto the field for the first time with the Springbok on my chest was a feeling I just simply can’t describe. I just tried to take in every single sight and smell, anything I could do to carve that memory into my mind and cherish it for the rest of my life. I felt so honoured to have had the opportunity to represent my country and I would do it all over again if I could.
The Springboks sevens qualified for Rio by world standards, but failed to meet the pics this year?
Janse Van ensburg: It’s bitterswe t. Bitter n t e sen e of missin such a n am azin g pp ort un ity s impl because of nfortu at ci cumst nc s, but rom he sweet s de, we now ave a ot of t me to prepare or the next Ol mpi s, a d h peful y by he tim it o es he team wi l be st ong r a d mo e experie ced
Image provided.
