top-news-1350×250-leaderboard-1

Eastern Province’s Kwaru Wins the Inaugural Betway Women’s Club Champs Title

Sports
Eastern Province’s Kwaru Wins the Inaugural Betway Women’s Club Champs Title

Kwaru made history on Friday when they won the Premier Division Final of the inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship, beating Walker Bay Babes 17-14 (half-time 12-7) at Alberton Rugby Club south of Johannesburg to bring the curtain down on a watershed week for women’s rugby in South Africa.

To add to the significance of the occasion, SA Rugby President, Mr Mark Alexander, was present as Betway’s head of sponsorship, Jason Shield, announced the inaugural Betway Dream Team, comprising the best players from the groundbreaking week-long event, which took place on the back of the Springbok Women’s quarter-final finish at the recently-held Rugby World Cup in England.

“Knowing there is a Betway Dream Team to aspire to will provide further incentive to all players in future,” said SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer. “The official recognition of being the best player in your position may be ceremonial this year, but together with our sponsors Betway we are already thinking about how the Betway Dream Team can help fuel the growth of women’s rugby in an even more meaningful way in the coming years.”

In an all-coastal showpiece match that will go down in South African rugby history, it was Kwaru, the pride of Eastern Province, who ultimately prevailed against the four-time defending Boland champions after a pulsating match whose result hung in the balance until the very end.

Blue Bulls and Western Province to Contest Friday’s U20 Rugby Week Final

Defending champions Western Province beat Border and the Blue Bulls edged the Golden Lions to…

DHL Western Province and Border were strong on Day One of the U20 Women's Week in Johannesburg; while the Golden Lions, Blue Bulls, Griquas, Limpopo Blue Bulls and the Valke all secured exciting First Division wins, at Queens High School in Johannesburg on Monday, 6 October 2025. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images

Western Province and Border Top the Charts on Day 1 of the U20 Rugby Week

DHL Western Province and Border were strong on Day One of the U20 Women’s Week…

Sponsors recognising the importance of their role in women’s sport is one of the biggest catalysts for growth, and SA Women’s rugby is the latest recipient of this support as SA Rugby confirmed a brand-new club competition for women. Photo: Supplied

Betway Shows Commitment to Grassroots Women’s Rugby

Sponsors are increasingly recognising the benefits of investing wisely in women’s sport, and grassroots women’s…

phiwe Ngwevu dotted down second for South Africa in a morale-boosting first half in Saturday's historic Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, before the defending champs pulled away for a big win at Sandy Park in Exeter, England, on Saturday, 13 September, 2025. File Photo: Morgan Harlow / World Rugby via Getty Images

Black Ferns End Springbok Women’s Brave Rugby World Cup Campaign

The Springbok Women were in the fight at the break of their Women’s Rugby World…

Coach Swys de Bruin exhorts his team to leave nothing on the field in the biggest match in Springbok Women history, as South Africa look forward to Saturday's historic Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, at Sandy Park in Exeter, England, on Saturday, 13 September, 2025 File Photo: Gallo Images via SA Rugby

Nolusindiso Booi Returns to Captain the Biggest Match in Springbok Women History

Coach Swys de Bruin exhorts his team to leave nothing on the field in the…

France’s Nassira Konde of France is tackled by Vainah Ubisi and Nadine Roos during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool D match in Northampton, England, on 7 September, 2025. Photo: Morgan Harlow - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Bok Women Still Have Eyes on the Bigger Picture after RWC Loss to France

France showed their class and experience as they beat the Springbok Women by 57-10 in…

Kwaru took an early 7-0 lead, Dream Team flyhalf Yandisa Nobanda going over after seven minutes for a try she converted herself. Walker Bay Babes responded midway through the first period, right wing Sinalo Ziqwayi diving over for centre Rufaro Tagarira to convert to bring the scores level.

Kwaru struck a major blow on the stroke of half-time, when replacement Hlomla Puzi barged over to give the Eastern Cape side a five-point lead at the break.

Walker Bay hit back shortly after the restart when scrumhalf Claudine Bani dived over under the posts for centre Rufaro Tagarira to convert to give the Babes a 14-12 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Kwaru, however, landed the coup de grâce from the restart, centre Unathi Mali going over after 46 minutes for what proved to be the championship-winning score.

In the First Division Final, played as a curtain-raiser to the main match, Titans beat Potchefstroom Dorp 20-19 in a nail-biting match that went down to the wire.

“The inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship will be long remembered as a landmark day in the history of women’s rugby in South Africa,” said Mr Alexander. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Betway for their support, and for all the players, coaches and spectators who made the inaugural event so memorable.

The spear tip of the South African attack Élmere van der Berg caught in mid-air action with the Aussie Diamond defence. Australia continued to display their dominance against the Spar Proteas, beating the visitors 65-42 to claim the series 3-nil in Adelaide, South Australia, on Sunday, 12 October 2025. All Photos: Lauren Morgan/Netball Australia

World Champs Australia Claim Series Whitewash Win over South Africa

World Champs Australia completed the three-Test series whitewash against the Spar Proteas in Adelaide, with…

South African Hockey has announced its goal for the women’s national team to win an eighth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title at the 9th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt, from October 11 to 18, 2025. All Photos: Jan van Zyl

SA Women’s Hockey Aims for Continued Continental Dominance at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

South Africa’s Women’s Hockey team is aiming to extend their run to an eighth consecutive…

Defending champions DHL Western Province delivered a masterclass in the final match of the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week, outplaying the Blue Bulls 33-0 in a pulsating match at Queens High School in Johannesburg on Friday, 10 October 2025. All Photos: SA Rugby / Gallo Images

A Rampant Western Province Defend Their U20 Crown Rugby in a Dominant Display

Defending champions Western Province dominated the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week final, outplaying the Blue…

South Africa and Knockout Fixtures at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Thu, 25 Sept – 1st Warm-Up: South Africa vs Bangladesh - Washed out without a ball bowled
Sun, 28 Sept – 2nd Warm-Up: South Africa beat Pakistan by 4 wickets
Fri, 3 Oct – England beat South Africa by 10 wickets (Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati)
Mon, 6 Oct – South Africa beat New Zealand by 6 wickets (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)
Thu, 9 Oct – South Africa beat India by 3 wickets (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)
Mon, 13 Oct – South Africa vs Bangladesh (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)
Fri, 17 Oct – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
Tue, 21 Oct – South Africa vs Pakistan (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
Sat, 25 Oct – South Africa vs Australia (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)
Wed, 29 Oct – Semi-final 1 (Guwahati/Colombo)
Thu, 30 Oct – Semi-final 2 (Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)
Sun, 2 Nov – FINAL – (All Matches start at 11h30 unless specified otherwise) Proteas Women Playing XI Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Tazmin Brits
Suné Luus
Marizanne Kapp
Anneke Bosch
Sinalo Jafta (wk)
Chloe Tryon
Nadine de Klerk
Tumi Sekhukhune
Ayabonga Khaka
Nonkululeko Mlaba India Playing XI Smriti Mandhana
Pratika Rawal
Harleen Deol
Harmanpreet Kaur (captc)
Jemimah Rodrigues
Deepti Sharma
Richa Ghosh (wk)
Amanjot Kaur
Sneh Rana
Kranti Goud
Shree Charani Original Copy: Cricket SA, with editing by gsport Main Photo Caption: SA all-rounder Nadine de Klerk all but single-handedly assured South Africa’s second World Cup win. The visitors secured a critical group-stage win, upsetting a dominant India to make it two wins in three outings at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India, on Thursday, 9 October 2025. All Photos: ICC via Getty Images Photo 2 Caption: Set 252 to win, SA opener Laura Wolvaardt lost her opening partner Tazmin Brits early, but posted a masterful innings of 70 to set up the chase. Photo 3 Caption: Chloé Tryon posted South Africa’s best return of 3 wickets for 32 in her 10 overs, including India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and the dangerous Jemimah Rodrigues. Photo 4 Caption: Nonkululeko Mlaba was key in India’s early batting collapse, SA’s first wicket in Smriti Mandhana a prized feather in her figures of 2 for 46 in her 10 overs.

South Africa Sensationally Upset India for Second World Cup Win

A sensational Nadine de Klerk batting innings has taken the Proteas Women to a narrow…

Abigail Smit leading defending champions Western Province from the front, the team delivered a masterclass of rugby at Queens High School in Johannesburg with their 57-7 win over Border, confirming their place in the final of the SA Rugby U20 Women's Week on Friday, where they will face the Blue Bulls, at Queens High School in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 8 October 2025. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images

Blue Bulls and Western Province to Contest Friday’s U20 Rugby Week Final

Defending champions Western Province beat Border and the Blue Bulls edged the Golden Lions to…

Former player Layla Arrison reflects on her ‘unbelievable' experience covering the Women's Rugby World Cup as a SuperSport broadcaster, calling it a pivotal, humbling, and confidence-boosting moment that's made an impactful mark on her career. All Photos: Supplied

Layla Arrison Reflects on ‘Moment of Pride’ after Women’s Rugby World Cup

Former player Layla Arrison reflects on her ‘unbelievable’ experience covering the Women’s Rugby World Cup…

“I would also like to thank everyone associated with Alberton Rugby Club for helping SA Rugby to host a tournament that will live long in the memory.”

The Betway Women’s Club Championship, which featured 16 participating clubs – one from each of the 15 provincial unions, plus one wildcard – played three days of rugby in a format similar to that of the FNB Craven Week. The teams were split into two divisions of eight, based on their respective provinces’ participation in the Women’s Premier & First Division provincial competitions.

The Betway WCC, like the Pick n Pay Gold Cup for men, excluded FNB Varsity Cup teams but this year allowed the participation of teams from three tertiary institutions that did not participate in the Varsity Cup: Durban University of Technology (KZN), Sol Plaatje University (Griquas) and the University of Limpopo.

Final Results at the 2025 Betway Women’s Club Championship

First Division

University of Limpopo 63 (29), Kempton Park 17 (12)

University of Limpopo – Tries: Thabiso Mokomane, Mapula Matsimela (2), Maruping Modupi, Mokgaetsi Montle (3), Evelyn Mkhabele, Onkie Leseka (2), Zintle Mtana
Conversions: Mkhabele (4)

Kempton Park – Tries: Makhubela Gabaza, Bomikazi Poswa, Raliphada JessicaConversion: Neo Sekhu

Sol Plaatje University 54 (35), Embalenhle 5 (5)

Sol Plaatje – Tries: Maserati Bangaza, Lerato Mudlovu, Doedoe Serame, Charlize Jacobs, Jenna van Nel, Donishea Cloete, Juanine Jacobs, Mulalo Sibasa
Conversions: Jacobs (7)

Embalenhle – Try: Mbali Mzizi

Durban University of Technology 7 (0), Mqanduli Sharks 22 (10)

DUT – Try: Sethabile Xulu
Conversion: Xulu

Mqanduli Sharks – Tries: Chuma Delubom, Emihle Mayitshe, Oratile Moshome, Zintle Holofela
Conversion: Siphenathi Yeko

Titans 20 (7), Potchefstroom Dorp 19 (7)

Titans – Tries: Ruzanne George, Nosiphiwo Swartz
Conversions: Odean van Wyk, Chloe Adams
Penalties: Adams (2)

Potch Dorp – Tries: Teddy Gatyana, Abigail de Jager, Martha Yokwane
Conversions: De Jager (2)

Premier Division

Welkom 7 (7), Raiders 32 (20)

Welkom – Try: Mmadjadji Mohalali
Conversion: Tshepiso Matelile

Raiders – Tries: Sarah Mokwebo (3), Khanyisile Ntai (2), Evidence Tinoota
Conversion: Londeka Ntanzi 

Pirates 12 (7), Collegians 24 (17)

Pirates – Tries: Sinalo Honono, Sharon Baloyi
Conversion: Provia Mashiane

Collegians – Tries: TJ Ngxowa, Vuyelwa Mosala, Kirileng Namane, Afika Mbengo.
Conversions: Inge Sander (2) 

Van der Stel-Evergreens 10 (0), Harlequins 10 (0)

VDE – Tries: Donelle Snyders, Raeeqah Hendricks

Harlequins – Try: Uzubenam Mbangi
Conversion: Klarissa van der Linden
Penalty: Van der Linden 

Walker Bay Babes 14 (7), Kwaru 17 (12)

Walker Bay – Tries: Sinalo Ziqwayi, Claudine Bani
Conversions: Rufaro Tagarira (2)

Kwaru – Tries: Yandisa Nobanda, Hlomla Puzi, Unathi Mali
Conversions: Nobanda 

2025 Betway Women’s Club Championship Dream Team

1. Hloma Puzi (Kwaru, Eastern Province)
2. Owethu Nayapi (Mqanduli Sharks, Border)
3. Mmadjadja Mohalali (Welkom, Griffons)
4. TJ Ngxowa (Collegians, Free State)
5. Rapha Madyah (Walker Babes, Boland)
6. Buthle Sonamzi (Walker Babes, Boland)
7. Martha Yokwane (Potchefstroom Dorp, Leopards)
8. Teddy Gatyana (c) (Potchefstroom Dorp, Leopards)
9. Chloe Adams (Titans Knysna, SWD)
10. Yandisa Nobanda (Kwaru, Eastern Province)
11. Khanyisele Ntai (Raiders, Golden Lions)
12. Mapula Matsimela (University of Limpopo, Limpopo)
13. Klarissa van der Linden (v/c) (Pretoria Harlequins, Blue Bulls)
14. Vuyelwa Mosala (Collegians Valkyries, Free State)
15. Inge Sander (Collegians Valkyries, Free State).

Replacements

16. Maxene Valentine (Walker Babes, Boland)
17. Sharon Baloyi (Pirates, Golden Lions)
18. Yola Lumko (Walker Babes, Boland)
19. Emihle Mayitshe (Mqanduli Sharks, Border)
20. Bernice Strydom (Potchefstroom Dorp, Leopards)
21. Onie Sihlobo (Potchefstroom Dorp, Leopards)
22. Kwanene Zungu (Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu Natal)
23. Alichia Arries (Van der Stel-Evergreens, Western Province).

Main Photo Caption: Eastern Province’s Kwaru have made history by defeating Walker Bay Babes 17-14 in a pulsating final to claim the inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship title at Alberton, marking a watershed moment for women’s rugby in South Africa. Photo: Getty Images / SA Rugby

Crédito: Link de origem

You might also like More from author
Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.