Herstory: Nomsa Mokwai

The remarkable journeys taken by our Springbok Women to compete with the world’s best often include roadblocks, speed bumps and potholes. For Springbok Women lock Nomsa Mokwai, that journey sometimes begins in the back of an ambulance. As a 33-year-old emergency ward trauma nurse, she handles critical patients with the same calm authority she brings to calling line-outs, disrupting opposition ball and gaining metres to build momentum for her team. In the first of nine player features, Mokwai shares her “HerStory” of rugby and life, explaining how she often doubles up on training after a 12-hour hospital shift — and how her love for the Springbok Women badge and the game makes it possible. She explains how nursing and rugby are linked by shared values: discipline, compassion, resilience, teamwork and commitment. Mokwai also reflects on her mother’s unwavering support and how her passing — while Mokwai was touring abroad with the Springbok Women — inspired her to push for Women’s Rugby World Cup selection in honour of that love and backing. This video series asks the same of you: to support our Springbok Women on their journey of growth, achievement and inspiring role-modelling — a call to #BackHer.