'We’re creating pathways' SA Rugby launches new women’s league

South African women’s rugby is stepping into uncharted territory, riding the momentum of its historic first appearance in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

Less than a week removed from their exceptional showing against reigning World Cup champions New Zealand, South African women’s rugby is set to receive a major boost.

Confirming on Thursday the launch of the inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship, SA Rugby unveiled the first national club competition for women in the country. The tournament will run October 5-10 at Alberton Rugby Club, alongside an expanded U20 Women’s Tournament at Queens High School in Johannesburg.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

The dual competitions arrive just weeks after the Springbok Women’s watershed World Cup run in England, where they broke new ground by advancing beyond the pool stages for the first time.

Officials say the new structure is designed to capitalise on that progress and cement pathways from grassroots to the test arena.

“The Betway Women’s Club Championship marks an important milestone in the development of women’s rugby, providing a vital platform for players to showcase their talent in the level below provincial rugby,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “We’re not just building competitions, we’re creating pathways for women to play, dream, and rise.”

The championship will feature 16 teams, representing all 15 provincial unions plus a wild card entry. The lineup includes Durban University of Technology (Sharks), Sol Plaatje University (Griquas) and University of Limpopo (Blue Bulls), alongside established club sides such as Walker Bay (Boland), Pirates (Lions) and Van der Stel Evergreens (Western Province).

Teams will be split into two groups based on Premier and First Division affiliation, with each side playing three matches during the week.

Betway, already a principal partner of the Springboks, Springbok Women and Blitzboks, has signed on as title sponsor. “We at Betway believe this tournament provides a vital platform for the next generation of women to showcase their talent and hopefully one day represent the senior national team on a global stage like the Rugby World Cup,” said Mark Rowles, the company’s head of marketing.

The U20 Women’s Tournament also breaks new ground, expanding to 14 teams from 12 last year, with the Pumas and a Northern Invitational XV making their debuts. Tier 1 will feature the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Western Province and four other top unions, while Tier 2 includes six developing sides.

For Oberholzer, the message is clear: South African women’s rugby is no longer chasing shadows. “These two tournaments really underline our mantra of #GrowTogetherPlayTogether,” he said.

From the World Cup quarterfinals to new national competitions, the game’s foundations have never looked stronger for one of rugby’s elite nations.