Meet Sinothile Bhengu: A Trailblazer for Young Girls in South African Rugby

From Lamontville in Durban, tough-tackling Sinothile Bhengu is determined to inspire young girls across South Africa with her powerful performances on the rugby field.

Bhengu, 21, was a member of the Springboks team that performed admirably at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup played in England, where they broke new ground by reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.

When featuring as a tighthead prop on the field of play, Bhengu is known to be a strong ball-carrier, tough in contact situations, and composed when the going gets tough.

She also values the importance of having a solid academic qualification to her name. Therefore, she looks to bring her A-game to her pursuit of a Bachelor of Education qualification from the Independent Institute of Education: Varsity College.

Her Durban North campus awarded her the "Sportswoman of the Year" for the third consecutive year in October.

“I am passionate about education and sports. I am dedicated and committed to growing both as an athlete and as a future educator,” said Bhengu. “As a woman in rugby, what drives me is the desire to break barriers and show that women belong in every space, including competitive sport.”

Her selection for the national team is both a personal triumph and a source of community pride. “Wearing the green and gold is an honour that comes with great responsibility,” she said. “It represents not only myself but also my community, my family, and every young girl who dreams of making it.”

With her township roots, Bhengu said she has learnt that hard work was key to achieving outstanding results in all facets of life. “My hard work (rugby and academics) is paying off and encourages me to push even harder.”

Bhengu's rise in a traditionally male-dominated sport speaks to the progress that women are making in rugby and other codes.

“We are stepping into spaces we were once excluded from and proving that we are just as capable,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of equality and respect for women both on and off the field.

Balancing the demands of academia and athletics can be daunting, but Bhengu is equal to the challenge.

“Understanding what it means to be a student-athlete helps me stay focused,” she explained. “I plan ahead, manage my time carefully, and make sacrifices when needed.”

Her commitment to both roles showcases her maturity and responsibility.

Among her proudest sporting moments was becoming an Africa Cup Rugby champion in 2025. Previously, Bhengu was a football player, but she has since transitioned from soccer to rugby, which she regards as a pivotal turn in her career.

She has captained various rugby teams, including the Under-15 Provincial Girls’ Team, the Sharks U16 Girls’ side, and has been part of the Sharks U18 squad and the Junior Springboks U20 Women’s Team. During the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar, Bhengu scored a try for the Springboks.

Bhengu is appreciative of the role her family played. “My family is my biggest motivation. I was once that girl who dreamt of playing for the national team, so I want to show that it’s possible with hard work and faith.

DAILY NEWS