Springbok Women’s Player of the Year Nadine Roos became a baller by stepping the boys on the farm

SA Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year Nadine Roos is a baller in every sense of the word and a very important player.

Roos is one of the few rugby players who play both 15s and sevens for the Springbok Women’s teams because of ability with a rugby ball in her hands. The little magician has plenty of skill, vision and an ability to beat defenders with a lethal step.

Few players in the women’s game in South Africa have that ability, because they don’t have the junior structures and development pathways that their male counterparts enjoy.

Schoolboy rugby in this country is massive, with some of the so-called traditional rugby schools’ budgets mimicking those of the provincial union. Times are changing, but sadly, while boys are given every opportunity to develop their skill and improve, the girls receive the attention and input to set them up for success.

So how did Roos develop her skills? How did she become the ball she is today, a two-time recipient of the Women’s Player of the Year award?

Well, the simple answer is to beat the boys at their own game.

“I grew up on a farm amongst the boys. We played everything from rugby, soccer, cricket to golf. We also kicked a lot,” Roos told IOL Sport.

“The freedom of growing up on the farm, you tend to become competitive with the boys. They teach you to develop a thick skin, and you want to step them … you want to pass and kick better than them, which is where my development started.”

Well, Springbok Women’s teams are definitely benefitting from Roos’ skills, as she is their playmaker-in-chief, seamlessly moving in between 15s and Sevens.

Most people would struggle to balance the two. But, like Cheslin Kolbe, who also excelled in both codes, Roos enjoys contributing to the cause.

“Since my childhood I have had a feel for sports. I found joy in sport and living out my god-given talent. I just want to enjoy the moments on a rugby field, because it's a privilege to play this game at this level,” Roos said.

“There are very few players who play 15s and sevens. Rugby stays rugby, with some tactical difference between the two. For me to go from one system to another, it really takes a lot of focus. It’s just about staying present in the moment.

Roos will have to play a key role in a massive year for the Bok Women’s side, who will participate at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this year.

SA Rugby has definitely stepped up in their efforts to grow the women’s game, starting a professional provincial league and relocating more resources in order catch up with the other rugby countries around the world. 

“It feels like there is more of an emphasis on the women’s game. From 2021, there has been a conservative effort from World Rugby to grow the women’s game,” Roos said.

“Over the last few years SA Rugby has also invested a lot in the women’s game, to make sure that we can emulate our male counterparts and reach the heights that they have achieved.

“SA Rugby is making sure that there are enough games for the 15s ahead of the World Cup.”

@JohnGoliath82