Rugby as a coping mechanism turns into a love affair for Rens
“We (South Africa) have so many great women players who have proved the sport may be male-dominated, but women can play and enjoy this sport too.
Etwatwa resident Kheselina Nhlanhla Rens has enjoyed working incredibly hard since being accepted into the Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute in Springs.
Since her induction, Rens has proved not only that she belongs there, but also that she is passionate about being there.
“I recently qualified to play for the Valke women’s senior rugby team,” she said.
“Although the season is done now, it has been one of the best experiences for me playing for both the institute and the Valke.
“The first match for Valke was against the Leopards, but I was injured so wasn’t able to play. Then we played the Pumas in Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Bulls in Boksburg.
“Within the league our final standing for Valke was fourth place.”
Rens loves being at the institute.
“I only go home to Etwatwa during the holidays,” she said.
“Rugby has always been a coping mechanism for me, but now it’s turned into a love. I really love indulging myself in this sport.”
When playing for Springs, Rens is either the lock or flank and when playing for Valke she was their right lock.
“Rugby is not only a men’s sport,” she explained.
“We (South Africa) have so many great women players who have proved the sport may be male-dominated, but women can play and enjoy this sport too.
“If there is one piece of advice I can give any aspiring rugby ladies it is don’t set a limit for yourself because the sky is the limit. Just keep soaring and chasing your dreams, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t because you can do whatever you put your mind to.
“Don’t let anyone tell you rugby is a sport for only the man, it’s not, I love it and so will some of you.”
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