Rugby gives Ruth a sense of belonging
Ruth Mahlako (29) says the most challenging and stigmatising aspect of being a woman playing rugby is that people expect you to have a specific physical appearance.
POLOKWANE – Playing rugby as a woman has provided Ruth Mahlako (29) with a sense of belonging in the midst of trying to find her place in the world.
Mahlako has a Master’s degree in data science from the University of Limpopo (UL) and started playing rugby in 2014.
In the same year, she was selected for the sevens squad that represented the university at the University Student South Africa rugby tournament (USSA). She has been selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls provincial women’s team since 2014 for both the sevens and 15-women squads.
“University rugby is ever-changing as students complete their studies and move on. This teaches a team to adjust and accommodate those changes, which in turn, encourages patience and character as the sport demands discipline,” she said.
She says playing rugby has become a way of life for her and that women’s participation in the sport has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are capable to participate in contact sport, given that rugby is dominated by men.
“Rugby is mentally and physically tough, but with the right supervision and coaching, nothing is impossible. The most challenging and stigmatising aspect of being a woman playing rugby is that people expect you to have a specific physical appearance, but that doesn’t stop us from having fun on the field, regardless of our body types,” she said.
Mahlako added that when it comes to individual and team sponsorships, women who play rugby do not receive adequate support, publicity or respect.
“We are still underpaid or not paid at all in comparison to male athletes, which is sad and discouraging at times. We frequently play because we enjoy the sport and there is very little we can do about it.”
The women’s rugby team won the Plate Cup in their rookie debut at the 2014 USSA rugby tournament, and finished first in the club regional games since 2015, representing the province at the annual club championships.
Mahlako added that her coaches, Thando Mandla, Kobus Redelinghuys and Artwell Makhubele have all played an important part in her rugby journey, teaching her how to channel her energy, believe in herself, appreciate her contribution to the team and love her teammates. “They have fought battles for us that we are unaware of and we appreciate their love and support.”
Mahlako said she aims to be a part of the Springbok women’s squad one day.
