Babalwa Latsha: Sticking to Springbok identity will be key in WXV

The Boks women will look to maintain their winning momentum, coming on the back of a convincing 36 -19 win over Spain last Thursday. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Latsha says, throughout the 2024 WXV tournament - they want to display a performance that will inspire the next generation of Boks women.

"As a collective - ours is to play the best brand of South African Women's Rugby as we can, the one that will make our nation proud," said Latsha.

"The one that will  be able to inspire the next generation of young women who want to play rugby across the country and across the continent."

The 30-year-old believes their win over Spain was good preparation ahead of the WXV tournament, and said she is happy with their combinations and how the team dominated in set pieces.

"Our game against Spain was good preparation for us ahead of the WXV. I felt that our set pieces went well, as you know we are a set pieces dominant team," she added.

"We are pleased with the scoreboard, it was a confidence booster and we look forward to our match against Japan."

Latsha, the first African woman to sign a professional rugby contract in 2020 – and now plays for Harlequins Women in England, said she has found a second home in England and has grown as a player.

"Well, I have almost found a second home in England, it's been a fantastic experience and I have grown as a rugby player. It is also good to be back with Springbok women to share the knowledge so that we get to grow as a collective," she concluded.

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