Jacobs Excited to Be Back Where It All Started

An unexpected call-up to the Springbok Women’s Sevens training camp in Stellenbosch was not quite the road back to sunshine and South African rugby that Catha Jacobs had in mind, but she took the detour in her stride.

After all, this is where it started for Jacobs, who made her foray into international rugby with the Springbok Women’s Sevens team way back in 2019, and earned her first professional income as a rugby player as part of the national sevens set-up.

After the COVID pandemic, Jacobs returned to the field in the fifteens format, a decision that yielded two Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments and 26 Test caps for the Springbok Women.

Her return to South Africa this year came after successful stints playing club rugby in England with Saracens and the Leicester Tigers in the past three years, and since her arrival in Johannesburg, Jacobs has played three matches for the Golden Lions Women in the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League before national duty called again.

“I missed the South African sunshine too much and wanted to come back to my friends and family,” the 27-year-old utility forward explained her decision to return.

“It was great playing with and against many big names in the women’s game in England but doing so while cold and missing loved ones was not always fun.”

Jacobs now finds herself in sunny Stellenbosch, where she has joined up with a number of familiar faces as the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad prepare for the final two HSBC SVNS 2 tournaments in Uruguay and Brazil later this month.

Amongst the group, Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandré Dolf, Lerato Makua and Maceala Samboya, were teammates in last year’s RWC in England.

The South Africans are in second place out of six teams following the first of the three tournaments, played in Kenya, but injuries to key forwards opened the door for Jacobs, as coach Cecil Afrika looked at his options for the South American leg of qualifying events.

“I did not come back to play sevens necessarily, but always loved the code, it is where it started for me after all,” said Jacobs.

“I have really enjoyed myself since joining, the team environment is great and they are doing well, so I feel at home. Obviously, my fitness levels for playing sevens was a challenge, but so far so good.

“I know there are no guarantees for selection to go to South America, but I am doing my best for now. Playing sevens again has already improved my decision making and fitness, so I am happy to be here.”

Afrika had the misfortune of losing Rights Mkhari and Kemisetso Baloyi before the season started, and Leigh Fortuin due to injury in Nairobi, while Zintle Mpupha picked up a suspension playing for the Isuzu Bulls Daisies in the WSL, which opened the window of opportunity for Jacobs.

“Apart from sunshine and being closer to my family, I also came back to be part of the new growth spurt in women’s rugby, and a successful sevens team will also be part of elevating the game, so for now, I am happy to contribute on that front too,” Jacobs said.

Springbok Women’s Sevens training squad: Asisipho Plaatjies, Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandré Dolf, Catha Jacobs, Chloe Adams, Lerato Makua, Liske Lategan, Maceala Samboya, Maria Tshiremba, Marli George, Nadine Roos, Patience Mokone, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Simamkele Namba, Shannon-Leigh Windvogel.

Not available for selection: Kayla Swarts, Kemisetso Baloyi, Leigh Fortuin, Nomawethu Mabenge, Vianca Boer, Rights Makari (rehabilitation), Zintle Mpupha (suspension).