Young female rugby players based in Soweto were given an opportunity to sharpen their skills and learn from some of South Africa’s leading women’s rugby players during a Get Into Rugby coaching clinic held at the Nike Centre in on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
The initiative, supported by Engen and SA Rugby, brought together 100 girls for a day focused on rugby development, mentorship and building confidence through sport.
The participants included 50 young players from the Golden Lions Rugby Union and another 50 from Limpopo, giving the girls an opportunity to train together, exchange experiences and learn from experienced coaches and players.
Springbok Women players Jakkie Cilliers, Micke Gunter, Patience Mokone, Lerato Makua, Maria Tshiremba, Sinelitha Nxoke, Felicity Jacobs, Nobuhle Mjwara and Xoliswa Khuzwayo were among those who took part in the activation.
The Springbok Women stars shared their experiences of playing rugby at elite level while providing practical guidance and encouragement to the young participants.
Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro said initiatives such as Get Into Rugby play an important role in creating opportunities for young people. “Investing in young people is an investment in South Africa’s future,” said Tiro.
She said the programme gives young girls the chance to participate in sport, strengthen their confidence and interact with role models who can encourage them to pursue their ambitions both on and off the field.
For Cilliers, the clinic highlighted the inclusive nature of rugby and the role the sport can play in bringing young people together.
“Rugby is a game for everyone, regardless of background, culture, shape or size. There is a place for everyone in rugby,” she said.
The activation forms part of Engen’s broader commitment to community development through sport, with the programme seeking to introduce young people to rugby while promoting teamwork, discipline and self-belief.
Angelique Jordaan, Corporate Affairs Manager at Global Performance, also welcomed the partnership, saying grassroots development remains an important part of strengthening the sport’s future.
“We are proud to be associated with Engen and to support the meaningful contribution the company continues to make towards youth sport development in South Africa,” Jordaan said.
Event partners SPUR and Pick n Pay further supported the initiative by providing meals, snack packs and refreshments for the participants.
The Soweto activation highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways for girls to enter and remain in rugby, while giving aspiring players an opportunity to learn directly from athletes who have reached the highest levels of the game.
Through their continued partnership, Engen and SA Rugby aim to expand participation in rugby and help develop the next generation of South African players and leaders.
