Trailblazing prop Babalwa Latsha's inspirational journey of growth on and off the field

Babalwa Latsha captains the Springbok Women during their international friendly against Samoa at Hermanus High School on 7 October 2023 in Hermanus, South Africa. (Photo: Carl Fourie / Gallo Images)

By Yanga Sibembe

27 Sep 2024

Babalwa Latsha is enjoying her rugby ride while hoping that her story can inspire little girls and boys to pursue their dreams, no matter the circumstances.

Nearly five years have passed since Springbok prop Babalwa Latsha made history by becoming the first African woman to sign a professional rugby contract when she joined Spanish side SD Eibar Femenino in 2020.

She impressed during her short stint in Europe, which was curtailed by Covid-19. Latsha scored 13 tries in just seven matches, a return that most rugby players would be extremely proud of. But it was a return that was made even more impressive by the fact that props are not famous for their try-scoring abilities.

Since that giant leap for women’s rugby on the continent, the Khayelitsha native has grown immensely. On and off the field of play.

Taking stock

“As a person, I’ve grown tremendously. I’ve grown to appreciate people and opportunities. I’ve grown to realise how important it is to have a circle, to have people in your corner. To also be that person in someone else’s corner as well,” Latsha told Daily Maverick recently.

“I’ve increasingly come to appreciate support systems. My perspective and mindset on different aspects of life has broadened. It has become brighter,” the 30-year-old stated.

After her time was cut short in Spain, Latsha rejoined Western Province. Her homecoming was short-lived, though, as Premiership Women’s Rugby outfit Harlequins came knocking, asking for her services in February 2023.

(From left) Babalwa Latsha, Aseza Hele and Shaunagh Brown of Harlequins after their Allianz Premiership Women's match between Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs at The Stoop on 9 December 2023 in London, England. (Photo: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images)

This was initially on a short-term deal. However, as she does whenever she steps on the field, the prop impressed for her new team. She managed to score four tries in the eight matches she played before the season concluded.

For this, she was rewarded with a fresh contract that would keep her with the Quins for a full campaign.

Last season she was once again a key component as the team finished seventh in the Premiership, crossing the tryline another four times. This has seen her agree to fresh terms with the Quins before the 2024/25 campaign.

“BB is a great person to have in our environment. She is a world-class prop and an amazing person and role model to other players in our squad,” Harlequins forwards coach Steve Halsey said to the team’s media department about Latsha.

“Her hard work and dedication have translated into some great performances at scrum time, alongside her powerful ball carrying and strong defence,” Halsey said.

Maintain momentum

As for Latsha herself? She is keen to continue learning and improving her craft, as well as gathering vital knowledge that will benefit South African women’s rugby in the short and long term.

“As a rugby player, there’s so much knowledge that I’ve absorbed… Going into the Premiership Women’s Rugby in England has sharpened my understanding of the game and helped me form some sort of a specialisation in the tighthead prop position that I play,” Latsha said.

“Up until now, it’s been a fantastic experience. The club welcomed me very warmly. I found myself another home there. My abilities were embraced and I was given a platform to tell my story,” the Bachelor of Laws holder and University of the Western Cape alumni stated.

“I’ve enjoyed it. Hence, I’ve been able to score a number of tries and come away with about two Player of the Match awards… It’s been an incredible journey; one I’m still looking forward to heading into my third season with them,” Latsha said.

The Springbok Women star has always expressed her wish to affect as many people as well as possible. As someone from the crime-ravaged Khayelitsha township in Cape Town, the probability of her occupying the spaces she has continuously taken up over the years was minimal.

Having achieved the seemingly impossible, she now embraces serving as an example that it can be done, regardless of circumstances. This is something that continuously fuels Latsha, the knowledge that her earnest journey can ignite a spark in others.

“Pipelines are critical to the development of any rugby nation. Be it men or women. In our case, it’s even more important that our generation of players creates those pathways. Create new avenues and build bridges. Perhaps opportunities that we might not reap the rewards of. But opportunities that will benefit the next generation,” Latsha told Daily Maverick.

Babalwa Latsha captains the Springbok Women during their international friendly against Samoa at Hermanus High School on 7 October 2023 in Hermanus, South Africa. (Photo: Carl Fourie / Gallo Images)

Next generation

“One of the most important questions I ask myself is what type of baton we’re going to hand over to the next generation. What am I doing now that’s going to benefit the next generation of South African women’s rugby?”

With South Africa competing in and hosting the second instalment of World Rugby’s WXV2 tournament from 27 September to 12 October, Latsha and her Bok teammates can answer that question with actions.

South Africa has Japan, Australia, Italy, Scotland and Wales for company in the cross-pool format of WXV2, with each team set to play three matches. The Boks will play Japan, Australia and Italy in their three fixtures in Cape Town, and Latsha is hopeful that they can perform in front of their home support.

“Competing in the WXV competition is an exciting prospect… To have the competition on home soil is even more exciting. It creates those pathways we spoke about. We want to play a brand of rugby that’s inspiring, a brand that’s entertaining. This competition is the best platform for that,” the prop said.

“With the type of preparation that we’ve had and the relatively new coaching staff, there’s a boost of energy. So, we’re extremely excited to go into that particular competition,” she added.

The tournament – which will be played at the Cape Town and Athlone stadiums – will also serve as preparation for the Boks’ 2025 World Cup hopes.

For the sake of momentum and morale in this regard, it is imperative that the team showcases its quality and does well. DM

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South Africa

Taking stock

Maintain momentum

Next generation