Having missed the boat to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2022, Mokwai thought her dream to play for the Springbok Women on the biggest stage was over.

On 30 August, Mokwai will not only celebrate her 33^rd birthday amongst her rugby family, but also as someone – as she dreamt of all those years ago – who represents her country on the biggest stage.

“I was thinking of quitting back in 2022, but then realised that is not who I am,” said Mokwai, a professional emergency care nurse who knows how to deal with real life dramas.

“That is not me giving up on something I really wanted, so I decided to give it another go and I am so happy I did. So today, seeing that Heathrow sign, being welcomed by the High Commission staff and getting onto the bus to travel to Northampton, made me realise that indeed, this is what I worked for. And that is such a great feeling.”

Mokwai is far from relaxing and resting on her laurels though: “The final push starts now. We all have to be the best teammate, the best opponent and the best player we can be. It is not about the individual here; this is a team representing all of South Africa and that is where the focus will be. I am happy to be all those at the 2025 World Cup.”

The Bok utility forward reflected on her omission from the 2022 squad, but when she was recalled into the national team by caretaker coach Louis Koen in 2024, only positive thoughts and actions followed.

“This time I had a much better feeling that I will get selected, but it was still a relief to be told by the coaches that I made the squad,” she said. “This team is determined to do special things, and I am grateful to be part of that effort.”

The Springbok Women will attend the official RWC welcome ceremony in Northampton alongside Japan, Ireland and Brazil on Saturday.

They play Brazil on Sunday, 24 August at Franklin’s Garden in their opening Pool D match of the tournament.