SPORTS FEATURE
A HEART IN THE BUSHVELD Away from stadium lights and training fields, Libbie’ s perfect escape is simple.
“ The perfect rest day would start in the bushveld, maybe include a nice drive or walk around the farm, and end off around a bonfire with the African night noises echoing in the background.”
It’ s an image that captures the quieter side of an athlete whose career has taken her across countries and continents. One destination, however, has left a lasting impression.
“ From a playing perspective I’ d have to say Madagascar, because the crowds that support the women’ s game are incredible,” she says.“ Playing in a fully packed stadium in Madagascar I think was the most surprising thing I’ ve ever experienced as a rugby player.”
Those moments reinforce just how quickly the women’ s game is growing around the world and back home in South Africa.
WEARING GREEN AND GOLD Representing the Springbok Women has changed more than Libbie’ s rugby career. It has also reshaped how she sees herself.
“ A big thing about playing women’ s rugby is challenging the stereotypes,” she says.“ Stereotypes about femininity, strength, and leadership. Being part of the team has enabled me to become a role model and break boundaries, and it ultimately made me change how I see my own power.”
That sense of purpose extends beyond matchday. Rugby is not just about results. The lesson that continues to guide her through both victories and setbacks is simple.
“ Hard work will always beat talent,” she says.“ And disappointments are plenty.”
It is a mindset she recognises in one of her biggest inspirations, tennis great Serena Williams. After watching the In the Arena docuseries, Libbie says Williams’ story resonated deeply.
“ She redefined excellence in her sport and faced numerous setbacks while challenging stereotypes and advocating for equality.”
THE LONG
GAME
The Springbok Women’ s progress has given South African rugby a glimpse of what is possible when women’ s sport receives greater attention. The Springbok Women climbed from outside the world’ s top 10 before the 2025 Rugby World Cup to reach a historic quarterfinal.
Libbie believes this is only the beginning.“ We’ re at a pivotal moment,” she says.“ I see more girls taking up rugby, and I hope women’ s rugby becomes the norm rather than the exception.”
Her personal definition of success is refreshingly simple.
“ The ultimate goal remains having the opportunity to wear the green and gold and continue to show young girls what possibilities there are through sport.” Whether she’ s directing play from flyhalf, relaxing beside a crackling bushveld fire, or inspiring the next generation of girls to chase their rugby dreams, Libbie Janse van Rensburg represents a new era of South African sport. It is one where resilience, authenticity, and passion matter just as much as the scoreboard.
And if the journey of the Springbok Women is anything to go by, the best may still be ahead. IB
70 INBOUND SA / AUGUST 2026