Lady Rugga & SA’s unknown female rugby stars
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Elma Smit - Lady Rugga
An undisputable fact is that guys dig chicks who know about rugby. Interestingly enough, lots of chicks know and love the game too, and from SuperSport’s Lady Rugga to the rise of Women Springboks and rugby referees, South Africa’s rugby female fan-base is rapidly growing.
“So many people auditioned for Lady Rugga,” said winner Elma Smit, “which shows just how many women are passionate about rugby.”
The role of women in rugby, perhaps especially in the past, has been a more subtle one. The mom who encourages her 12-year old with his game at the junior tournaments within Coca-Cola Youth Weeks, or the mother who screams her lungs out in praise as her teenager scores a winning try at the Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week. A mother’s pride would only rise in scale as her rugby star moved onto a provincial stage and played in the heart-thumping Absa Currie Cup.
Moms, girlfriends, wives and sisters have not been the only pillar of support behind many a Springbok star, but also the huge rugby-loving, female-fan contingent. From the early days of youth trials to the successes gained within their province, those women who share the love of the game, their favourite teams and the players within them have been a few of the reasons why SA’s female fan-base is growing at such a rapid rate.
“I think people underestimate how many women actually watch rugby,” commented Elma. Lady Rugga was a novel SuperSport venture that set out to find a female rugby presenter in a reality sport presenter search. Countrywide auditions were held for a woman who knew her rugby facts, was passionate about the game and looked great on camera.
After being shortlisted to 15 women and being judged by a panel that included rugby legend Naas Botha, Elma emerged as the winning babe. Lady Rugga gets to go pitch side at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and present to the millions of rugby mad South Africans back home.
It’s clear that Lady Rugga is more than just a pretty face – during the SuperSport competition, after a long day filled with various tasks, 25-year old Elma found herself up against Motshidisi Mohona and Janina Oberholzer at the last hurdle of the competition.
Their final task was that of interviewing Vodacom Blue Bulls centre Wynand Olivier in a post-match scenario. Elma’s interview thoroughly impressed the judges as it proved that she was not only fanatical about the game, but understood its nuances as she tackled the current burning issue in rugby, that of neck clamping (which Olivier was subject to on that Friday night).
Elma is currently in the Land of the Long White Cloud on her first assignment as Lady Rugga. Humble in victory, she had kind words for the other 14 Lady Rugga contestants. “These girls are all formidable and I’m honoured to have spent time with you guys,” she said.
Formidable women rising up with complete commitment, solidarity and a love for the game of rugby? Who could ask for more? A sports-mad home cannot afford to miss out on all the live-action of the Absa Currie Cup currently playing itself out on rugby pitches nationwide. Our boys need their girls so don’t miss out on a high-spirited, lively Saturday afternoon fan experience. Tickets start at an affordable R30 and it’s a fantastic excuse to get your hubby and kids off the couch for some fresh air and a glimpse of your province’s gems of the future.
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