Japie Mulder, a legendary figure in South African rugby, is reflecting on his daughter Jané's journey into the sport, a path that has been both surprising and inspiring. Mulder, who made history by winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks, never imagined his only daughter would follow in his footsteps. But at just 19, Jané is not only playing rugby but also making her mark on the sport, most recently earning a call-up to the BlitzBoks Women's squad for the World Championship in Hong Kong.
Mulder's daughter's rise through the ranks is a testament to her dedication and talent. Starting her rugby career just two years ago with the Golden Lions Women, she quickly progressed to the Junior Springbok Women's squad and then to the Sevens team. Her journey began when she was 16, despite her family's rugby background, as she had to navigate the lack of available clubs. However, she found her way to the Wits ladies team, where she trained and played, eventually gaining special permission from her father to continue her rugby career.
The 56-year-old Mulder admits that he never envisioned his daughter playing rugby, but he has come to terms with the reality of his daughter's passion. He acknowledges the sport's rapid growth and the challenges it presents, especially in South Africa, where women's rugby is still underdeveloped compared to leading nations like New Zealand and Australia. Mulder highlights the need for financial backing and a shift in perception to elevate women's rugby in South Africa.
One of the key challenges, according to Mulder, is the perception that women's rugby is not a 'normal' or 'sensible' sport. This mindset, he argues, is a significant hurdle in South Africa, where men often frown upon women's participation in such a physical game. However, Mulder believes that with proper conditioning and programming, injuries can be minimized, and the sport can become more accessible and safe for women.
Despite the challenges, Mulder remains optimistic about the future of women's rugby in South Africa. He credits the influence of experienced figures like Swys de Bruin, who has made a noticeable impact as the performance coach for the Bok Women. Mulder emphasizes the importance of effort, time, and the right people in place to grow the sport, suggesting that South African women can compete at any level with the right support and effort.
In conclusion, Japie Mulder's reflection on his daughter's rugby journey offers a glimpse into the sport's potential and the challenges it faces. As women's rugby continues to grow globally, Mulder's perspective highlights the need for a shift in perception and investment in South Africa to bring the sport to the forefront and ensure its long-term success.
