Sinzaso Mcatshulwa is ready for French adventure with Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois
South Africa's Sinzaso Mcatshulwa runs with the ball during the Women Rugby Test match between South Africa and Spain at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 19 September 2024. Picture: Henk Kruger, Independent Newspapers
Versatile Springbok Women’s forward, Sinzaso Mcatshulwa, has embarked on an exciting journey to France to join Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois for the 2023/24 season.
The 28-year-old utility player, who has represented South Africa in 32 Tests as a flanker and three as a lock, departed Cape Town earlier this week with a clear mission: to grow both as an athlete and as an individual.
Mcatshulwa, who boasts 10 international tries and 53 appearances for DHL Western Province, received an unexpected opportunity earlier this year when Lille reached out to her via Instagram. Reflecting on the offer, she explained, “The club contacted me in May and asked about my future plans. After the Africa Cup in Madagascar, we exchanged numbers, and now I’m here till June next year.”
Sinzaso Mcatshulwa is looking forward to a stint in France and hopes to improve as a player and grow as a person - more here: https://t.co/RWHQoawT3v 🇫🇷#BokWomen #MakeItCount pic.twitter.com/Dn5XlzGbhO
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) October 23, 2024
While this isn’t her first time in France – she previously toured with the Springbok Women's Sevens team and again with the national XVs side in 2021 – this will be her first experience playing for a French club. “France has a great vibe for women’s rugby,” said Mcatshulwa. “I’m excited to test myself in this new environment.”
The challenge of homesickness
As the first Springbok women’s player to join a French club, Mcatshulwa acknowledged the challenges ahead, including language barriers and homesickness, especially with Christmas away from family.
“My teammates playing in England gave me great advice on how to handle being homesick. The language will be a challenge, but it’s part of pushing my comfort zones. I’m grateful rugby provided me with this opportunity.”
Mcatshulwa will step into action immediately, as the French club season is already under way. Her experience and fitness levels should help her integrate quickly into Lille’s squad, which is in a rebuilding phase. “I’m ready to get on the field. Playing soon will help me adapt to the experience faster,” she added.
Preparation for World Cup
Interestingly, her time in France will also serve as preparation for the Springbok women’s clash with the French team at next year’s Rugby World Cup. “It’s motivating to test myself against the players I’ll be facing next year,” Mcatshulwa said. “I want to make my mark now and set the tone for future encounters.”
Despite her commitment to her French club, Mcatshulwa remains loyal to her roots in South Africa. “I still want to play for DHL Western Province,” she shared. “They’ve been part of my journey, and I hope they perform well in my absence.”
Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois, national champions in 2016, are aiming to rebuild with Mcatshulwa at the heart of their efforts. She will join notable players like Canadian prop Alexandria Ellis and French sevens star Alycia Chrystiaens, providing a significant boost to the squad.
With her sights set on growth, both personally and professionally, Sinzaso Mcatshulwa’s journey in France is one to watch closely.