Western Province crowned U20 champions after dominant display in Johannesburg

DHL Western Province cemented their status as the powerhouse of South African women’s youth rugby with a commanding 33-0 victory over the Blue Bulls in the final of the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week at Queens High School on Friday.

The Cape side delivered a clinical performance in the final match of the tournament, showcasing exceptional teamwork, pace, and defensive discipline. The win completed an unbeaten run for Western Province, who outscored their opponents 134-8 over three matches, crossing the line 20 times and conceding just one try throughout the week.

From the first whistle, Western Province set the tone. Star No.8 Logan Welman opened the scoring with a well-worked try following a series of powerful carries from the forwards. Flyhalf Anja le Roux added the conversion, and the defending champions were off to a flying start.

Just minutes later, winger Saadiqah Corbett extended the lead with a brilliant finish in the corner, again converted by Le Roux. The flyhalf then produced a moment of individual brilliance, selling a perfect dummy before sprinting 65 meters to score under the posts and converting her own try, stretching the lead to 21-0.

The Blue Bulls fought hard to find territory late in the first half but were met with an impenetrable Western Province defence.

Welman struck again after the break, replicating her earlier effort following more strong work from the WP forwards. Le Roux slotted her fourth conversion of the day, and replacement scrumhalf Nikicia Eksteen sealed the emphatic victory by darting through a gap just moments after taking the field.

The 33-0 scoreline reflected Western Province’s complete dominance, confirming their back-to-back U20 Women’s Week title in style.

Elsewhere, KwaZulu-Natal ended their campaign on a high with a 41-5 victory over Griquas, who suffered their first defeat of the week. The Sharks showed excellent pace and precision, scoring seven tries in total.

Last year’s runners-up, Border, also wrapped up their tournament strongly, defeating the Golden Lions 33-14 after leading narrowly at halftime. A late penalty try sealed the win for the Eastern Cape side.

In other results, Eastern Province thrashed the Northern Invitational XV 83-0, with winger Lithalethu Nombakuse scoring eight of her tournament-leading ten tries. The Pumas beat the Valke 22-0, Boland edged SWD 10-3, and Free State overturned a halftime deficit to beat the Limpopo Blue Bulls 12-5.

Across 21 matches, an impressive 120 tries were scored, a clear sign of the growth and excitement in women’s rugby at the youth level.

The 2025 edition of the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week not only showcased the next generation of South African rugby talent but also demonstrated the increasing competitiveness and depth in the women’s game.