Fortuin eyes growth and success ahead of Kenya Sevens

SPRINGBOK Women’s Sevens forward Leigh Fortuin is preparing for the next chapter in her rugby journey, with her sights firmly set on growth and team success at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.

The 21-year-old utility player made her international debut in Ghana last year, marking the occasion with a memorable try. But for Fortuin, that was only the beginning. Earlier in the 2024 season, she also captained the Junior Springbok Women from the inside centre position, cementing her status as a rising talent in South African rugby.

“I will remember that try not only because I could finish off a good team effort, but because it was my dream to represent South Africa and become a Springbok player,” Fortuin reflected after a rigorous training session at the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre on Monday.

The team departs for Kenya on Wednesday, where they will face Zambia, Ghana, and Egypt in Pool A on Saturday. Fortuin says the squad’s preparation has been intense, but the focus remains on maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament and securing the top spot to qualify for the next phase, the Challenger Series in Dubai in January.

“We have worked hard, but that is what will be needed to be successful in Kenya,” she said. “We want to do well as a team, for ourselves, but also to defend our unbeaten record and make sure we finish at the top.”

Fortuin’s journey in rugby has been long in the making. Once a ball retriever at DHL Stadium while at Rocklands High School, she represented Western Province at Under-16 and U18 levels before stepping onto the international stage. In the past two seasons, she has also been part of the Springbok Women's squad that retained the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar, making her a dual international before turning 21.

“I am still learning so much in this game, whether it is fifteens or Sevens. I just love being involved and playing,” Fortuin said. “The performances of the Springbok Women at the World Cup a couple of months back showed what is possible, and now it is the turn of the Sevens group to showcase our talents.”

Fortuin added that personal growth remains a key goal. “I remain keen to work hard and become the best player I can be, but more importantly, I want to be a player that coaches and teammates can trust to do what is best for the team.”

As the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad heads to Nairobi, Fortuin’s blend of experience, leadership, and determination will be vital in their pursuit of continued success on the continental stage.