Just as male rugby players can be hooligans on the field and gentlemen afterwards, so can women players be aggressive for 80 minutes and then have their nails done, says Maties Rugby Women’s Head Coach, Aneesah Adams.
“People need to get over the stereotyping of women’s rugby – and women in contact sport in general,” says Aneesah, who coached the Maties Women’s Rugby team to their second Varsity Cup victory this year.
“Men are still holding onto ownership of rugby. This is sad because we are not here to take over, or change the game. We are simply creating a safe space for women to play a sport that we love at the highest levels with the same acknowledgements from governing structures, sponsors and supporters,” says this mother of two who has a Sports Science degree plus Medic Level 1 and Coaching Level 1 accreditation.
“We play the same game,” she says, “but actually we are tougher than people think because of our genetic differences. Aside from size, we have things called ‘cycles’ that play havoc with our bodies and minds, and yet we still need to show up, train, push harder through the cramps and play to win – and we do win!”
Aneesah was captivated by rugby when she watched the Springboks at Newlands at the age of 8. “I wanted to play at primary school but there were no teams so I played with the boys. In high school at Paarl Vallei I was finally able to play touch rugby.”
Her coaching journey led to a stint as assistant coach for men’s sevens, however, coaching our rising women rugby stars is now her passion and focus. “It is complex. The hormonal cycles need to be managed – not because of emotional upheaval but because World Rugby research is showing that during these times women are especially at risk of injury to ligaments in ankles and knees. It is my job to get them physically and emotionally strong enough to be able to run five or six kilometres each game, take the knocks, and stay safe.”
It has been said that rugby is one of the most inclusive, community and nation-building sports. Aneesah agrees. “This is very much evident in women’s rugby. There is a place for all shapes and sizes thanks to rugby now being about more than brute force. So, it doesn’t matter if you are 50kg or 90kg. It doesn’t matter if you are super feminine or not. As long as you have the passion to play, put in the hard work and are motivated to win with the team, why not go and have your nails done and put on make-up after a game!”
For Aneesah, developing self-pride is key to being able to celebrate life as a woman. “So many women struggle with their self-image and fight a continuous mental battle to believe in themselves. For me, I celebrate my resilience and every opportunity to improve myself – for myself,” she says.
“And when my self-belief is challenged, I use the Rule of Five: if something happens but doesn’t matter in five minutes, five weeks, or five months, I move on, always learning and growing.”