South African rugby trailblazer Babalwa Latsha is back on home soil and preparing for the biggest stage in women’s rugby: the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. As she enters this pivotal chapter, Latsha is not only focused on peak performance with the Springbok Women’s squad, but she has also secured a powerful new sponsorship deal with Nike that reflects her growing influence on and off the field.
Latsha, the first African woman to sign a professional rugby contract, recently concluded a stellar three-year stint with Harlequins in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby. Now, with renewed purpose, she’s home to invest her international experience into South African rugby and her commercial momentum is catching up to her athletic one.
“Sponsorship plays a huge part in the growth of women’s rugby,” Latsha says.
“As a Nike athlete, I understand and I’m living testament to how important it is that female athletes are, and can be, attractive to sponsorship. That market is just so big, with so much potential.”
Her new partnership aligns with her ethos of empowerment and excellence, qualities she carries as a Laureus Sport for Good Ambassador and the founder of the Menstruation Foundation.
“I truly believe that collaborating with like-minded individuals can make very positive impacts, especially in young people’s lives. We have the power to shape the future and the landscape of sport for girls across the globe.”
Latsha’s return from the UK is more than a homecoming, it’s a statement of intent. She brings back lessons from a high-performance environment where women’s rugby commands loyal crowds, fierce competition, and undeniable commercial traction.
“The atmosphere, the fans, the competitiveness, it’s a league that speaks to young girls and boys in a phenomenal way. And I want to plough back what I’ve learned into our domestic league here.”
The timing could not be more critical. With the Springbok Women recently concluding a successful camp and building depth ahead of the Africa Cup and World Cup, Latsha believes this team is not heading to England to merely participate.
“We’re going there to compete. There’s so much potential in our squad. The feeling is one of excitement. We’re growing, and fast.”
As brands increasingly turn their attention to women’s sport, the Khayelitsha native is a compelling case for why investing in female athletes is not only right, but smart. Her story embodies the convergence of elite performance, community impact, and marketability.
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“It’s about time brands step into this space. Let’s align well, and continue to blaze a trail, not just in South Africa or Africa, but globally.”
With the World Cup in August drawing nearer, Latsha’s focus is crystal clear: serve her country on the field, and continue building a lasting legacy off it. For sponsors looking to back authenticity, leadership, and global ambition, Babalwa Latsha is the full package.
Main Photo Caption: South African rugby trailblazer Babalwa Latsha is back on home soil and preparing for the biggest stage in women’s rugby: the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: As she enters this pivotal chapter, Latsha also secured a powerful new sponsorship deal with Nike that reflects her international status.
Photo 3 Caption: The Khayelitsha is a compelling case for why investing in female athletes is not only right, but smart.
Photo 4 Caption: Latsha: ‘It’s about time brands step into this space. Let’s align, and continue to blaze a trail, not just in SA or Africa, but globally.’
Photo 5 Caption: On the World Cup: ‘We’re going to compete. There’s so much potential in our squad. The feeling is one of excitement. We’re growing, and fast.’
