To say that Mathrin Simmers is a pioneer of women’s rugby would be scratching the surface when it comes to what she brought to women’s rugby during her playing career. The former Springbok Women’s Sevens captain called time on her career in June after what can be deemed an illustrious time on the field.
Speaking to gsport, she reflected on her retirement and said, rather than it being an end, it’s the start of a new chapter in her journey in women’s rugby. She also urged sportswomen to always plan for life after retirement.
“Retirement from sport is not the end. It’s a transition. And it’s very scary, especially if you played the sport for so long. It’s the beginning of a new chapter that you get to write on your terms.”
Former Springbok Women’s Sevens Star, Mathrin Simmers
“Don’t wait for injury or deselection to start thinking about life after sport. Whether it’s a course, a side hustle, or networking, invest in something beyond the field while you are still playing. Set yourself up for a successful second chapter.”
It has been a month since she hung up her boots, and she says it has been a time where she has reviewed her career with much gratitude.
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions—some quiet moments of reflection and appreciation for what the game has given me, but also a deep sense of peace. After so many years of travelling and playing, life feels a bit slower now, but I’m learning to enjoy that.”
“I have had time to reconnect with family, reflect on everything I’ve experienced, and start shifting my focus towards coaching and giving back.”
Simmers is hoping that she has left a lasting legacy in the game and says she has always tried to ensure she was a good role model on and off the field.
“I hope my legacy is one of consistency, humility, and service. I always tried to lead by example, whether it was how I trained, how I treated teammates, or how I carried myself off the field. If I’ve helped inspire the next generation of women to believe in their worth and their potential, then I’ve done my job.”
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She is the most experienced women’s Sevens player in South Africa. Her career in the shorter format of the game started in 2012. Simmers has played in 21 HSBC SVNS events, three Rugby World Cup Sevens, two Commonwealth Games, and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, as well as nine Rugby Africa Women’s Cup events and five World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series tournaments.
She also represented the Springbok Women in the 15’s game for six matches, including four Tests, between 2013-2019, scoring three tries in the process. Simmers is also an Olympian as she was part of the team that participated in the Paris Games in 2024. She says this achievement ranks amongst her career highs.
“Definitely representing South Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a dream come true. The second would be captaining the team, and being part of building a strong team culture.”
“Third, I would say is the early years of breaking barriers, especially when we started gaining momentum in women’s rugby. It was tough, but it laid the foundation for everything that’s happening now.”
Simmers was part of the game during its infancy stages and says that seeing how women’s rugby has grown since then is something special, and she is delighted to have been a part of it.
“I am incredibly proud. I started at a time when women’s rugby in South Africa didn’t have much visibility or support, and I’ve seen firsthand how far we have come. Every cap, every tackle meant something, and looking back, I know I gave my all.”
The 37-year-old was instrumental in getting the game professionalised for the women who play rugby and feels that this is something that has helped not just the players but the game to make huge advancements.
“The biggest advance would be that the ladies are contracted, so they are professional. Visibility and support have improved significantly. We now have more international fixtures, structured pathways, and people seeing us as elite athletes. So that’s massive growth in the women’s game.
Simmers says ensuring a holistic approach will see women’s rugby continue on its upward trajectory.
“We need consistent investment from the school level to the national teams. That includes proper coaching, access to facilities, and competitive leagues. Media coverage also plays a massive role. Most importantly, we must keep fighting for equality not just in words but in action.”
So what’s next for Simmers now that her playing days are over? She will be moving on to coaching as she plans to mentor and grow the next generation of rugby players.
“I will give back. I am currently in Somerset West and I am at Walkerbay Women’s Club, closer to where I live. I am very excited to be stepping into a coaching and mentorship role. I want to help young players develop not just as athletes but as people. That’s where I believe real growth happens.”
“My focus is on coaching. I want to contribute to growing the women’s game in South Africa in a sustainable way. There’s also a part of me that’s open to exploring administrative or advocacy roles in sport anywhere I can make a difference,” she said.
Main Photo Caption: Former Springbok Women’s Sevens captain Mathrin Simmers called time on her career in June 2025, and – speaking to gsport, she reflected on her retirement and discussed the start of a new chapter in her journey in Rugby. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: After what can be deemed an illustrious time on the field, Simmers said she’s very excited to step into a coaching and mentorship role.
Photo 3 Caption: “I will give back,” promised Simmers. “I am currently in Somerset West and I am at Walkerbay Women’s Club, closer to where I live.”
Photo 4 Caption: “My focus is on coaching. I want to contribute to growing the women’s game in South Africa in a sustainable way,” said Simmers.
