Rugby was love at first sight for Leigh Fortuin, and that love has now seen her finally break into the Springbok Women’s Sevens team. The Capetonian rugby player was recently part of the side who were again crowned the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup champions in Ghana, where she dotted down two tries in South Africa’s quarter-final against the hosts.
Fortuin might be on her way to becoming the news star of women’s rugby in South Africa, and she explains how her love affair with the sport began.
“I was a multi-sport athlete, I played soccer, netball, cricket, and rugby. As the years went by, I had to make a choice in grade 8 in 2019 to choose only two sports, which were rugby and cricket.
“I fell in love with the sport in the first game I ever played with boys in primary school. I was making tackles and just being driven and dedicated to learn, that is how my rugby career started in 2014.”
The blooming talent has made her way up the ranks from being a junior player who then went on to captain the Junior Springbok Women’s team, and now, at the age of 21, is a dual national player.
“I am beyond proud of myself for reaching the heights and climbing the ladder because this is where I wanted to be and still striving for many more improvements”, she said about her achievements.
She also shares that being able to grow as a leader within the national team structure will help her as she harbours dreams of one day becoming the captain of a Springbok Women’s senior team.
“It takes a lot to be a leader because you have to be able to hear out your teammates and treat everyone equally, so for me, I think I have the ability to do that.”
Now that Fortuin has made her debut in her national team colours, how does she hope to ensure she is selected in the future?
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“The only way to continue being selected for the team is to see improvement from past seasons and also become a better player, on- and off the field. Also, behind the scenes, when nobody is watching, you have to continue working hard.”
Fortuin might be considered a youngster of the team, but she comes with her own experience, saying that she has learned some important lessons while in the national team set-up that have helped her improve her game.
“Some of the lessons I have learned are that you have to be disciplined, know your place, and also to always work hard and compete with the better player on the team.”
While Fortuin attended Rocklands High School in Mitchell’s Plain, she was a ball retriever at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, and just a few years later, she became part of the national team. She says it’s the journey so far has been a full-circle moment.
“I never thought that I would have been in the green and gold, like being on the sidelines cheering the Stormers players on all those years ago. On match day, helping the physios scream their calls, making them aware of what’s happening on the field.”
“I never thought that I would have to put it on a pause, and to be honest, I miss being alongside the field watching the games and picking up tips on play and positions as a player growing in the sport of rugby.”
She also went on to say that being able to be a positive role model to girls from her community is something she is very proud of.
“For me, it’s a special feeling knowing I am a young female role model, and it drives me to continue thriving even when I am fighting the toughest battles.”
Outside of rugby, Fortuin has expressed her love for children and animals and says she also has aspirations of becoming an international au pair or a veterinarian.
Whatever the future holds for WP Women’s Rugby star, she certainly has the skill and work ethic to become a top player. She has this advice for the girls and young women who want to follow in her footsteps.
“All champions were once contenders who refused to give up because they knew what they were capable of achieving. Focus on your goals, not the obstacles and what other people have to say.”
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do,” concludes Fortuin. “Many people are blessed with different talents. Believe in yourself. If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.”
Main Photo Caption: Up-and-coming Springbok Women’s Sevens star Leigh Fortuin, who recently helped her side win the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup, shares her journey from a multi-sport youngster to a dual national player, driven by a fierce work ethic and a desire to be a role model. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Rugby was love at first sight for Leigh Fortuin, and that love has now seen her finally break into the Springbok Women’s 15’s and 7’s team all within the space of two seasons.
Photo 3 Caption: The Capetonian rugby player was recently part of the Springbok Women’s Sevens, who were again crowned the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup champions two weeks ago.
Photo 4 Caption: Fortuin: “I have learned that you have to be disciplined, know your place, and also to always work hard and compete with the better player on the team.”
