Engen and SA Rugby are helping inspire the next generation of female rugby talent, with 100 girls taking part in a Get Into Rugby coaching clinic at the Nike Centre in Soweto on 2 September 2026.
The activation brought together 50 young players from the Golden Lions Rugby Union and 50 from Limpopo for a day of skills development, coaching and mentorship.
Several Springbok Women players joined the clinic, including: Jakkie Cilliers, Micke Gunter, Patience Mokone, Lerato Makua, Maria Tshiremba, Sinelitha Nxoke, Felicity Jacobs, Nobuhle Mjwara and Xoliswa Khuzwayo.
The players shared their experience with the girls, helping them develop their rugby skills while encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
“Investing in young people is an investment in South Africa’s future,” said Tsholo Tiro, Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager. “Through Get Into Rugby, we are creating opportunities for young girls to participate in sport, build confidence and engage with role models who inspire them to dream big, both on and off the field.”
Springbok Women player Jakkie Cilliers said the clinic demonstrated rugby’s ability to bring people together.
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed coaching these young players and supporting their development. Rugby is a game for everyone, regardless of background, culture, shape or size. There is a place for everyone in rugby.”
The Get Into Rugby initiative forms part of Engen’s commitment to supporting communities through sport. By encouraging participation from an early age, the programme promotes teamwork, discipline and self-belief while helping develop the future pipeline of South African rugby talent.
Angelique Jordaan, Corporate Affairs Manager at Global Performance, said the activation demonstrated the importance of supporting the game from grassroots participation through to elite performance.
“We are proud to be associated with Engen and to support the meaningful contribution the company continues to make towards youth sport development in South Africa.”
Event partners SPUR and Pick n Pay supported the activation by providing meals, snack packs and refreshments for participants.
Through their partnership, Engen and SA Rugby remain committed to growing the game, broadening participation and creating opportunities for the next generation of South African rugby players and leaders.
