Mathrin Simmers is a pioneer in women’s rugby in South Africa, having founded the Titans Rugby Academy and led the Springbok women’s sevens to their Olympic debut in Paris 2024. Over her decade-long career, she has become the most decorated female sevens player, overcoming stigma to advocate for and develop women’s rugby. Simmers is committed to regaining team status in the World SVNS Series and aims to give back to the sport through coaching after her playing career.
Mathrin Simmers has been a groundbreaking figure in advancing women’s rugby in South Africa. Her journey began in Knysna, where she established the Titans Rugby Academy during her high school years in response to the limited opportunities for female players. Despite facing societal stigma, Simmers succeeded in attracting around 40 women to the sport. She recalls the challenges she faced, especially from her family, particularly her mother, who initially disapproved of her choice to play rugby. With perseverance and success, including her selection for the national team, Simmers transformed family skepticism into unwavering support.
Having embraced both 15-a-side and sevens formats, Simmers excelled in the latter and became one of the first contracted players for the Springbok women’s team in 2014. Over her career spanning more than a decade, she has become the most decorated female sevens player in South Africa, participating in 21 World Series events, three Rugby World Cup Sevens, and three Commonwealth Games. The highlight of her career is her Olympic debut, leading the team in Paris 2024, after previous missed opportunities in 2016 and 2020 caused by withdrawals from the South African National Olympic Committee.
Simmers remains dedicated to advancing women’s rugby in South Africa. While the men’s team has garnered significant achievements, including Rugby World Cup victories, the women’s team is striving for greater visibility and competition on the global stage. The qualification for the Olympics symbolizes a critical milestone in this endeavor. “The Olympics for me is quite a big highlight, especially because we qualified two times before we didn’t get to go,” Simmers shared.
Looking ahead, Simmers is committed to helping the women’s team regain their status in the World SVNS Series after being relegated. She acknowledges the physical toll of her career, yet she emphasizes the importance of her final tournaments for the team’s development. Following her playing career, she aspires to contribute as a coach, focusing on nurturing young talent and giving back to the sport that has significantly impacted her life.
Simmers’s journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a commitment to fostering the sport of rugby for future generations of women in South Africa. Her story undoubtedly inspires the next generation of female athletes as they navigate their own paths in a predominantly male sport.
Mathrin Simmers has been instrumental in the growth and professionalization of women’s rugby in South Africa. Starting her career amidst a challenging landscape, she founded the Titans Rugby Academy to create opportunities for female players. Despite societal resistance, Simmers persevered, making significant strides in both her playing career and the broader visibility of women’s rugby in her country. Her Olympic debut and continued efforts to support the sport have inspired many and contributed to its growing popularity.
Mathrin Simmers’s impact on women’s rugby in South Africa is profound and multifaceted. From her beginnings in Knysna to leading the national team at the Olympics, Simmers has continuously championed the sport. Her commitment to both her teammates and the next generation of female athletes highlights her legacy. As she prepares to transition from player to coach, her influence will likely continue to shape the future of women’s rugby in the nation.
Original Source: olympics.com
