Ntombela to lead new women’s rugby structure in KwaZulu-Natal

Zilungile Ntombela has been appointed the inaugural chairperson of the newly established KwaZulu-Natal Women’s Rugby sub-structure, a move expected to strengthen the growth and governance of the women’s game in the province. The new structure, launched under the umbrella of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU), will be represented by three seats at provincial level, giving women’s rugby a stronger voice in decision-making and governance. Based in Pietermaritzburg, Ntombela described the formation of the structure as a historic milestone for women’s rugby in KwaZulu-Natal.

“It is exciting, but there are many challenges ahead,” she said. “Our immediate priority is to get the basics right and create a solid foundation from which women’s rugby can grow.” She said the absence of a formal, constitutionally recognised body had hampered the development of women’s rugby in the province for many years. “Women’s rugby now has an official structure after many years without one.

Whether it has been 15 or even 20 years, the reality is that there was no recognised structure in place. Ntombela said the adoption of a constitution now provided the framework needed to ensure the sport can operate effectively and sustainably. While optimistic about the future, she acknowledged that rebuilding the women’s game would require a collective effort.