Springbok Women's memorable World Cup campaign breaks broadcast records

The Springboks defeated Brazil and Italy in pool play to set up a first play-off appearance at a Rugby World Cup. The team was level at halftime with six-time world champions, New Zealand, before the Black Ferns stretched away in the second half to win 46-17, but not before Swys de Bruin's players had delivered a statement performance.

The four World Cup matches became the four most-watched Springbok Women's games ever. In total, more than 1.27 million unique viewers have engaged with the team's matches in 2025.

That figure reflected a 334% growth from 2024, while total consumption numbers were up a staggering 673%, a clear signal of rising interest and investment in the women's game.

And a new record was set for a single match audience with nearly half a million viewers (484,265) tuning in live to watch the quarter-final clash against the Black Ferns, marking a 135% increase on last year's top match audience for the Springbok Women.

"This audience data is a reflection of the booming interest in women's rugby as well as testimony to the improvement the Springboks have shown in the past year," said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

"There is the potential for exponential growth in the sport among women and girls over the next few years as these numbers prove."

The Springbok Women played 12 matches in 2025 - including two-match series against World Cup finalists Canada and New Zealand's Black Ferns XV - while they also retained the Africa Cup title in Madagascar.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for women's rugby in South Africa," said Oberholzer.

"The first national women's club championship is taking place right now, thanks to the support of Betway, and, at the same time, the national under-20 provincial championship is underway to grow the next generation of Springboks."

He said planning was also underway for an elite, professionalised competition to kick off next year.

"New rugby heroes have emerged from our Springbok women's squad to inspire young girls and women to take up the game for the first time to increase our participation base as well as fans of the sport.

"The Springbok Women will bring home the Rugby World Cup one day - it is only a matter of when."