Appleby hails Mphupa signing as huge for the world game
SUSIE Appleby insists the arrival of Zintle Mphupa at Sandy Park is not only a major boost for Exeter Chiefs Women but also a huge coup for the Allianz Premier 15s.
The 27-year-old, who has played seven Tests for the Springboks since her international debut in 2018, will become the first woman from South Africa to take up a professional contract in the English top flight.
Mpupha – a former captain of the Springbok Women’s Sevens team at the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens – will hit the English club scene in scintillating form, having recently scored a record four tries in a Test when South Africa defeated Kenya.
She has also been in fine form for her provincial side,
DHL Western Province, who made the finals of the SA
Rugby Women’s Premier Division.
Head coach Appleby said: “This is not just a huge signing for us but also the English game and world rugby as a whole. Not many South
African female rugby players leave home, but Zintle has done just that and we’re very excited about what she can bring to the team both on and off the field.
“She can play 10, 12 or 13, has a brilliant kicking game and brings immense physicality. On top of that, though, she’s also a smart player and she will really complement what we have going on in our backline right now. It’s all very exciting and I can’t wait to see what she will bring to the team over these coming months.”
Mpupha, who has also represented South Africa at
cricket, said: “I am honoured that Exeter think I will fit into their style of rugby.
“Getting an opportunity to play overseas has always been one of the dreams in my rugby career and I guess it has come now.
“I’m super-excited to be the first South African to come over here and play, but I hope this is also the opening for others to come over in the future.”