Sixth RWC appearance in sight for Unstoppable Jordaan
Flyhalf wants to improve conditions for next generation before retiring
Most rugby players dream of participating in a Rugby World Cup, and a handful of Springbok Women s players may have the luxury of playing in one or two, but for Middelburg s Zenay Jordaan, a potential sixth RWC appearance is looming. During Jordaan s illustrious international career which dates back 11 years to 2009 the experienced flyhalf played two Rugby World Cups (2010 and 2014), three Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments (2009, 2013 and 2018) and she has been among the contracted group of Springbok Womens Sevens players since the first professional women s contracts were awarded in 2014. Working one s way to the top is a big achievement but remaining there for several years is even more remarkable, and it is that drive that has made the Eastern Cape s Jordaan the
Springbok Women s fourth Unstoppable The Unstoppables is a World Rugby initiative, which marks the second phase of its Try and Stop Us a women s rugby campaign ’ launched in 2019 with the objective of lifting the profile of women s rugby, and attracting new fans, players and investors to the game.
Rugby has taught me about life and discipline and it also presented me the opportunity to visit different countries some of which I never thought I would have visited,” said Jordaan.
I ve also learnt about the importance of teamwork and what it takes physically and mentally to stay in the game. It is a humbling experience “to represent the national team and it will always remain one of my proudest moments to wear the green and gold jersey and to play the sport I love so much.
With her parents (Wilfred and Linda Jordaan) being the most influential people in her career, it is clear where the qualified fitness trainer and health and safety officer s discipline originates.
My family have been the “biggest driving force in where I am today, and also my biggest inspiration, said Jordaan.
They always held me accountable, both in terms of growing as a player and as an individual.
At age 29 Jordaan admits that she is leaning towards the end of her rugby career, but she is determined to continue contributing to the sport until she brings down the curtain.
Since I am already almost at the end of my career, one of my main goals is to ensure that when I leave the system, I know that I was part of changing the face of women s rugby and that
I tried to make things better for the next generation s players.”
Asked what makes her Unstoppable, Jordaan said: The fire in my belly every time I take to the field and my willingness to continue learning and growing as a player.”
Rugby has taught me about life and discipline and visiting different countries