One more show on the big stage for Jordaan
The Springbok Women departed for their Rugby World Cup campaign in New Zealand on Saturday with various emotions and expectations, including nervous anticipation.
For the most experienced player in the group, EP Queens flyhalf Zenay Jordaan, though, there will be an overriding emotion — that of gratitude.
Not only will the 31-yearold take part in a third Rugby World Cup, but she will also become her country’s most capped player — if she steps onto the field, most likely at Eden Park on October 8 against France — donning the jersey she loves so much for the 35th time in a Test match.
The real gratitude, though, will come from a decision to step away from the game after the tournament and retire from rugby.
It was not an easy decision, as Jordaan has been part of SA’S rugby set-up since 2009, and she played in her first Rugby World Cup as a 19-yearold way back in 2010.
For Jordaan though, the decision was an easy one to make.
“I always wanted to finish my career on my terms and in my time, and I am now in a position to do so,” the veteran of the women’s game said.
“I think I am mentally stronger as a player than ever before and physically in the exact shape I wanted to be when I stopped playing rugby.
The most important part of it for me is that I can go out and enjoy myself for the last time
“The most important part of it for me is that I can go out and enjoy myself for the last time. I can take in every moment and live it.”
Jordaan also played at three Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments and will return to SA from New Zealand as the only player to have played in so many global events, but that is not something she wants to dwell on.
“It was never about me, I never played for the accolades,” she said.
“Rugby was my happy place for all these years, and I loved being a player in all the teams I was part of, but playing for your country will always be the most special memory.
“I was privileged to do so over a long period of time and in various forms, so it is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Jordaan recalled her first Rugby World Cup — in England in 2010 — as she scored a first try (against Wales), and she remembers their opening game against a rampant New Zealand to the day.
“I realised there that you need to work extremely hard if you want to be a topclass rugby player, not only physically, but also skillswise.
“That tournament taught me lessons that I still apply today,” she said. —