Walker Babes have been crowned the 2026 Betway Women’s Club Championship Premier Division champions after edging defending champions KWARU 12-10 in a thrilling final at Alberton Rugby Club in Gauteng on Friday.
The Boland side secured their maiden championship title in dramatic fashion, avenging last year’s 17-14 defeat to KWARU in the inaugural final. The final once again brought the two sides together after they both survived tightly contested semi-finals on Wednesday. Walker Babes edged Pretoria Harlequins 21-20, while KWARU progressed after a dramatic 12-12 draw against Johannesburg side Pirates. KWARU started the final strongly, opening the scoring after just five minutes through lock Esethu Mbongisa.
Walker Babes responded eight minutes later when centre Nasiphi Tutuka crossed the try line, with scrumhalf Chloe Adams adding the conversion to put her side 7-5 ahead. Mbongisa then crossed for her second try of the afternoon in the 24th minute, restoring KWARU's lead as the defending champions went into the break 10-7 ahead. Walker Babes came out firing in the second half, and it was Adams who produced the decisive moment.
Six minutes after the restart, the scrumhalf spotted a gap in midfield following an attacking lineout and burst through, racing approximately 40 metres to score a crucial solo try. The conversion was unsuccessful, but the try gave Walker Babes a 12-10 advantage. From there, the Boland outfit produced a determined defensive display to protect their narrow lead. KWARU pushed hard for a late comeback, but Walker Babes refused to surrender their advantage, holding on through the closing stages to secure a memorable 12-10 victory.
Adams' influential performance earned her Player of the Match honours, with her second-half try ultimately proving to be the difference between the two teams. The victory also earned Walker Babes R20,000 in prize money courtesy of title sponsors Betway.
The championship represents a remarkable turnaround for Walker Babes, who were runners-up in 2025 after losing to KWARU in the inaugural final. A year later, they have gone one step further and lifted the trophy. The 2026 tournament also highlighted the continued growth and competitiveness of women's club rugby in South Africa, with several matches going down to the wire and teams displaying greater physicality and structure in both attack and defence.
Sol Plaatje University Claim First Division Title
In the First Division, Sol Plaatje University (Griquas) were crowned champions after defeating Nelspruit (Pumas) 17-10 in a hard-fought final. The Kimberley-based side walked away with R10,000 in prize money following their successful campaign.
Sol Plaatje University produced a determined performance to secure the First Division title, with Rudeen Beukes, Maserati Bangaza and Jaen-Marie Owies crossing the try line.
Juanine Jacobs added the conversion, while her all-round contribution earned her Player of the Match honours Jacobs' Player of the Match recognition capped an impressive campaign for Sol Plaatje University, while Bangaza also earned selection to the Betway Women’s Dream Team following her outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
The First Division final was another showcase of the growing competitiveness and depth in South African women's club rugby, with Sol Plaatje University ultimately doing enough to secure the championship title.
BETWAY Women’s Dream Team
The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances with the announcement of the Betway Women’s Dream Team.
Starting XV:
- Zena Swart – Walker Babes
- Keishia Stuurman – Walker Babes
- Loza Lonwabo – Harlequins
- Sinoyolo Best – DUT
- Natasha Motlomelo – Collegians Valkyries
- Evelyn Maile – Sol Plaatje University
- TJ Ngxowa – Collegians Valkyries
- Portia Khumalo – Potch Dorp
- Chloe Adams – Walker Babes
- Julene Haas – KWARU
- Maserati Bangaza – Sol Plaatje University
- Yamkela Funani – KWARU
- Ywaydha de Vos – Middelburg Stormers
- Arthea King – Walker Babes
- Amanda Klassen – Walker Babes
Replacements:
- Minge van Rensburg – Harlequins
- Hlomla Puzi – KWARU
- Anita Tom – Titans
- Busisiwe Crafford – Harlequins
- Sinalo Honono – Pirates
- Ayakha Soga – Walker Babes
- Juanine Jacobs – Sol Plaatje University
- Lukhanye Lolo – Middelburg Stormers
The tournament also recognised two team managers for their outstanding work in meeting deadlines and maintaining compliance standards throughout the competition.
Premier Division: Nelly Crafford – Pretoria Harlequins (Blue Bulls)
First Division: Louise Spies – Welkom (Griffons).
Walker Babes' triumph brings the curtain down on an exciting second edition of the Betway Women’s Club Championship, with the competition once again showcasing the growing depth, competitiveness and talent within South African women's club rugby.
Comments
Post a Comment