A New Chapter for Leigh Fortuin
Leigh Fortuin, a forward for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team, is looking ahead to an exciting new phase in her rugby career. With her eyes set on the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, she is determined to grow as a player and contribute to her team’s success.
The 21-year-old utility player made a memorable debut in Ghana last year, scoring a try that marked the start of her international journey. However, this was just the beginning for Fortuin. Earlier in the 2024 season, she captained the Junior Springbok Women from the inside centre position, showcasing her leadership and potential as a rising star in South African rugby.
“I will remember that try not only because I could finish off a good team effort, but because it was my dream to represent South Africa and become a Springbok player,” Fortuin reflected after a rigorous training session at the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre on Monday.
The team is set to depart for Kenya on Wednesday, where they will compete against Zambia, Ghana, and Egypt in Pool A on Saturday. Fortuin emphasized that the squad has been working hard to prepare for the tournament, with a focus on maintaining their unbeaten record and securing the top spot to qualify for the next phase, the Challenger Series in Dubai in January.
“We have worked hard, but that is what will be needed to be successful in Kenya,” she said. “We want to do well as a team, for ourselves, but also to defend our unbeaten record and make sure we finish at the top.”
Fortuin’s path to rugby stardom has been a long one. She started as a ball retriever at DHL Stadium while attending Rocklands High School. Her talent quickly became evident, leading her to represent Western Province at Under-16 and U18 levels before making her way onto the international stage.
In the past two seasons, she has been part of the Springbok Women’s squad that retained the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar, making her a dual international before turning 21. This experience has helped shape her into the player she is today.
“I am still learning so much in this game, whether it is fifteens or Sevens. I just love being involved and playing,” Fortuin said. “The performances of the Springbok Women at the World Cup a couple of months back showed what is possible, and now it is the turn of the Sevens group to showcase our talents.”
Personal growth remains a key goal for Fortuin. “I remain keen to work hard and become the best player I can be, but more importantly, I want to be a player that coaches and teammates can trust to do what is best for the team.”
As the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad heads to Nairobi, Fortuin’s blend of experience, leadership, and determination will be vital in their pursuit of continued success on the continental stage.
Key Highlights from Fortuin’s Journey
- International Debut:Fortuin made her international debut in Ghana, scoring a memorable try that marked the start of her career.
- Leadership Role:She captained the Junior Springbok Women from the inside centre position, showing her leadership abilities.
- Training Focus:The team has been preparing intensively for the upcoming tournament, with a focus on maintaining their unbeaten record.
- Experience Gained:Fortuin has represented Western Province at various youth levels before stepping onto the international stage.
- Dual International Status:She has been part of the Springbok Women’s squad that won the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar.
- Future Goals:Fortuin aims to continue growing as a player and becoming someone that her coaches and teammates can trust.