“Rugby started as a pastime, but now it’s my passion” – UP’s Jané Mulder on why she followed in her Springbok father’s footsteps.

There’s no doubt that Japie Mulder – who was part of the first Springbok team that won the Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park in 1995 – is proud of his daughter. Almost 30 years after that momentous occasion, Jané Mulder, a first-year BA Psychology student at the University of Pretoria (UP), proved that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when she played for the Springbok women’s Under-20 team as a winger last year.

The Mulders have always been passionate about rugby. They have regular discussions about the game, and not everyone always agrees with the opinions that are aired. And Mulder certainly has her own ideas about rugby.

When she was younger, she regularly played “rugby tests” with her brothers and their friends in the backyard, often finding gaps in the opposition’s defence with the ball in hand. Mulder also played netball and athletics at school, yet always longed to play rugby. Unfortunately, at that time, there were no such opportunities for girls.

“When I was in Grade 9, a few of us tried to start a women's sevens rugby team in Alberton,” she recalls. “There was little interest.”

When she was in Grade 11, Mulder decided to move from Helpmekaar College to Wits sports grounds. The decision changed everything. 

“I didn’t really plan to play rugby seriously; I just wanted to play to enjoy myself. But before long, I found myself playing with complete dedication. At first, I didn’t tell my parents that I was playing rugby. When I told them, they were initially quite shocked. But now my mother, Ronel, is one of my biggest supporters. 

“My dad keeps encouraging me to do my own thing on the field. If there’s one thing he hates, it’s players who are like robots on the field. According to my dad, a good player should be able to adapt to what’s happening on the field at any time.” 

Last year, Mulder played wing for the Lions and Springboks Under-20 team. As for her best qualities as a player? “I’m pretty fast and my tactical kicking isn’t bad,” she says.

Mulder adds that it took a mental shift to make that first big tackle.

“Initially, my tackling technique left a lot to be desired. As a result, I started to doubt my own abilities. This changed as I played more. The bad thing was that I broke my collarbone in my first game when I tackled.”

Shortly after that, she broke her collarbone again. But there was no question of her hanging up her rugby boots.

“For me, it’s about the love of the game,” she says. “You don’t just give up on something you’re passionate about.”

For now, Mulder plans to play only sevens rugby at UP – though it wouldn’t be a surprise if she played for UP in the Varsity Cup competition.