The TuksWomensRugby 7s side might have lost in the plate-final of the Centrale Sevens in Paris but they got the bragging right to being captained by the best player of the tournament.
Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Tuks captain) received the award as the best women’s player at the conclusion of the tournament.
Yesterday was again a day of mixed fortunes for the Tuks team. In the semi-finals of the Plate Competition they beat Finland convincingly 33-0 but lost in the final against Portugal 12-7. There is a sort irony in the score as it was the second time that Tuks and Portugal faced off during the tournament. In the play-offs they also lost 12-7 to Portugal.
Janse van Rensburg talents are not just restricted to side-stepping and tackling opponents on a rugby field. She proved last year what it meant to be a dedicated student last year. In spite of being away for nearly three months due to her rugby obligations she still managed to pass her Sports Science degree cum laude. She achieved this by studying at various airports around the world, on aeroplanes and in hotel rooms while her teammates were sightseeing.
Janse van Rensburg began playing rugby at a young age. She grew up on a farm in Ellisras where her nephews were always looking for players to strengthen their teams. She had no qualms about joining them.
“I was quite a keen rugby player up to the age of 13. At the time I thought that rugby should not be a sport that girls should be playing. I then started playing ‘girly’ sports like hockey and netball and I was quite good at it.”
Janse got bitten by the rugby bug again when she started playing “touchies”. A definite highlight for her was representing South Africa at a World Cup Tournament in Australia. The team finished 4th overall.
It was Riaan van der Merwe (Seven’s coach) who convinced her to give sevens rugby a go and she is enjoying herself every minute she plays.
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