Sisters Side by Side: Ankia Viljoen on Varsity Cup Success & Future Goals
Ankia Viljoen has fast become a name to watch in South African women’s rugby. A standout in the 2025 Varsity Cup Women’s campaign, Ankia’s powerful presence on the field and grounded personality off it have made her a player and person worth celebrating. From humble beginnings playing touch rugby at home to lifting the Varsity Cup trophy with Maties, her story is one of passion, perseverance and purpose.
Rugby Roots & Varsity Cup Breakthrough
Growing up in a rugby-loving Afrikaans household, Ankia’s love for the game came naturally.
“Rugby was always part of our lives – from playing touchies with my brother and his friends to watching the Stormers on weekends,” she says. “But what really sparked it for me was seeing a friend post about Maties winning the 7s. It was around the time of the Cape Town Sevens and that made me decide to give rugby a go.”
Fast forward to 2025 and she played a pivotal role in helping Maties Women lift the Varsity Cup. “It was and still is a heartfelt feeling,” she says. “We overcame so much – from switching coaches to losing experienced players – but through it all we fought hard for each other. We were sisters, side by side.”
When asked about her favourite moments, she doesn’t hesitate: “On the field – beating our old rivals, UFH. Off the field – the friendships. The youngsters brought such exciting energy and vibe this year. It was a special group.”
Student Life, Sport Science & Career Ambitions
Ankia is in her final year of a BA in Sport Science with Psychology at Stellenbosch University – a choice deeply connected to who she is. “Sport is a big part of who I am, and I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact on others. Helping people realise their full potential is something I’m passionate about.”
Balancing academics and high-performance rugby is no small feat, but Ankia has found her rhythm. “Time management is key. I always ask myself two things: is it urgent and is it important – or can it wait?”
Looking ahead, she hopes to build a career in strength and conditioning, saying: “I’d love to become a sports and conditioning coach. That’s the path I see for myself outside of playing.”
Future Goals & Springbok Aspirations
Like many young players, Ankia dreams of one day donning the green and gold. “Every player dreams of becoming a Springbok, but right now my focus is on finishing my degree,” she says. Still, she keeps her sights high.
“It would be a different pride and privilege to represent something bigger than yourself. If I could play for any team – it would be the Springboks.”
Over the next two years, her goals are clear: on the field, she aims to be part of the FISU 2026 Sevens team and off the field, she plans to complete her Honours in Sport Science.
Mentors, Motivation & Role Models
This season brought a new coaching structure at Stellenbosch, and with it, new challenges. “It was tough at the start, but we eventually created a more player-driven approach. It’s been a good learning curve.”
She credits two former coaches, Johann Zeier and Ian Campbell-McGeachy, with shaping her both as a player and person. “Their holistic coaching approach really stood out. They focused on more than just the rugby – they cared about who we were off the field too.”
When it comes to national inspiration, she highlights one Springbok Women’s player in particular: “Sizophila Solontsi, not only is she a physical player, but she’s also so down to earth.”
Words to Live By
Ankia has a strong sense of discipline and purpose – qualities that fuel her on the toughest days. “My personal motto? ‘If you want to be the best, you have to be willing to do what no one else is willing to do.’ Discipline and consistency are what I strive for every day.”
And for young girls looking up to her or dreaming of picking up a rugby ball one day? “You’re never too old or too young to begin. And remember – hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
With her heart grounded, her goals set and her potential limitless, Ankia Viljoen is a name we’ll be hearing for many seasons to come.
