Cindy Booi is leading with heart and courage
From Eastern Cape roots to Springbok captaincy, Cindy Booi’s inspiring journey to the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Nolusindiso “Cindy” Booi’s rugby journey is a testament to resilience, dedication and an unwavering passion for the sport. Hailing from the rural Eastern Cape, Cindy has risen from modest beginnings to become the captain of the Springbok Women’s team, leading them on their path to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Her journey hasn’t always been easy, but with each tackle and every hard-fought victory, Cindy has shown the power of perseverance and the importance of building a legacy in women’s rugby.
“I didn’t know rugby could be such fun,” she says. “I remember the first time I took a flight for rugby; the feeling was surreal. And the first big tackle — I didn’t care how big the other player was, I just went in and tackled them. I was scoring tries and simply having so much fun on the field.”
Eastern Cape beginnings
Cindy’s love affair with rugby began in the small town of KwaZakhele in the Eastern Cape. Growing up, she was more familiar with cricket, her first love. But rugby quickly stole her heart. “In my village, cricket was big, but once I discovered rugby, I couldn’t look back,” Cindy says. “I realised how much I enjoyed the game and the community that came with it.”
Her local rugby team became a second family. “Leaving my team behind when I moved to Cape Town to study was incredibly hard. I remember crying when I left because they meant so much to me,” she says. However, her move to the Western Cape introduced her to new challenges and it wasn’t long before she found herself training with male players to improve her skills. “I learned a lot from the guys, especially when it came to line-outs. I even practised lifting them, even though they were heavier than me!” she adds, smiling at the memory.
The moment of realisation
Cindy’s rugby journey wasn’t just about fun and friendship. It became her calling — a realisation that dawned on her over time. “Rugby became my safe space,” she explains. “I spent most of my life on the field and if I could play rugby forever, I would.”
Her passion for the game was matched by her parents’ unwavering support, despite their initial concerns. “My parents were a bit worried because rugby is a contact sport,” she says. “But they never stopped me from playing. My dad would buy me boots, drive me to training and watch my games. Even after his passing, my mom kept supporting me, even walking long distances just to give me transport money when I needed it. She’s my prayer warrior, and that keeps me going.”
The path to leadership
Cindy’s natural leadership qualities quickly became evident, leading to her appointment as captain of the Springbok Women’s team in 2018. The responsibility of leading the national team, especially after a four-year gap from international rugby, was both daunting and exciting. “I was nervous when I was made captain,” she admits. “I wasn’t sure if I could lead the team in the right direction, but my team turned out to be warriors. It was an incredible feeling.”
As captain, Cindy led by example, never backing down from a challenge. Her tenure has been marked by memorable victories with one of the most significant being the Springbok Women’s victory over Japan in 2022. “Beating Japan in Japan was a defining moment for us,” she recalls. “It showed what we were capable of as a team.”
Overcoming adversity
Cindy’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In 2019, she faced a major injury that kept her off the field for nearly two seasons. “It was the worst injury I’ve ever had,” she says. “There were times when I doubted whether I would ever play again, but with the support of the team, management, and faith in God, I made it through – and came back stronger.”
During her recovery, Cindy also focused on her education, earning qualifications in agriculture. “At the time, I wasn’t sure if I would ever return to rugby, so I had to think about my future off the field,” she explains. “I don’t know what the future holds, but at least I know I have something to fall back on.”
Building towards the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
Now, with her sights set on the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Cindy is determined to leave no stone unturned in her preparation. The team recently finished competing in the WXV 2 competition, where they showed immense growth and progress. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but we know we can do better. We’re working hard on our conditioning, our physicality and our mental strength,” she says.
For Cindy, the goal is clear. “We want to go into the Rugby World Cup as underdogs and surprise everyone. It’s about starting strong and finishing even stronger,” she adds. “Winning the World Cup would be a dream, not just for me but for all the girls who look up to us.”
Legacy and inspiration
As Cindy nears her 50th test cap, she reflects on what her legacy in South African rugby could be. “It means a lot to me to be approaching this milestone – I can’t wait for that day to come. For me, it’s about showing that tough times don’t last. I’ve had injuries and setbacks, but I’ve always come back stronger. Your destiny is defined by God, not by anyone else.”
Her message to young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps is simple but powerful: “Nothing is impossible. Work hard and follow your dreams. If I can do it, so can you.”
Looking ahead
As the Springbok Women’s team builds momentum towards the 2025 World Cup, Cindy’s leadership will be crucial. The bond within the team, built on mutual respect and shared experiences, is one of their greatest strengths. “Off the field, we enjoy different activities, whether it’s a day at the beach, a team dinner, or shopping together. These moments help us bond as a team,” Cindy says.
And while rugby has taken her around the world, it’s the memories she’s made on and off the field that matter most. “Dubai holds a special place in my heart because that’s where I played my first Test match,” she says. “But it’s not just about the places I’ve been. It’s about the relationships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned and the legacy I hope to leave behind.”
As she leads the team into what could be the most important year of her career, Cindy Booi’s determination, heart and unwavering commitment to the game will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of South African rugby players.
Quickfire questions:
Who has the best style in the Springbok Women’s team?
Lusanda
Which player is most likely to take over the aux cable in the team bus?
Vainah, Libbie
Who is the best dancer?
Ayanda
Who’s the biggest prankster in the team?
Aphiwe
Who is the funniest teammate?
Lusanda