Kayla Swarts: From Hockey to Rugby Sevens

From Olympic Dreams to Green and Gold Glory: Kayla Swarts’ Transition to Rugby Sevens

Kayla Swarts, a name that resonates both in the hockey and rugby communities, is an athlete whose journey to the Springbok Women’s Sevens team is nothing short of extraordinary. After representing South Africa in hockey at the 2024 Olympic Games, Kayla made a bold decision to switch sports and take on the fast-paced world of rugby. Her journey, which began on the streets of her childhood, is a testament to resilience, adaptability and the unwavering support of her family.

A Sporting Background Like No Other

Kayla grew up in a sports-focused family with three older brothers who played various sports, including rugby and soccer. She was always involved in their games, often joining in their street rugby matches despite being the only girl. “I think my love for sports started from a young age, just being surrounded by it in my family,” she shares. “I’d always cry to join them and eventually, my parents let me play. That’s where the physicality and stepping ability came from.”

Her sporting career initially focused on hockey and athletics, but it wasn’t until one fateful holiday when a friend of her brother, Timothy Qumbu, recognised her potential that Kayla’s rugby journey began. “Timothy saw potential when we were playing in the backyard and joking around. He encouraged me to come watch a training session for the women’s rugby team,” Kayla recalls. “At that point, I had never seen or heard of women’s rugby, so it seemed crazy to me.”

Despite her initial hesitation, Kayla attended a few training sessions with the Springbok Women’s Sevens and it wasn’t long before coaches saw her potential. She was invited to a development camp and then to join the senior women’s team. Though her focus was on hockey as she prepared for the Olympics, Kayla made the decision to put rugby on hold temporarily. “It wasn’t until after the Olympics in 2024 that I truly considered giving rugby a shot,” she explains.

The Transition: Hockey to Rugby

Making the switch from hockey to rugby wasn’t easy and Kayla faced several challenges along the way. “The biggest challenge for me was definitely the contact,” she admits. “Hockey had been my life and the contact in rugby was something I had never experienced before. The first few weeks were tough and I really struggled to get up in the morning. My body was hurting so badly.”

However, her background in hockey provided her with some transferable skills. “The footwork and my ability to see space and make quick decisions are things that really helped me,” she explains. “In rugby, it’s all about thinking ahead, seeing where you can play the ball and finding space, so hockey definitely helped with that.”

But the transition to rugby required patience and perseverance. “It was a big adjustment, especially with the pace of sevens rugby. The game is so fast and I had to challenge myself to be patient and focus on each step”.

Family Support: A Pillar of Strength

Kayla’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of her family, particularly her brother, Olympic champion Wayde van Niekerk. “Wayde’s success has shaped my mindset as an athlete,” Kayla shares. “Seeing his dedication and ability to overcome adversity has made me more intentional about my own training and performance. He’s shown me that setbacks and challenges are part of the journey, but how you respond to them is what matters.”

Wayde’s advice has been invaluable to Kayla. “He always reminds me to control what I can and not let outside noise affect my game,” she says. “His perspective is so helpful, especially when the pressure is on.”

Kayla’s family, including her older brother Craig, has been a constant source of encouragement. “Craig has played rugby, so he understands the demands of the sport. He’s been a huge influence, always helping me with passing and tackling practice,” she says. “My family keeps me grounded and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

The HSBC Challenger Series: A New Chapter in Rugby

In 2025, Kayla is set to compete in the HSBC Challenger Series, a major opportunity to showcase her skills on the international stage. “The HSBC Challenger Series is a massive opportunity for us, both individually and as a team,” Kayla shares. “It’s a chance to prove ourselves and test our skills against top competition. I’m excited to represent my team and continue building the connection and trust we have as a unit.”

Kayla’s personal goals for the tournament are clear: to bring energy, make an impact and contribute to her team’s success. “I want to bring excitement to the field, whether it’s in attack or defense and make a real impact for the team,” she says.

A Bright Future in Rugby

Although Kayla’s future in rugby is still unfolding, her commitment to the sport is unwavering. “Right now, I’m fully committed to rugby and I’m loving the journey,” she shares. “The team culture, the challenge of becoming a better player and the opportunity to represent my country are what keep me going. My ultimate goal is to compete in the LA 2028 Olympics in rugby.”

But despite her growing love for rugby, Kayla still holds a special place in her heart for hockey. “I’ll always have love for the hockey community, but right now, my focus is on rugby,” she explains. “I’m excited to see how far I can go in this sport and I’m fully invested in pushing myself and growing as a player.”

A Message for Future Generations

For young girls looking to follow in her footsteps, Kayla has some words of wisdom. “My advice is to enjoy the process,” she says. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to excel right away. Soak up knowledge from your coaches and teammates, stay curious and find joy in the sport. It’s not just about the medals; it’s about who you become along the way.”