Exciting time ahead for dual star Nadine Roos

In sports, some names are eternal. Nadine Roos is one of them.

After years of playing rugby, Roos is a household name with fans cheering for the impressive playmaker whenever she takes to the field.

The 28-year-old has been one of the standouts for South African Women’s rugby, playing fifteens and sevens.

It has been one incredible year for the star, from competing at the Olympic Games in Paris with the South Africa Sevens team to taking up the flyhalf role for the Springbok Women’s team at the WXV 2 tournament.

She recently steered the South Africa Sevens side to a second consecutive Rugby Africa Sevens title.

South Africa recorded a 19-10 win over Kenya in the Final in Ghana and secured qualification for the World Rugby Challenger Series next year.

“Winning the African Cup was the first part of the goal. We are one step closer to the end goal, which is the World Challenger Series,” Roos told Rugby365.

“The aim for the Challenger Series is to try to be in every final and give ourselves the best shot to get back onto the World Series.

“I've heard that the top four teams from the World Challenger Series will have the opportunity in the Grand Finale tournament, hopefully, we do well when we face a quality side and get back to the World Series.”

The talented back was the leading point-scorer in the competition, scoring 37 points on Day one and 44 on Day two in Ghana.

Having played in 13 HSBC SVNS tournaments, where she scored 244 points, as well as two Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments before she played in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Roos has established herself as one of the leading figures in the women’s game.

She said knowing the coaching team entrusted her as a playmaker gives her the freedom to play to her full potential and add value to the team.

“The playmaker role in sevens is really important. The playmakers are those players who can give that momentum in a game, put players into space and give them the opportunity to score the points.

“Putting yourself in that position and the coaches trusting you in that position showed the quality of the player. Also knowing that they trust you gives you the freedom to play the game and do what you do best.

“I have to be open-minded when they come to you with coaching or advice. I believe there is always room for improvement.”

Roos was the first South African Women’s rugby player to join a Japanese side when she signed for Nagato Blue Angels in Japan.

The 2022 MyPlayers Women’s Player of the Year spent six months in Japan where she played in the Taiyo Seimei Women’s Seven Series.

Roos revealed her time in Japan was really beneficial as she not only learned a lot about rugby but also developed on a personal level.

“Playing in Japan was good for my career. I've grown a lot in that six months. I learn a lot about the Japanese culture and how they do things. The value they instil not only in their daily lives but in their sports, especially rugby.

“It was also good to see the quality and standard of the tournament. I will look at opportunities to play that side again.

“I was not only exposed to Japanese culture but also the other foreign players that were at the club. I think working with different people and coaches gives you a different style.

“I believe as a player you must be open because different people give you different types of criticism."

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While 2024 was certainly a big year for Roos, 2025 will be even bigger as the women’s game get ready for the World Cup.

Although there is no guarantee, there is no doubt that the talented University of Pretoria graduate will be part of the Bok team competing for the title.

The Springbok Women will open their campaign against Brazil, before taking on Italy followed by France.

"The coaches are putting a proper plan in place between sevens and fifteens to make sure the experienced players have to get the opportunity to play at the World Challenger Series.

"And also at the same time be at the fifteen and get some quality game time to be up for selection.

"After the WXV 2 campaign, it was made clear that no one's spot is guaranteed.

"So the hard work already started two months before the WXV2. And it's going to get more challenging.

"There are going to a lot of camps.

"However that is the exciting part because you get to work hard, improve as a player, improve your skill and fitness and show you want to be one of those players up for selection for the World Cup and show your commitment towards the team.

"From a personal point of view, I'm excited for a second World Cup.

"After the WXV 2 display, where there were highs and lows for the teams. We could've put more points on the board and pulled a win against a quality side like Australia or Italy.

"However we do have a chance to play againt Italy at World Cup and not make the same mistakes teh second time around.

"It is exciting times, especially being a dual player.

"I know there will be a proper plan in place for us to just play rugby and put the women's system in the best possible place as we can."