SA Rugby president, Mr Mark Alexander, paid tribute to outgoing Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi, following her decision to hang up her boots after a storied career of close to two decades.
Booi, who started playing senior rugby for Border in 2007, has confirmed her retirement after returning from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where the Springbok Women were knocked out in the quarter-finals by defending champions, New Zealand, which was her last Test for South Africa.
With 55 caps for South Africa, Booi departs as the most capped Springbok Women Test player of all time, and the most capped captain in the history of the women’s game, having led the Bok Women in 26 internationals.
She made her Test debut in 2010 against Kazakhstan and in that same year, represented South Africa at the RWC in England, and did so again in 2014, when the tournament was hosted in France.
Booi captained South Africa for the first time in a Test match against Wales in 2018, and twice at Rugby World Cups – in 2022 in New Zealand and recently in England, which was her fourth appearance at the global tournament.
In her 15-year international career, Booi faced all the top teams in the world, bar Ireland, while under her leadership, the Springbok Women claimed the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024, where they qualified for the 2025 RWC. At provincial level, Booi played for Border and DHL Western Province.
“Cindy Booi will go down as a true legend – not only of women’s rugby, but of the game itself,” said Mr Alexander.
“We have been privileged to witness the career of an undoubted icon of Springbok Women’s rugby. From the moment she first pulled on the green and gold jersey in 2010, Cindy distinguished herself with a rare combination of talent, tenacity and heart.
“Over the years, she became central to many of the most defining and memorable moments in the women’s game, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Her leadership – especially during times of challenge – was nothing short of extraordinary.
“Cindy stood as a tower of strength, both on and off the field. She led with dignity, courage and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and to the values of the Springbok jersey.
“Part of her enduring legacy is the model she leaves behind: one of discipline, leadership and professionalism. It is a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of players and one of which she should be immensely proud.
“On behalf of SA Rugby, we honour Cindy Booi for her remarkable contribution to the game. Her name will forever be etched in the history of South African rugby.”
Booi said the highlight of her international career was being part of a team that started with little but now inspires the next generation of girls and young women’s players.
“When you start out as a Springbok it’s about proving that you’re good enough, but as you play more Tests that feeling dissolves and you realise it’s not about you, it’s about standing up to the responsibility of what this team should mean to the next generation,” she said.
“I think we have made massive strides in that regard and what I’m most proud of. It was never about me, but the bigger reward of seeing the power of this team to inspire others.
“I have so many people to thank on this journey I had, from those early days taking multiple taxis to get to training, to the professional set-up we are enjoying now. Family, friends, fellow players, coaches, medical staff – where does one stop?
“I had my fair share of injuries and the patience and dedication of the medical staff, especially in the last couple of seasons, helped me to be strong and fit until my very last game. But I also must listen to my body, and it is telling me it is time to stop.
“Lastly, to SA Rugby and their endeavours to improve the status of the women’s game, thank you. We have made so much progress in recent years, and the commitment shown by SA Rugby is not lip service only, we see it and can feel it. The jersey is indeed in a better place.”
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