Meet Aseza Hele, the Springbok Women’s unstoppable try-machine

The Springbok Women’s team is making waves at the Rugby World Cup in England, with a historic performance that saw them reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

On Sunday, South Africa clinched a dramatic 29–24 win over Italy, a landmark victory as it’s the first time Mzansi has beaten the European side. This bonus-point triumph secured the Springbok Women’s place in the quarterfinals.

Star of the match? Experts say it's Aseza Hele, who stunned fans by scoring a hat-trick, becoming the undisputed hero of the game. Her early try set the tone, followed by tries from full-back Nadine Roos and forward Sizophila Solontsi.

Who is Aseza Hele?

Aseza Hele (30) is a powerhouse Number Eight, known for her dynamic play in both rugby union and sevens. She plays her club rugby for Boland Dames and has been a standout performer on the international stage.

Hele has 0 caps for South Africa, featuring in both the 2022 and 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cups. With an impressive 40% win rate, she’s recorded 80 tackles, 26 passes, 17 tries, and remarkably, zero penalties, a testament to her discipline and control under pressure.

She leads the pack among forwards in scoring, with 13 tries from 28 matches, making her one of the team’s top point-scorers and most valuable assets. Her performances have played a vital role in South Africa’s steady climb in the World Rugby rankings.

In 2019, Hele’s exceptional contributions on and off the field were recognised when she won the 'Woman Achiever of the Year Award'.

A reluctant start...

Hele's journey to rugby wasn’t exactly scripted. Unlike many of her teammates, her entry into the sport came by chance.

“I played netball for Eastern Province and at Nelson Mandela University,” Hele told Springboks Rugby in a 2020 interview. “But due to work commitments, I could no longer attend training sessions.”

That twist of fate led her to a new path. “One morning, I went for a run at a stadium and saw women playing rugby. The coach called me over and said I should join them, but I didn’t know a thing about rugby and had never even watched the sport before.”

Despite her inexperience, Hele was a natural. Today, she’s not only hooked for life, she’s one of the Springbok Women’s most formidable forces on the field.

What rugby gave her...

In a 2020 interview with Springboks Rugby, Hele opened up about how rugby transformed her life both on and off the pitch.

“Off the field, I’ve been able to travel and experience other cultures, traditions, and ways of life. The biggest lessons rugby has taught me are that the people you surround yourself with have to bring out the best in you, and that self-belief is one of the most powerful tools in life. For me, family is not just my relatives; it’s the people who encourage and motivate me to become the best player and individual I can be. Rugby has taught me to believe in myself, to be more confident, and to inspire other young people to do the same."

Off the field: humble beginnings, sunshine, and a heart of gold...

Despite her fierce presence on the pitch, Hele describes herself as a 'sweetheart' but says she transforms into a 'monster on the field' when the whistle blows. The nickname 'Blommie', given by her netball coach in her youth, reflects her sunny personality with a fierce spirit.

Born in KwaDwesi, a township in Gqeberha (Eastern Cape), Hele and her sister faced tragedy early in life, losing both parents while still at school.

They were raised by their grandmothers, an upbringing that shaped Hele’s resilience and drive.

Hele pursued an online degree to become a foundational phase teacher. But her undeniable talent, hunger, and leadership on the field have shown that her true calling lies with the Springbok Women.

When Hele's not dominating on the field, she enjoys travelling, learning about other cultures and traditions

Onwards and upwards!

Follow Hele's journey on social media: @aseza_hele