Springbok Women’s Sevens captain Mathrin Simmers hangs up her boots

Springbok Women's Sevens skipper Mathrin Simmers, South Africa’s most experienced women’s sevens player, has decided to hang up her rugby boots. 

The 37-year-old represented the Springbok Women's Sevens since 2012, playing in 21 HSBC SVNS events, three Rugby World Cup Sevens, two Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, as well as nine Rugby Africa Women's Cup events and five World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series tournaments.

Simmers also represented the Springbok Women in six matches, including four Tests, between 2013 and 2019, scoring three tries in the process.

“Representing my country on numerous occasions has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Wearing that jersey, standing beside my teammates, singing the anthem – those are moments I'll carry in my heart forever," she said.

“Rugby has given me so much more than just a game – it has given me purpose, passion, and a second family."

One of the last major international tournaments that she was involved in was the HSBC SVNS play-off in Los Angeles that ended in heartbreak for the SA side.

Springbok Women’s Sevens head coach Renfred Dazel praised Simmers' contribution to the team.

“Mathrin left the jersey in a better place and will be missed in the system. Her off-field contributions were even better – she drove our culture hard and was always ready and available to help anyone," he said.

Simmers is hoping to follow the example of the likes of Springbok Women's assistant coach Laurien Johannes-Haupt and more recently Zenay Jordaan in transitioning from Bok player to coach.