Emotional Return for Springbok Winger Arries at Rugby Africa Women’s Cup
Alichia Arries marks an emotional return to rugby after motherhood, scoring in South Africa’s dominant win over Madagascar on Saturday, May 23rd.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The singing and dancing in unison by South Africa’s players after their thumping 64–5 win over Madagascar on Saturday symbolised the culture and heartbeat of this team.
Sisterhood, energy, vibe, and the team’s ethos: win together, and lose together.
As they savoured the moment in typical Springbok Women style, one player was celebrating a proud and deeply emotional personal milestone.
South Africa opened their defence of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title in rampant fashion, scoring 10 tries against the overwhelmed islanders at the RFUEA Ground in host nation Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
After South Africa’s opening try from Player of the Match Jakkie Cilliers in the first half, following Madagascar’s early lead, it was pacey winger Alichia Arries who then opened the floodgates with a five-pointer of her own, delighting the crowd.
The 24-year-old Arries’ lively celebration was the release of a comeback she probably never envisioned a couple of years ago, when a return to Test rugby appeared a distant dream for the speedster from Cape Town.
For five years until this past Saturday, Arries had not represented her country in the premier format of the game.
“I made my Springbok Women debut in 15s in Kenya in 2019 and played my last game in 2021, then motherhood came,” Arries told Rugby Africa Media before the opener against Madagascar.
“I had to be there for my daughter, and my rugby programme took a backseat for a while, especially in the longer format, 15s, which demands a lot of time and hard work. It’s not easy in the first place to be selected for your country in this format, to play Test rugby for your country, let alone trying to make a comeback after such a long time. It’s a lot of hard work.”
Arries, however, squeezed in time when her now four-year-old daughter started growing, initially using Sevens as a launchpad for her return.
“I went back to play for Western Province, and I did well, on top of my performances in the Sevens,” she said.
“My goal was always to come back to 15s. Whilst I was away, I missed the World Cup in 15s, the Rugby World Cup Sevens, and the Commonwealth Games. Now that I’ve been selected again, my aim is to represent my country in these big global events.”
The early days of Arries’ comeback were characterised by multitasking. While not easy, Arries found joy in the responsibility, which helped ease the burden.
“My time was great, travelling was great, I wasn’t doing it for myself only, but for my daughter too,” Arries said. “She was just eight months old when I started playing again, but I had to do what I know best. I had to adapt, even if it meant taking her with me to my rugby activities. So she has been part of my journey.”
“My mother was an athlete, but none of my family members played rugby,” Arries said. “So I think I get my speed on the rugby field from my mother. So yeah, it’s possible that my daughter will follow suit.”
Focus has now turned to South Africa’s second game on Wednesday against Uganda, who were defeated 43–10 by Kenya on the opening day of the tournament.
Arries has previously found success with the Sevens side before her Springbok Women 15s return, and she is eager to replicate that success in the longer format.
“We’ve done that before in Sevens, I’m excited to see what I can provide in 15s,” she said.
“I know we can dominate this tournament. I like the fact that we have great individual skills, we work for each other, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
While Arries’ long international absence from 15s and eventual comeback has been an emotional rollercoaster, her recall was thoroughly deserved.
Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin did not travel to Kenya for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, but praised Arries for earning her place back in the squad.
“We selected Alichia after she did outstandingly well in the Betway National Club Championship last year and invited her to our first camp of the year, where she showcased her abilities,” De Bruin told Rugby Africa Media.
“Then she had another eye-catching season with DHL Western Province in the Pick n Pay Super League this year, scoring five tries in seven matches. I believe she is ready to compete with the best in the country.”
Where to watch?
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
RugbyPass TV: https://rugbypass.tv
Match Day 1: Saturday 23 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – South Africa (64) vs Madagascar (5)
- 16:00 – Kenya (43) vs Uganda (10)
Match Day 2: Wednesday 27 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – South Africa vs Uganda
- 16:00 – Kenya vs Madagascar
Match Day 3: Sunday 31 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – Uganda vs Madagascar
- 16:00 – South Africa vs Kenya
Written by Enock Muchinjo
