Harlequins have announced the signing of South African back-row Aseza Hele ahead of the 2023/24 Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
The 28-year-old loose forward, who has played both 7s and 15s, made her Test debut for the Springboks Women in 2018 before being named as SA Rugby Women’s Achiever of the Year in 2019. She has since established herself as one of the leading players in the Springboks Women’s squad, earning a formidable reputation following her performance at the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Growing up in Kwadwesi Extension in Port Elizabeth, Hele initially played netball for Eastern Province and the Nelson Mandela University, before making the successful switch to rugby.
Commenting on her signing, Hele said: “As a little girl growing up in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha, this is a dream that seemed impossible. Becoming a Harlequin, to me means that the impossible became possible. This is an opportunity that is bigger than rugby, it makes little girls from South Africa not only dream but now we believe. I’m super stoked to be able to play on one of the biggest stages. It excites me to start an adventure and explore new things.
“Thank you for making me believe. Thank you for seeing me. I look forward to taking on this new challenge to better myself and give my all to the team. I can’t wait to experience the honour and privilege of putting on the Quins jersey.”
Harlequins Women Head Coach Amy Turner said: “Aseza was one of the standout performers at the Rugby World Cup and fits well with how we want to play the game.
“She’s an incredibly explosive back-row player with fantastic work ethic and will bring physicality and power to our pack. We’re excited to see how she can develop in our environment and continue to improve her game.”
Aseza Hele is the latest in a run of Harlequins signings which include Shaunagh Brown and Connie Powell who are joining the Club, as well as Red Roses Lagi Tuima, Ellie Kildunne and Lucy Packer who have all put pen to paper and committed to Quins.
Further announcements are scheduled over the coming weeks which will continue to underline the Club’s plan to develop the strongest women’s rugby programme in the Northern Hemisphere.
