Harlequins Women have confirmed the signing of exciting South African back-rower Aseza Hele. The 28-year-old is a star of the South African 7s and 15s teams, and is considered amongst the ‘Boks top Women’s rugby talents.
Hele made her debut for South Africa in 2018, and had an instant breakthrough on the international scene. The loose forward was named SA Rugby Women’s Achiever of the Year for 2019, and had a fantastic showing in the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Hele initially played netball for Eastern Province and the Nelson Mandela University, before making the change 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 includes 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.