Master your finances with tips from Women's Rugby World Cup champions

The Women’s Rugby World Cup officially kicks off on Friday, 22 August, with all eyes turning to the Springbok Women in the hopes they can do better than their male counterparts following the Boks' shocking defeat to the Wallabies last weekend.

Fittingly, August is also Women’s Month, and there are a couple of things that women can learn from these professional athletes, which can be applied to their finances.

While rugby players are just as human as the rest of us, it’s their grit, mindset, and disciplined habits that allow them to perform at the highest level. They see their bodies as the foundation for success, training, fuelling, and conditioning them to deliver under pressure. In the same way, if we start to view our money as a tool to power our ambitions, and commit to looking after it with care and consistency, we put ourselves in the best position to achieve our financial goals, whatever those may be. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup inspiring audiences across the globe, several tips to cultivate a winning money mindset that we can borrow from top players on the field.

Winning players…

Keep their eye on the goalposts.

Rugby players never lose sight of the posts; they know exactly what they’re aiming for and can look beyond short-term sacrifice to a long-term goal. In the same way, you need clear financial goals. Whether it’s buying a home, paying off debt, or retiring comfortably, being specific about your ‘goalposts’ will keep you focused and motivated, even when distractions come your way.

Know that consistency yields results.

No player becomes a star overnight; it’s the daily drills, practices, and conditioning that pay off on game day. The same applies to money: small, regular contributions to savings or investments compound over time. Consistency, rather than short-lived bursts of effort, is what delivers long-term results.

Adopt a winner’s mindset.

Athletes don’t just play the game; they believe they can win it. Successful financial planning starts with the same mindset. Even if your goals feel ambitious, approach your money with confidence, discipline, and resilience. Seeing challenges as opportunities rather than barriers can make all the difference.

Know that setbacks are inevitable.

A tough tackle, a lost match, an unexpected injury,  rugby players expect setbacks and prepare to bounce back stronger. In your financial life, the same applies: unexpected expenses, market dips, or job changes will happen. What matters is how quickly you adapt, refocus, and get back on track.

Engage the right coach.

Behind every great player is a coach who provides strategy, perspective, and accountability. In your financial journey, a professional adviser plays that role. They can help you see the bigger picture, avoid costly mistakes, and refine your plan as you go so that when the final whistle blows, you walk away with a win.

* Uys is the financial adviser at Consult by Momentum.

PERSONAL FINANCE