From office manager to playing wing for the South African Touch Rugby Association’s Touchboks, Mengka Singh tackles life with energy and discipline.
Having recently returned from the Touch Rugby World Cup (TRWC) in England, Mengka Singh is on a high. Not only did her U27 team get to play against the best in the world – there were over 190 teams representing 40 nations – but they bagged a bronze and showed the touch world that they have something to bring to the big stage!
At 31, this Durban North self-confessed book worm, nature lover and Lego fan – her shelves at home are decked with the entire Harry Potter Series, gritty sports autobiographies, Lego flowers and real plants – is no stranger to one of the few sports where men and women can play in the same team.
She’s been playing touch rugby for the last 18 years, and this is her second feature at the TRWC – an experience that took a lot of grit and commitment and crowdfunding given that the sport requires private funding to represent SA at a national level.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t play this sport. It’s given me social skills and taught me patience and how to work in a team. It’s also taught me that hard work really does pay off and helped me see the lighter side of life.”
With a background in Biokinetics, this former Westville Girls’ High pupil turned personal trainer and office manager for BET Software readily admits she was an all-rounder at school and played in the first team for every sport she signed up for.
“I did athletics – 100m, 200m, relay and long jump. I was touch rugby and volleyball captain, as well as sports captain for my house and I played first team soccer for a bit as well.
“But my real journey with touch started in 2006 when I was running the 100m at our school sports day and our touch rugby coach told me to try it out due to my speed. I’ve never looked back.”
Mengka, who trains seven days a week – gym, league at Crusaders in Durban North on Wednesday nights and field training sessions – plays for four teams in different divisions – Valkyries in Ladies Elite, Titans in Mixed Elite, Loose Ends in Mixed Social, and Colour Blind in the Men’s 1st Division. She says she loves being active, and enjoys the social side of it too.
“It’s end-to-end action and a great way to destress and catch up with friends that I wouldn’t see much outside of the sport. Touch is also one of the few sports where men and women can play in the same team. I think the biggest misconception is that women are too fragile to play any form of rugby, yet we’ve proven that we can be or do whatever we want,” says Mengka, who says that while touch rugby is not as physical as contact rugby, it does get rough, especially at the higher levels.
“We have mixed teams that consist of three male and three female players on the field and I love playing in a men’s or mixed team for the pace. It makes me feel as though I’m improving with each game.”
Typically, touch is played on half a rugby field with six players a side. Games consist of two 20 minute halves, and you can substitute throughout due to the pace of the game. If you have the ball and you get touched, you have to put it down and step over it. A person from your team must pick the ball up and pass it off. You get six touches to try and score, before it’s a turnover and change of possession.
“I love telling people that I play touch rugby as their reaction is always like WHAT? But, you’re so small! People are quick to make assumptions on appearance and I find it hilarious. It’s also very different to full contact rugby, and I have to explain that I’m built for speed and agility, not strength and power. It really is a great and a safe sport – for the most part – for women to get involved in,” says the pint-sized player who’s not shy to say that her ability in the sport, as a woman, has often been doubted.
“I love seeing the look on somebody’s face the first time I step or run around them because they thought they could take it easy on me. Not just with being a woman, but being an Indian woman comes with its own stereotypes too. It feels amazing to be a part of a sport that not many people understand, and I’m happy to educate them. Hopefully it’ll get them interested enough to want to play.”
When it comes to working out and eating habits Mengka says it’s all about balance.
“I listen to my body and when I need a break, I make sure I recover and give my body the attention it needs. As for food, I don’t follow a strict diet, but I do enjoy a healthy one. I’m a sucker for dessert though!”
On her time spent in Nottingham in the UK at this year’s Touch Rugby World Cup, Mengka says playing in South African colours as one of two KZN players representing the country in the U27 side was an overwhelming feeling.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to represent my country. The first time I had the opportunity in 2019, I cried when we sang the national anthem. It’s a moment I won’t forget. To those young girls who have a dream similar to the 13-year-old me, if you like throwing a ball around, running, social, team or competitive sports, take up touch. The touch rugby community is really inclusive and amazing to be a part of. You’ll learn so much and make new friends across different age groups. If it’s something that peaks your interest, do it.”
Details: You can reach out to the KZN Touch Association on FB: KZN Touch or Mengka on FB: Mengka Singh or IG: menki_menx
MENGKA’S TOP TIPS TO TRAIN LIKE A TOUCH RUGBY PLAYER
Consistency Nobody is going to train for you, it’s up to you.
Sprints You can do these in your driveway or on the road. These can range from 20m to 100m. Short rest time in between each rep. Try and do 10 to 15 reps.
Running I love running on the promenade at North Beach and generally do a fast 3km or 5km. You can give this a bash on the beach, promenade or around your neighbourhood.
Home sessions On the days that I can’t get to the gym, I usually do a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session that I find on YouTube to get my heart rate up and keep me fit. It’s a great way to get all round fitness that includes strength and cardio, and doesn’t require equipment.
Recovery yoga This is great on slower days. The videos available are great to follow along and the movements are fairly simple.
DIY it I sometimes create my own HIIT sessions to do at home. I’ll pick 7 to 10 exercises and repeat the circuit 3 to 5 times – squats, push ups, high knees on the spot, jumping jacks, tricep dips using the couch, commandos, planks, lunges, skipping, punches. All basic movements and I control the intensity. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of training, five days a week.
Meal prep It’s really easy to do if you have a plan. You don’t need to eat bland food. Play around with your flavours and spice it up however you like. You should enjoy your food, not see it as a problem. You need three things: Protein – chicken, beef, fish, tofu, lentils and flavour however you like; Starch – brown or basmati rice, whole wheat couscous, brown pasta in small portions (two tablespoons); and Veg – play around with what you enjoy but be sure to get a good balance
Hydrate Water, water and more water is key!
