Aseza Hele – The Beast behind the Sweetheart

South African No. 8 Aseza Hele has earned a reputation as a powerful force on the rugby field, especially near the try line, where her explosive carries and relentless physicality often put her at the heart of the Springbok Women’s attack.

But off the field, she reveals a softer, surprising side.

Hele, who plays her club rugby with Boland Dames, is known for her ability to break tackles and dominate the gain line.

Her performances for South Africa have made her a standout player, but it’s her dual nature — fierce competitor on the pitch, warm-hearted personality off it, that truly fascinates fans.

Speaking to the SuperSport International digital team, Hele shared a more personal side of herself.

“I’m a sweetheart,” she said with a smile. “I’m a soft girl who loves shopping. I’m caring and warm — that’s who I am.”

One of the standout Springbok Women players at #RWC2025 👏

"Who is that monster? That's not me. I'm a sweetheart!" 😂

Aseza Hele doesn't even recognize herself on the field when she activates beast mode 💥#SSRugby | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/6JRkVvczNR

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 11, 2025

Yet, that "sweetheart" transforms into something else entirely once she crosses the white line.

At the ongoing 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Hele has had a standout tournament so far, particularly in South Africa’s dominant 66-6 win over Brazil in their opening Pool D match.

She scored a hat-trick of tries, showcasing a blend of speed, strength and determination that left defenders trailing.

She continued her momentum in the crucial match against Italy, crossing the line again to help secure a thrilling 29-24 win, a historic moment for South Africa as it marked their first-ever victory over Italy at a Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The result also saw the Springbok Women qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time in history.

Look at what it means 😍@WomenBoks beat Italy for the first time in their history 🙌#RWC2025 | #ITAvRSA https://t.co/K5RJaX3Iht pic.twitter.com/5SWcI0YKf8

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 31, 2025

Despite her on-field dominance, Hele still struggles to reconcile the two versions of herself.

“You know what? I don’t even recognise myself when I watch the game,” she admitted. “I’m like, ‘Urgh, is that me? Oh my God, who is that monster?’ That’s not me — I’m a sweetheart! I’m always shocked. I’m not a monster, but when I’m on the field, I don’t know what comes over me. I don’t know what wakes the beast in me.”

Analysts and commentators have consistently listed Hele as one of South Africa’s "players to watch" in the tournament.

Her ability to break the line, carry with power and deliver in high-pressure moments has made her a cornerstone of the Springbok Women’s strategy, especially in the red zone.

Whether it’s barrelling through defenders or flashing a warm smile off the field, Aseza Hele continues to prove that you can be both a beast and a sweetheart and that, sometimes, it’s the quietest storms that hit the hardest.