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The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok Women's squad named for 2025 Rugby World Cup
Home » Springbok Women's squad named for 2025 Rugby World Cup The Springbok Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 squad has been named for the tournament where they will face Brazil, Italy and France in Pool D. Image: SA Rugby Nolusindiso Booi, the most-capped Springbok Women's player, will lead a strong South African squad containing 19 players out of the 32 with previous Women's Rugby World Cup experience to the 2025 global showpiece which kicks off in England in a few weeks' time. Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin's squad was named at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday for the four-yearly tournament, where South Africa will face Brazil, Italy and France in Pool D. Booi, who captained the squad at the previous tournament in New Zealand in 2022, is also South Africa's most experienced Test captain, having led the side in 23 Tests. Babalwa Latsha, who captained the Bok Women in 14 Test matches as well as in the recent Black Ferns XV series, was named as vice-captain. Booi (2010, 2014, 2022) and Tayla Kinsey (2014, 2022) are the most experienced players in the squad, which boast a combined total of 689 Test caps. Among the 19 forwards, eight will be experiencing a Women's Rugby World Cup for the first time. They are Anathi Qolo (lock), who captained the side at the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Madagascar in June, as well as Luchell Hanekom (hooker), Xoliswa Khuzwayo (prop), Nombuyekezo Mdliki (prop), Danelle Lochner (lock) and Vainah Ubisi (lock), all of whom played for South Africa last year, while Faith Tshauke (flanker) made her Test debut in Madagascar a few months ago. Four of the 13 backs will represent South Africa on this level for the first time: wings Maceala Samboya and Ayanda Malinga, flyhalf Mary Zulu and utility back Byrhandré Dolf are the newcomers in a backline stacked with players who have encountered the pressures of the Rugby World Cup before. All 32 players selected for the Women's Rugby World Cup featured either against Spain in April, the Rugby Africa Women's Cup, the two Tests against Canada in July, or the two recent internationals against the Black Ferns XV, which was a telling factor in their final selection, according to De Bruin. 'We used 49 players during the season where we played six Test matches and four international friendlies, and I know we got the balance right,' said De Bruin. 'There will always be unfortunate players not selected, but as a coaching staff we are happy that we got the group we wanted.' De Bruin said what excites him most are the combinations they will work with: 'I believe that will push us towards the playoffs as we have so many options for each opponent, and that will boost our abilities. This selection is a culmination of hard work and sacrifice for the players, and I want to congratulate them. We all know the journeys each one travelled and for most, it was not easy.' The squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 12 August and depart for England on Thursday, 14 August. Their first match is against Brazil 10 days later. Props Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 10 points (2 tries) *Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 8 caps, 0 points)Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies) – 35 caps, 15 points (3 tries) *Babalwa Latsha (vice-captain, unattached) – 36 caps, 30 points (6 tries) * Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 5 caps, 0 points Hookers Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers Women, England) – 13 caps, 5 points (1 try) *Lindelwa Gwala (unattached) – 35 caps, 75 points (15 tries) * Luchell Hanekom (Western Province) – 9 caps, 0 points) Locks Nolusindiso Booi (captain, Western Province) – 52 caps, 5 points (1 try) *Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 19 caps, 10 points (2 tries)Nomsa Mokwai (Western Province) –13 caps, 0 pointsAnathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies) – 9 caps, 5 points (1 try) Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies) – 18 caps, 15 points (3 tries) Utility and loose forwards Aseza Hele (Boland Dames) – 28 caps, 65 points (13 tries) *Catha Jacobs (unattached) – 22 caps, 5 points (1 try) *Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies) – 15 caps, 15 points (3 tries) *Sinazo Mcatshulwa (unattached) – 38 caps, 55 points (11 tries) *Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies) – 28 caps, 45 points (9 tries) * Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies) – 3 caps, 15 points (3 tries) Scrumhalves Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion) * Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women) – 40 caps, 53 points (3 tries, 16 conversions, 2 penalty goals) * Flyhalves Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 209 points (12 tries, 55 conversions, 12 penalties, 1 drop goal) * Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 15 caps, 40 points (20 conversions) Centres Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 106 points (20 tries, 3 conversions) *Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 27 caps, 60 points (12 tries) *Chumisa Qawe (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 20 points (4 tries) * Eloise Webb (Border Ladies) – 17 caps, 30 points (6 tries) * Outside backs Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies) – 19 caps, 106 points (9 tries, 23 conversions, 5 penalty goals) *Ayanda Malinga (Bulls Daisies) – 13 caps, 65 points (13 tries) Maceala Samboya (Boland Dames) – 4 caps, 20 points (4 tries) Utility backs Byrhandré Dolf (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 37 points (7 tries, 1 conversion) Nadine Roos (unattached) – 18 caps, 35 points (5 tries, 5 conversions) * * denotes previous RWC experience Pool D schedule (SA times): Sunday, 24 August South Africa v Brazil, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton – 15:45 Sunday, 31 August South Africa v Italy, York Community Stadium, York – 16:30 Sunday, 7 September South Africa v France, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton – 17:45 The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of 13/14 September, with the semi-finals on 19/20 September and the final on Saturday, 27 September. Team management Swys de Bruin (head coach)Laurian Johannes-Haupt (assistant coach)Bafana Nhleko (assistant coach)Franzel September (assistant coach)Naasier Parker (strength and conditioning coach)Zenay Jordaan (World Rugby Gallagher High Performance Academy coach)Moshe Magethi (team doctor)Neda Isaacs (physiotherapist)Lezane Ward (physiotherapist)Thandiswa Nxomani (team manager)JJ Harmse (media manager)Zwonaka Mbedzi (analyst) Thembisa Nxopo (operations) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Vaina Ubisi set to start against Black Ferns XV as Springbok Women shuffle their pack again
Vainah Ubisi is back to marshall the Springbok Women's lineout againt the Black Ferns XV on Saturday. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The Springbok Women's Rugby World Cup preparations have received a significant boost with star lock forward Vainah Ubisi set to start in Saturday's clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium. Ubisi, who was nominated for SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year last year, is making her comeback from a long-term knee injury. 'It's a big boost having Vaina back. Quite excited for her,' assistant coach Franzel September said on Thursday. 'I think Vaina has been part of the prep from June, I think, at Sass, with the group that stayed behind. So she was in and out with the group. So, I can't wait to see her go on Saturday.' The 22-year-old is one of a raft of changes coach De Bruin has made to the team that played in the last fixture against Canada in Gqeberha as he continues to experiment with combinations ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup in England next month. Babalwa Latsha will lead the #BokWomen in the first clash against the Blacks Ferns XV in Cape Town on Saturday as Swys de Bruin made a number of changes to the team - more here: 👊#MakeItCount #PlusOne — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 24, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Captain Babalwa Latsha is one of only four starters in the pack that will wear the same jersey again with De Bruin making numerous changes to his backline. The much-expected half-pairing of Nadine Roos and Eloise Webb, who finished the Canada match at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively, moving back to the regular positions. Roos will slot in at fullback, while Webb has moved back to outside centre. Only Jakkie Cilliers starts in the same position she did in Pretoria and Gqeberha with Tayla Kinsey and Libbie Janse van Rensburg combining as the halfback pairing. Maceala Samboya is back at left wing, having last played there against England U20 during their tour to France and Spain in April. De Bruin said some of the changes were pre-determined, while pointing out that Nolusindiso Booi, Sizophila Solontsi, Danelle Lochner, Byrhandré Dolf and Ayanda Malinga are all recovering from niggles following the Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 'We wanted to make sure that everyone in the assembled group gets game time, while we also have the luxury of another match next weekend, where those with niggles can get a run as well,' said De Bruin. 'We have made good strides this far and we are improving. The Black Ferns XV will be tough opponents, but that is why we wanted them here. 'We don't play against the top sides enough, so like we were against Canada, we will be tested in numerous areas of the game. The coaching staff are keen to see how this group of players respond to the challenges that the New Zealand side will bring.' Among the forwards Aseza Hele will again wear her regular No 8 jersey, but she will be joined by flanks Lerato Makua and Faith Tshauke in a new-look loose trio. Makua played off the bench in both Tests against Canada, while Tshauke's last test match was also in Madagascar. Springbok Women's team to face the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb (vice-captain), 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Faith Tshauke, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Bench: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Mary Zulu, 22 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 23 Zintle Mpupha.
Daily Maverick
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Tears and laughter — Springbok Women inspire Zwide pupils in touching homecoming visit
The Springbok Women's team visited Ndzondelelo High in Zwide, inspiring young players. Local stars Byrhandrè Dolf and Sanelisiwe Charlie returned home, sharing their journeys from township dreams to national pride – proving to pupils that greatness can rise from familiar ground. The spirit of rugby and resilience hung in the air at Ndzondelelo High School in Zwide on Wednesday morning as the Springbok Women's team paid a visit to the school, before their Test against Canada in Gqeberha. The national side was greeted with a powerful display of amagwijo (isiXhosa celebratory songs) sung by the school's rugby teams, including 50 female players. Among the songs was Intliziyo yam iyabekezela ('My heart endures and never gives up'), echoing the perseverance and dreams embodied by the visiting athletes. Pupils formed a guard of honour, welcoming the Springboks with cheers, handshakes and hugs. There was laughter, a few tears and impromptu games as the national players took the field to connect with the pupils not just as stars, but as sisters, mentors and role models. Among them was 22-year-old Byrhandrè Dolf from Kariega, who joined the national team in 2022. Reflecting on her journey, Dolf said she once had no matches to play at school and had to find opportunities outside the classroom. 'It was a dream come true when I was selected to be part of the team,' she said. 'In 2023, I played my first Test match against Canada. I was on the field for only seven minutes, but for me it was like, tho, finally man. I still pinch myself sometimes.' This weekend, Dolf faces Canada once again, but this time, in front of her home crowd. 'My family will be watching me in the green and gold for the first time. I'm excited and nervous, but the nerves won't get to me. The spirit of sisterhood in our team is so strong, and that bond keeps us going.' For teammate Sanelisiwe Charlie, the visit to Ndzondelelo was more than just a stop on the itinerary – it was a homecoming. A former pupil of the school and a native of Joe Slovo, Charlie was visibly emotional as she returned to the very classrooms and fields where her dream began. 'It really feels good to be here, because the purpose is bigger than me,' she said. 'I know I represent something these girls never thought possible for them. Seeing someone who looks like them, who walked these same corridors – it means they can do it too.' Breaking away from the field for a moment, Charlie visited some of her old classrooms, receiving hugs from her former teachers and excited pupils. 'Our teachers play such an important role in our lives,' she said. 'They really help us believe in ourselves, no matter what circumstances we come from.' Those circumstances were not easy. Her mother, Lulama Charlie, recounted the long walks Sanelisiwe made from Joe Slovo to Zwide – nearly 15km – to attend school. 'After their father died, it was hard. But I'm so proud of how far God has taken her,' Lulama said, emotion in her voice. She added that her faith in God and constant prayer are what she has always offered her children, in place of material wealth. 'Sanelisiwe is generous, she takes care of the family. Her siblings aren't employed yet, but she really fills that gap.' As she spoke, several players stopped mid-activity just to greet and hug Lulama, a quiet acknowledgement of the foundation she laid. 'She had an injury recently,' Lulama added softly, 'but I hold her up in prayer. My little last-born baby. God is doing marvellous work through her.' With amagwijo still echoing through the halls of Ndzondelelo, the Springbok Women's visit was more than a community event – it was a living lesson in courage, community and the power of coming home. DM
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Despite a heavy loss, Bok women made the day special for 11 young girls who love the game
The Bok women had great moments throughout the game, but their discipline or lack thereof, let them down. Seen here are the 11 young female players from Rephafogile, Phateng, Stanza Bopape, and Nellmapius Secondary Schools who met the Springbok Women's team on the field at Loftus. Picture: Supplied Despite a heavy loss to the Canadians, the Bok women's team made the day special for 11 young girls who are still falling in love with the game. 'My training has not only enhanced my technical abilities, but also instilled in me the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship,' said 17 year-old Mmabontle Mateya. 'I'm excited to bring this foundation of skills and character to the Springboks, one day.' The pupil from Nellmapius Secondary School was part of a group of 11 girls who got to interact with Bok women players on Saturday at an inspiring activation hosted in Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld. Powered by Pick 'n Pay, the young aspiring rugby players from townships in Pretoria attended their first live professional rugby match and met the Springbok Women's team. 'When they see players like Lerato Makua from Mamelodi and Patience Mokoni from Soshanguve wearing the Springbok jersey, it shows them that it's possible, no matter where you come from,' shared Nellmapius Rugby Club coach, Mahlogonolo Gama. ALSO READ: Springboks battle past Italy at Loftus Passionate The 11 pupils attend Rephafogile Secondary School, Phateng Secondary School, Stanza Bopape Secondary School, and Nellmapius Secondary School, where access to sports resources is limited. The schools often lack dedicated sports fields or specialised equipment, making structured training and regular practice sessions challenging. Many rely on local rugby clubs to learn the game. In these environments, female rugby players are especially scarce, with many girls only recently getting opportunities to participate in the sport. 'One of the biggest challenges our young female rugby players face is confidence,' Gama said. She added: 'Support like food packs, gear, and basic need items, such as toiletries, helps these young players give 100% in training, on and off the field.' The head of strategic partnerships and Engagement at Pick n Pay, Tessa Chamberlain, said the activation is more than a once-off experience. 'It's about helping to show these young female players what is possible. By giving these girls visibility, encouragement, and practical exposure to the world of professional rugby.' ALSO READ: Bok assistant coach Stick says Italy are perfect opponents in early season Tough day at the office for Bok women The Bok women had great moments throughout the game, but their discipline or lack thereof, let them down. Canada opened the scoring in the sixth minute when prop Daleaka Menin went over for a converted try; however, the South African team was rewarded with a penalty goal by winger Jakkie Cilliers after 15 minutes, making it 7-3. The North Americans hit back when winger Fancy Bermudez scored from a mistake by the Bok women from the restart. They scored two more converted tries in the first half – both long-range efforts by Flo Symonds (centre) and Laetitia Royer (flanker) – to take a 26-3 lead into the break. Despite their good start in the second half, the Boks allowed the Canadians to extend their lead. The game ended with the teams separated by 30 points as the Canadians won 50-20. NOW READ: Ten-try Bok Women too strong for Uganda
