Latest news with #WXV2
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Vainah Ubisi on her journey back to the Springboks: 'Stellenbosch was a nightmare'
Springbok Women's lock forward Vainah Ubisi will be making her comeback against the Black Ferns XV on Saturday at Athlone Stadium. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media Springbok lock forward Vainah Ubisi has revealed that her immense desire to be part of next month's Rugby World Cup in England was the fuel that fired her towards a comeback against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. Ubisi, who has not featured for the Bok Women since last year's WXV 2 clash at the same venue after rupturing her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), was included in Performance Coach Swys de Bruin's starting team yesterday for the historic clash. The Bulls Daisies star has spent the intermittent months down in Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) where she underwent an intensive individual rehabilitation programme. 'When I got injured last year, that's what was in my mind. If I'm going to make it to the World Cup squad, if I'm going to be back in time,' Ubisi told the media. 'It was not easy being alone, doing rehab alone. It was tough. Stellenbosch was a nightmare for me! 'But as time went on, there was nothing else on my mind than the World Cup. So everything that I was doing, it was just for... I want to be in the World Cup squad.' 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 The 22-year-old also feels that being close to the rest of the Bok Women's team also helped her recovery. 'I actually did my rehab in I was there, the team was coming in and me being around the team, I think that actually eased me a little bit,' she said. 'I'm just grateful that I'm back and I was able to be back in time. I wouldn't have done it without... I should just thank the Lord. It wasn't going to be easy without a prayer.' There will be no easing back into the action for Ubisi as she will re-enter the fray against one of the most formidable teams in Women's rugby. The Black Ferns may not have the majority of their world champion team in South Africa, but still boast a host of experienced players aiming to stake one final claim to be part of the WRWC squad set for England. Ubisi's direct competitor Maama Vaipulu certainly fits that category with the abrasive Auckland lock expected to come out firing at Athlone Stadium. 'It is not going to be an easy game. We know that it's not their first team, but we just shouldn't take that as an advantage,' Ubisi said. 'We should give our best. Because they're also not going to relax and say we're just training in South Africa. I think we're both going to come hard at it. 'I think it's just going to be a dog's fight at Athlone Stadium on Saturday night.' Anathi Qolo, who also returns to the team she captained at the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Madagascar last month, will partner Ubisi in the second row after De Bruin made a raft of changes to the side that face Canada in the last Test against Canada in Gqeberha. Captain Babalwa Latsha is one of only four starters in the pack that will wear the same jersey again following their Canadian tussle match, while there are also numerous changes to his backline. The most significant has De Bruin opting to revert Nadine Roos and Eloise Webb to their regular fullback and outside centre positions with Tayla Kinsey and Libbie Janse van Rensburg combining as the halfback pairing instead. 'We've seen now Eloise at 10, she came through nicely. She prefers 13, so we will still play her there,' De Bruin said. 'But apart from that, you know, the spine, the number is not so important for me if you're 9, 10 or 15, because they're decision makers. 'And so, for example, for Libby to move from 10 to 15 is nothing. In any case, if she plays 10, she defends at the 15 position. S, it doesn't really matter.' Springbok Women's team 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.
Edinburgh Reporter
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scotland Women's Head Coach Bryan Easson to leave post at end of World Cup
Head Coach of the Scotland Women Bryan Easson has announced his decision to leave Scottish Rugby at the end of the upcoming Rugby World Cup tournament. As Scottish Rugby prepares to transition professional women's rugby back to Scotland after the tournament, Easson decided this was the right time to take on a new challenge, having spent 25 years working across a number of high-performance roles with the organisation. Speaking on his decision, Easson said: 'It has been the greatest honour of my coaching career to lead the Scotland Women's national team through one of the most significant and inspiring periods in its history. 'During my time as Head Coach, this team has grown immensely, rising from 11th in the world to an all-time high of fifth, and now proudly ranked seventh. We've experienced unforgettable highs: qualifying for two Rugby World Cups, winning WXV2, and competing with the best in the world. These moments are etched in our collective memory. 'We've also faced real challenges, tough results, setbacks, and times when belief was tested. None of it, the resilience, the progress, or the success would have been possible without an exceptional group of players and colleagues who showed remarkable strength, unity and character throughout the journey. 'I want to especially acknowledge Tyrone Holmes (Defence Coach), Ellen Dickson (Team Manager) and Rachel Malcolm, the three constants who've been by my side throughout. Their leadership, dedication and belief have been instrumental. 'In 2022, we reached a historic milestone with the introduction of professional contracts for the women's team, a landmark step that speaks to how far the game has come. I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in that progress and in building a foundation for the future. 'While the achievements belong to the group, I take pride in having led this chapter. I've always believed in leaving the jersey in a better place and I hope that's what I've done. 'To every player, coach, and colleague I've had the privilege to work alongside thank you.' Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson said: 'Bryan will take the Scotland squad to the World Cup in August as a fitting swansong to his many achievements as the coach of the national team and on behalf of everyone at Scottish Rugby we wish him success in England and also thank him for everything he has contributed to our sport over 25 years.' Bryan was appointed to the Scotland Women Head Coach role full-time in December 2020 after leading the team as Interim Head Coach since August that year. The process of recruiting a new Head Coach will commence shortly. Like this: Like Related
STV News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Scotland Women head coach Bryan Easson to leave role after Rugby World Cup
Scotland Women head coach Bryan Easson will leave the role after the upcoming Rugby World Cup. The move was announced by Scottish Rugby on Friday afternoon. Easson, who has worked in several positions in the organisation for 25 years, was appointed to the role of head coach full-time in December 2020 after leading the team as Interim Head Coach since August that year. He has now decided it is time for a new challenge and says managing the national side has been the 'greatest honour in his coaching career.' He said: 'It has been the greatest honour of my coaching career to lead the Scotland Women's national team through one of the most significant and inspiring periods in its history. 'During my time as Head Coach, this team has grown immensely, rising from 11th in the world to an all-time high of fifth, and now proudly ranked seventh. We've experienced unforgettable highs: qualifying for two Rugby World Cups, winning WXV2, and competing with the best in the world. These moments are etched in our collective memory. 'We've also faced real challenges, tough results, setbacks, and times when belief was tested. None of it, the resilience, the progress, or the success would have been possible without an exceptional group of players and colleagues who showed remarkable strength, unity and character throughout the journey. 'I want to especially acknowledge Tyrone Holmes (Defence Coach), Ellen Dickson (Team Manager) and Rachel Malcolm, the three constants who've been by my side throughout. Their leadership, dedication and belief have been instrumental. 'In 2022, we reached a historic milestone with the introduction of professional contracts for the women's team, a landmark step that speaks to how far the game has come. I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in that progress and in building a foundation for the future. 'While the achievements belong to the group, I take pride in having led this chapter. I've always believed in leaving the jersey in a better place and I hope that's what I've done. 'To every player, coach, and colleague I've had the privilege to work alongside, thank you.' Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson said: 'Bryan will take the Scotland squad to the World Cup in August as a fitting swansong to his many achievements as the coach of the national team and on behalf of everyone at Scottish Rugby we wish him success in England and also thank him for everything he has contributed to our sport over 25 years.' The process of recruiting a new Head Coach will commence shortly. The World Cup is being held in England from August 22 until September 27. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
‘All a family' — but by myself
Sweden's Stina Blackstenius scores their first goal past Poland's keeper Kinga Szemik during their Uefa Women's Euros game in Switzerland. No New Zealand broadcaster has picked up the rights to the Euros this year. PHOTO: REUTERS Standing together The Women's Rugby World Cup starts in England next month and it seems timely to recall this quote from Springboks captain Siya Kolisi after supporting his female counterparts at the WXV2 tournament last year. "Our job is to inspire everybody here and it's my job as a male to support women in sport because they do the same for us when we play,'' Kolisi said. "I don't think they get the credit they deserve and I think for us as the males in the sport, we need to start celebrating as much as we can. "We are all a family of sport at the end of the day and we know how well we are supported as men — but I don't have my platform without women supporting me.'' So, the question is, will you be throwing your support behind our Black Ferns — who play the Wallaroos this weekend — again as they hunt to defend their title? Whistle happy Matatū fullback Chey Robins-Reti is adding another string to her bow as part of the new cohort for the New Zealand Rugby women's referee scholarship programme for the next two years. Robins-Reti is no stranger to trying her hand at something new, having represented the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens and the Kiwi Ferns through the years. She joins Azania Watene (Counties-Manukau), Danielle Tippett (South Canterbury), Hayley Hutana (Canterbury) and Kahurangi Sturmey (Manawatū) as part of the programme. Each scholarship member receives financial support, one-on-one coaching and mentorship from NZR women's referee development manager Maggie Cogger-Orr. All by myself The All Blacks recently flew into town for their opening test, and aside from New Zealand Rugby staff members, The Revolution was the only female reporter in a room full of more than 20 for the media briefing. It was much the same last year, except there was double the media with a bunch of English reporters and others here for the start of the Razor era — but still just one female reporter. Granted, there are fewer members of the media attending events than back in the day, but are there really that few women around to send to the big games? TVNZ has a strong crop of female sports reporters and other newspapers do, too, but more are needed. Sport is a place where women belong — in all aspects including the press bench — and we need to encourage more coming through the ranks. Farewell, Jo Jo Harten, one of the great shooters of the modern game, has called time on her illustrious netball career. Harten was one of the first major English netballers — alongside defender Geva Mentor, who at 40, also retired last month — to play as an import in the southern hemisphere and lead the way for countless others. After 20 years in England, New Zealand (Mainland Tactix and Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic) and Australia, the 36-year-old will finish up after the Giants' game against the Melbourne Mavericks this weekend. Harten, who now calls Sydney home with her wife and daughter, retired internationally in 2023 and has been part of England's coaching staff, which has many tipping the mastermind to join the Giants' coaching ranks. "Leaving netball behind comes with mixed emotions, but I'm eager for the next chapter,'' Harten said. "I want my daughter to grow up knowing her mum went after bold dreams and that women's sport is powerful and meaningful. I'll always proudly stand behind it.'' Across the Ditch Speaking of Australia, The Revolution recently visited Australia, picked up a newspaper and had to wade through six sports pages before finding a single story on women's sport. Go figure.
The South African
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok Women reinforced by duo's return for landmark Canada Test
Zintle Mpupha and Micke Gunter will return to the starting lineup for the Springbok Women to face Canada at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, marking their first encounter with the North Americans. Both players last featured for the Bok Women in the WXV 2 against Italy, missing this year's Tests due to Sevens obligations and injury, respectively. Their inclusion adds experience and depth in what will be South Africa's first home clash against Canada in history. Mpupha, South Africa's top try-scorer, offers attacking firepower while Gunter strengthens the scrum from the No 2 jersey. Captain Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women for a record 22nd time in her landmark 51st Test match. She surpasses Mandisa Williams, who shares the previous captaincy record and will serve as flag bearer this Saturday. Scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey extends her Test record to 40 matches, the most for any South African in her position. Babalwa Latsha (35 Tests) and Sinazo Mcatshulwa (37 Tests) further boost a seasoned Springbok pack for the Loftus encounter. Mcatshulwa and Chumisa Qawe move from bench roles in that game to starting positions against Canada at Loftus Versfeld. Catha Jacobs, Yonela Ngxingolo and Byrhandré Dolf return to the bench, having also featured in last year's 66-7 defeat to Canada. Eight Springbok Women players starting Saturday's game also played in that loss to Canada in March 2023. Performance coach Swys de Bruin expects a massive challenge against world No. 2 ranked Canada at altitude in Pretoria. He views the match as crucial preparation for the World Cup, which kicks off next month for the Springbok Women. 'Canada have form and confidence after winning the Pacific Four,' said De Bruin ahead of Saturday's Test match kickoff. De Bruin wants his team to remain physical, stay disciplined, and use Loftus crowd energy to boost their performance. He emphasised the need to expand attacking options while maintaining intense defensive pressure on a well-drilled Canadian side. The Springbok Women will look to play their way, with an eye on testing strategies ahead of next month's tournament. 'This match will be a key indicator of our readiness and progress toward the Rugby World Cup,' De Bruin added. The Test match kicks off at 13h30 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Springbok Women – 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner,4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Subs: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Byrhandré Dolf, 23 Eloise Webb.
