A MIX of experienced and up-and-coming players in the Women’s Springboks squad is represented by the defending champions of the Rugby Africa Woman’s Cup in the tournament to be held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, from Saturday to May 31.
In this competition, the female Springboks are accompanied by Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September who are deputy head coaches Swys de Bruin.
This South African team has been drawn against Madagascar, Uganda and host Kenya.
It will start with Madagascar (Saturday), Uganda (May 27) and close with the host (May 31).
All matches will be held at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Last year at this tournament in Madagascar, South Africa won the title, which is expected this time as well.
The local team will be led by Anathi Qolo who is the captain. Qolo is one of the many players in this squad who attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England last year.
The captain played well this season leading the Blue Bulls Daisies when they won the Pick N Pay Woman’s Super League title for the fourth time in a row.
This squad is mixed with players who have played for the female Springboks in the past but were not called up to play in the World Cup last year.
“We will divide our squad, some will go to Kenya and some will stay with them in Stellenbosch where we are working hard,” said De Bruin.
“We have an important test with the United States of America (USA) in July, so it is a concept we usually use to separate ourselves between the squads as we will have a busy 2026.
“The good thing about this Kenyan tournament is that even the players who would have taken time to get involved in big tournaments are getting experience quickly.”
The entire squad for the Rugby Africa Woman’s Cup is as follows:
Main: Yonela Ngxingoli, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombina Mdliki, Thandile Mazwi, Sanelesiwe Charlie, Anuschka Ekron, Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Abigail Smit, Nomsa Mokwai, Anathi Qolo (captain) and Zethu Gcaza.
THE BEHIND: Logan Welman, Insaaf Levy, Anacadia Minnaar, Mary Zulu, Thami Yeko, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Jakkie Cilliers, Naima Hlatshwayo, Nomawethu Mabenge, Alichia Arries, Shaunique Alexander and Chuma Qawe.