Springbok Women training camp boosted with arrival of Jacobs and Makua

Springbok Women utility forwards Catha Jacobs and Lerato Makua are set to bolster the national squad as they join the team’s week-long training camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.

The camp, which kicks off on Sunday, marks the fourth such gathering in 2025 as the team intensifies preparations for the Rugby World Cup in England later this year.

Jacobs, who plies her trade with Leicester Tigers Women in England, is the first overseas-based player to link up with the squad this year. Her club commitments have concluded, allowing her to rejoin the national setup. However, the Harlequins duo of Babalwa Latsha and Danelle Lochner, along with Ealing Trailfinders’ Lindelwa Gwala, will remain in Europe for at least another month.

France-based Sinazo Mcatshulwa is also yet to return to South Africa.

The #BokWomen are back in camp and have been boosted by two experienced campaigners - more here: https://t.co/A0Q8DDEqQi 👍#MakeItCount #ETTIG pic.twitter.com/p5TCDa8IqO

— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) February 16, 2025

For Makua, this marks a significant return to the national fold. The Bulls Daisies forward last represented the Springbok Women at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in 2023. Having undergone knee surgery and a rigorous rehabilitation process, she is now fit and eager to contribute.

Meanwhile, Jacobs, who boasts 19 Test caps, is also on the comeback trail after a hamstring injury kept her sidelined for a portion of the English league season. Despite still undergoing the final phases of recovery, she expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the squad.

“I will be able to do most of what is expected at the camp, with only some contact integration drills still needed to be done,” Jacobs confirmed. “It is great to be back in the country and to join up with the group again. Speaking to players from other countries playing in the Premiership, they all agree the Bok Women are on the up and improving all the time, and that is a compliment for the hard work being done over the last couple of seasons by players and coaches alike.”

With the Women’s Premier Division taking a bye next weekend, the Springbok Women coaching staff plans to focus on high-intensity physical training and further alignment of team structures.

A few notable absentees include Nadine Roos, Zintle Mpupha, Alicia Willemse, and Ayanda Malinga, who have been called up to the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for the Challenger Series. Additionally, Lusanda Dumke is sidelined due to injury, and Chumisa Qawe is unavailable due to a family bereavement.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the intensity and focus of the Springbok women’s preparations will be critical in shaping the squad’s competitiveness on the global stage.

With reinforcements arriving and a strong core of domestic talent, the camp in Stellenbosch will be another vital step towards the team’s ultimate goal in England later this year.

Springbok Women Training Camp Squad:

DHL Western Province: Azisa Mkiva, Luchell Hanekom, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Roseline Botes, Logan Welman.

Border: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Nombuyekezo Mdliki.

Bulls Daisies: Anathi Qolo, Byrhandrѐ Dolf, Patience Mokone, Dineo Ndhlovu, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Faith Tshauke, Jakkie Cilliers, Lerato Makua, Micke Gunter, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Sizophila Solontsi, Unam Tose, Yonela Ngxingolo.

Sharks Women: Mary Zulu, Tayla Kinsey.

Sanlam Boland Dames: Aseza Hele, Veroeshka Grain, Nomawethu Mabenge, Maceala Samboya.

Overseas-based: Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers Women).