Groundbreaking International tests await SA Under-18 Girls as 53-player squad assembles for elite camp
SA Rugby has selected 53 players for its Under-18 Girls Elite Player Development camp, marking a major step forward for women’s rugby. The camp, running from 29 November to 6 December, will produce a final 26-player squad to face the Netherlands in two historic international matches, the first ever for a South African U18 Girls team.
Image: Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP / File
SOUTH African women’s rugby is preparing for a historic breakthrough as SA Rugby confirmed that an Under-18 girls team will, for the first time, take the field in international fixtures.
A group of 53 promising young players from 34 high schools across 12 provincial unions have been invited to the national U18 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp, where the country’s next generation of talent will be shaped for two groundbreaking matches against the Netherlands.
The EPD camp will take place from November 29 to December 6 at the Delsma Sports Farm in Riebeek Kasteel. Then, after the week-long programme, the squad will be reduced to 26 players, who will then move to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) to prepare for the two historic internationals scheduled for December 12 and 17.
This marks the first time a South African Under-18 Girls side will compete in international fixtures, a major milestone in the rapid growth of the women’s game.
Top coaching talent assembled
Former Springbok flyer Jongi Nokwe has been appointed head coach for the two-match series, assisted by Aneesah Adams (Maties/WP), Claudia Francke (Sol Plaatje/Griquas), and Lesego Malebadi (UJ/Lions).
The EPD camp itself will be overseen by experienced youth coaches Katleho Lynch, Sean Erasmus, and Paetro Somerset, while Springbok Women coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt, along with the appointed match coaches, will lend further expertise.
A pathway that’s expanding at pace
The squad was finalised after standout performances at the FNB Under-18 Girls’ Weeks in Johannesburg earlier this year, following a successful Under-16 EPD camp in Paarl during the October break.
According to Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Development, the initiative is more than just a selection process, it's a shift in direction for women’s rugby in the country.
“Apart from the fact that this camp and the subsequent games provide a superb opportunity for our girls on the cusp of senior rugby, it’s also shifting boundaries in the women’s game in South Africa,” Masimla said. “With the EPD camp progressing into fully fledged match weeks, our Participation and Development and High-Performance Departments are working hand in hand on the pathway for girls.”
Louis Koen, senior talent manager in the High-Performance Department, highlighted that more is still coming.
“We are also planning to hold a camp for Under-19 women’s players, and the aim is that the players from these two groups will progress into the Junior Springbok Women squad next year,” Koen said. “One of the things we’ve realised we need to improve on in the women’s game is opportunities at the age-group level. Along with the FNB Girls’ Weeks, the Under-16 camp, and these upcoming activities, we are actively addressing that and creating a clearer pathway.”
Koen added that the new coaching appointments reflect SA Rugby’s commitment to developing not only players but also female coaches through meaningful involvement at the international level.
Full SA Rugby Under-18 Girls EPD Squad
Props: Ambesiwe Pontshi (Border), Katlego Bamote (Lions), Vuyiswa Gwenya (Pumas), Isipho Dungelo (WP), Ayabulela Valivali (EP), Likhona Masiza (WP), Amahle Plaatjies (EP), Oratlwe Baloyi (Bulls)
Hookers: Felicia Magagula (Pumas), Keesha Cloete (Boland), Marchelle Cedras (SWD), Ayabonga Ngema (Sharks), Orie Masizana (EP)
Locks: Mivuyo Pawuli (WP), Buhle Mxoli (Border), Nokulinda Makhubela (Pumas), Lebogang Tefo (Limpopo), Emihle Matyila (Border), Beyoncé Muhlari (Limpopo), Isekho Mhlontlo (WP), Sinelizwi Rasmeni (WP)
Loose Forwards: Asive Iva Gaqa (WP), Novuyo Ntombela (Sharks), Luthando Mxokozeni (Border), Ambesiwe Somsila (EP), Akeelah Rosetta Mei (SWD), Miche Taylor Mars (Boland), Hlekane Baloyi (Bulls), Palesa Matte (WP), Lindokuhle Nxawe (Border), Chuma Lisa Isaac (EP)
Scrumhalves: Kaitlin Tronskie (Bulls), Likona Dyani (EP), Danica Pypers (WP), Terenice Kriel (Griquas)
Flyhalves: Nuha Levy (WP), Catherine Stacey (Lions), Nadelean Leeuskiter (EP), Zusiphe Mthembu (Sharks)
Centres: Endinalo Fihla (WP), Julene Hass (EP), Nailha Jansen (SWD), Charmaine Marutla (Bulls), Thato Mary Rantai (Griffons), Jessie Schoeman (WP)
Outside Backs: Kaline Motloung (Pumas), Mpho Mxhanywa (Lions), Anothando Mbada (EP), Nondumiso Molusi (Lions), Tamryn Booysen (WP), Lukhanye Lolo (EP), Shanice Scholtz (EP), Anita Fazi (WP)