Springbok Women enter next phase of Rugby World Cup preparations

The Springbok Women’s team have taken a significant step toward their Rugby World Cup ambitions, assembling a squad of 38 players in Cape Town for a two-week training camp that signals the beginning of a crucial new phase in their preparations.

The camp, which started on Sunday, forms part of the national team's build-up to two major international competitions – the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in early June, followed by a pair of highly anticipated Test matches against Canada in July.

Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin, who is overseeing the preparations, selected a wider group of 47 players for the current phase. Nine of these players are still in Los Angeles with the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad, competing in the HSBC Play-Off tournament, and will join their 15-a-side counterparts in Stellenbosch next weekend.

The camp is being held in two parts, with the first week hosted in Newlands, Cape Town, and the second week taking place at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) from May 9 to 16.

“Following our successful tour to France and Spain, the next phase of our World Cup campaign now kicks off in all earnest,” said De Bruin. “We had a good tour with most of our objectives met, and we can start this phase more aligned as a group on what we want to achieve. This camp also allows us to assess our depth and identify players who can step up during the Africa Cup in Madagascar.”

A travelling squad of 28 players will be selected to represent South Africa at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, while a group of senior players will remain in Stellenbosch to continue their preparations for the July Test matches.

Several new faces have been included in this phase of training. DHL Western Province is well represented with Anuchka Ekron, Bronishia Hess, and Anushka Groenewald receiving call-ups, while Sharks duo Sinothile Bhengu and Amanda Ndlovu have also joined the national setup. Anja le Roux and Logan Welman have been included from the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad.

The players currently in Los Angeles – Ayanda Malinga, Nadine Roos, Zintle Mpupha, Rights Mkhari, Simamkele Namba, Leigh Fortuin, Felicia Jacobs, Alicia Willemse, and Patience Mokone – will rejoin the group in Stellenbosch upon their return.

This next chapter in the Springbok Women’s journey is not only about refining strategies and boosting conditioning but also about developing combinations and building a strong culture of belief and accountability within the team.

As preparations intensify, the squad’s focus will be on sharpening skills, strengthening team dynamics, and building momentum ahead of a busy international calendar. With the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup serving as a crucial qualifier and stepping stone toward the World Cup, all eyes will be on how this group performs in the coming months.

Springbok Women Assembled Squad in Cape Town:

Forwards (26):Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions); Sinothile Bhengu, Amanda Ndlovu, Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women); Anuchka Ekron, Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Azisa Mkiva, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Bronishia Hess (DHL Western Province); Logan Welman (Springbok Women’s Sevens); Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies); Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Dineo Ndlhovu, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies); Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women); Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders); Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers); Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames).

Backs (12):Tayla Kinsey, Mary Zulu (Sharks Women); Anja le Roux (Springbok Women’s Sevens); Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb (Border Ladies); Unam Tose, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Chuma Qawe, Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandré Dolf (Bulls Daisies); Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames).