South Africa Under-18 Girls to face Netherlands in landmark two-match rugby series in Stellenbosch
South Africa’s Under-18 Girls rugby team plays its first-ever international matches against the Netherlands in Stellenbosch on 12 and 16 December. Free entry and live streaming highlight this landmark moment for women’s rugby.
Image: Birgit from Pixabay
SOUTH African women’s rugby will turn a page in December when the newly formed South Africa Under-18 Girls team plays their very first international matches — a two-game series against the Netherlands U18 Girls.
The fixtures are scheduled for Friday, 12 December and Tuesday, 16 December at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch, with both games kicking off at 5pm.
The creation of this Under-18 girls side follows a recent Under-18 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp, held at Riebeek Kasteel, which drew 53 hopefuls from 34 high schools across 12 provincial unions. From that pool, a strong 26-player squad was selected to take on the Dutch visitors later this month.
At the helm is former Springbok wing Jongi Nokwe, with assistance from Aneesah Adams and Lesego Malebadi. As Nokwe put it: “This is a big development in our women’s programme and to see the excitement amongst the girls, and the enormous amounts of hard work they put in this week, bodes well for the future.”
There are five reasons these matches matter:
- A national first — this will be South Africa’s first-ever Under-18 girls side to play an international fixture. The establishment of this team marks yet another important milestone in the development of women’s rugby in the country.
- A talent pipeline — the 26 selected players hail from across the country, representing different provincial unions, reflecting SA Rugby’s commitment to broadening the base of women’s grassroots and youth involvement.
- High-profile coaching team — appointing a former Springbok got immediate attention and gave the squad legitimacy and experience. Nokwe’s comment underlines the excitement around the fresh squad.
- International exposure early — facing a European national side (Netherlands) at a young age offers players exposure to international rugby and sets a benchmark for SA’s girls’ pathway structures.
- Accessible and fan-friendly — entry to both matches is free. SA Rugby has also committed to live-streaming the games on its YouTube channel, giving fans across the country an easy way to follow this historic moment.
What to look out for
Expect a mix of youthful energy, raw talent and early nerves. The emphasis will be on testing combinations, giving the players exposure to international-style pressure, and building cohesion ahead of bigger tournaments.
More broadly, this series could signal the start of more structured and frequent international fixtures for youth women’s sides — something South African women’s rugby has long needed.
The games will be a proud moment for players, coaches, families, and a new milestone for South African rugby supporters. For many, the Under-18 Girls will be “our girls” long before they even take the field.
SA Under-18 Girls squad:
Forwards: Isipho Dungelo (WP), Masizana Orie (EP), Likhona Masiza (WP), Mivuyo Pawuli (WP), Nokulinda Makhubela (Pumas), Asive Gaqa (WP), Chuma Isaac (EP), Hlekane Baloyi (Bulls), Keesha Cloete (Boland), Ambesiwe Pontshi (Border), Vuyiswa Ngwenya (Pumas), Sinelizwei Rasmeni (WP), Palesa Matee (WP), Lindokuhle Nxawe (Border).
Backs: Danica Pypers (WP), Likhona Dyani (EP), Lukhanye Lolo (EP), Nailha Jansen (SWD), Julene Hass (EP), Nodumiso Molusi (Lions), Chanice Scholtz (EP), Nadelean Leeuskieter (EP), Nuha Levy (WP), Coby Mentoor (WP), Jessie Schoeman (WP), Anitha Fazi (WP).