When patients arrive at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital’s Level 1 trauma centre, they rarely realise that the caring nurse helping to treat them is also a Springbok rugby player.

 

Professional nurse Nomsa Mokwai is stylish, softly spoken, and has a shy but ready smile. She prides herself on being particular about nursing practices, and she loves that her work allows her to share her nurturing personality with the people she helps.

But, when she’s not working with the trauma team to save lives, she proudly puts on another uniform, that of the green and gold of the Springbok women’s rugby team.

It’s a role she also takes very seriously, devoting much of her valuable off-duty time to working out in the gym and squad training. The team she’s a part of has proven to be a powerhouse on the rugby field, recently representing South Africa in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the United Kingdom, where they reached the quarterfinals.

In her role as a trauma nurse, she says she loves the variety her job offers. At times, she has to channel her inner strength and show courage when coping with immense pressure. But this is a skill she relishes practising because, as a Springbok forward, she must use her physical strength against their opponents.

Asked how she thrives in these very different roles, she says she has always found it important to remember why she chose them.

“I became a nurse because I wanted to help people. I have the kind of personality that wants to help, that wants to nurture and see people getting better. I like to encourage people when they’re having the treatment they need at the hospital and to help them not to lose hope.

INSPIRING A GENERATION

“On the other hand, I wanted to play rugby because there’s a whole generation to inspire. It’s that simple. If they see me doing it, it could spark something inside them that says, ‘I can too’.”

She admits it is not always easy to juggle her two very demanding roles.

“I work night shifts, so immediately after work, I go to the gym or for training. Sometimes I swap work shifts with other nurses, so that I can attend the Springboks training camps.”

Putting on her nurse’s uniform means she’s committing to serving the patients she cares for at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital.

TEAMWORK WINS

“I try to make sure they feel better and do my best to help them recover, which I think sometimes requires them to have a lot of courage too. When I put on my rugby uniform, it's not only to inspire younger generations. I am also very aware that I’m playing for my family, my country and also for myself and my teammates.

I often think that in a medical setting, you can be as brilliant as ever, whether you are a doctor or a nurse or whatever other role, but you still require the person who is working next to you to help you to be successful. For example, you cannot resuscitate somebody alone. You need someone else to manage the airways, a colleague to manage circulation, and someone to see to the medication, so that the procedure is a success. So, it helps to identify other people's strengths and combine them with yours to save a life.

“Likewise, rugby also teaches us to identify one another’s strengths. It’s a team sport. As an individual, you can be very fit and super-fast, but you will never conquer your opposing team alone. You need your team for that.

“For me, both these uniforms mean teamwork. I love working with other people. I always learn from others, and I also love to teach them what I know.”

SUPPORT

Mokwai paid tribute to Netcare and her unit manager, Taahira Mondell, for allowing her to pursue her rugby career. “I’ve been assisted and supported, and I have really appreciated this.”

Asked why, of all the sports available to women, she chose rugby, Mokwai laughs. “Because many people don't think women can play rugby. I never thought I'd play rugby because I grew up thinking girls played netball and basketball, and the guys played rugby.

“I want to prove that we can do exactly the same as men do. I've played a lot of sports, but what makes rugby so unique is that it creates a bond that connects you with different characters and diverse cultures, in a way that encourages you to merge and become a family. It has that special quality.”

And when she’s not in the trauma department or on the rugby field, Mokwai has a few perhaps unexpected hobbies to help her relax.

“I love to bake, especially dark chocolate brownies, cook delicious pasta dishes, and sew my own clothes.”

MODEL AND FASHIONISTA

Mokwai used to do modelling, and although she hasn’t done a fashion shoot in a while, she says she’s still a self-confessed fashionista.

“My previous rugby coaches couldn't understand that there was this model that plays rugby. But regardless of the physical sport that I play, I'm still a woman, and I love looking beautiful — you know, having lashes, makeup, nails and a nice outfit.”

“Many people think I am that strong girl, that tough cookie. But I have a big, soft heart. I think my colleagues may see me as being quite strict because I like certain things being done a certain way at work. It’s not that I want it done my way, I want it done the right way.”

Mokwai says while she sometimes finds it a bit overwhelming when people recognise her, she admits it's lovely to connect with different people, “and to see that people really acknowledge and appreciate what you do”.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

“The best thing about my job is being able to be a compassionate and caring nurse to those I help, like when I can be a shoulder to cry on or share words of encouragement. Seeing people getting better is what we want to see every day.

With rugby, the best feeling isn’t just about winning. Winning is a collective team effort, and it’s great when that happens. I want to inspire young girls and young women to play rugby, and I also want to inspire those who are struggling to juggle two things at the same time. I feel like this is my journey and my story. It's a testimony to say that you actually can do this – be one woman, with two uniforms and many aspects - and still walk tall.”

©MNA

The inaugural Under-16 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls, which ran concurrently with the traditional Under-16 boys’ camp in Paarl last week, marked a significant milestone in SA Rugby’s national pathway for young talent.

While the boys’ squad delivered their customary top-class camp activities, it was the new girls’ contingent that proved particularly impressive, demonstrating high levels of commitment and skill throughout the week-long programme, during the school holiday from 5 to 11 October.

The camps, designed as a powerful intervention at a critical stage of development in the careers of young players, placed a strong focus on technical assessment.

The technical leadership for the boys’ squad was provided by SA Schools coaches Lwazi Zangqa (backs) and Cobus van Dyk (forwards), while former SA Schools coaches Katleho Lynch (backs) and Sean Erasmus (forwards) looked after all on and off-field technical aspects during the groundbreaking girls’ camp.

“A core function of the Under-16 EPD camp is comprehensive assessment and at the conclusion of the programme, every single participant received a detailed camp report or player profile,” said Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Development.

“These profiles highlight scores achieved across various metrics and clearly define the areas where each player needs to improve. The reports will be shared with the relevant school and provincial coaches, allowing for immediate and targeted intervention discussions to take place, ensuring the pathway process is data-driven and actionable.

“While player development remains the main outcome, with special attention given to mental conditioning and preparation to the young athletes, the EPD camps are also a vital platform where invited coaches, S&C coaches, and team officials have the opportunity to show their abilities at a national level, strengthening the entire rugby ecosystem.”

The productive week also included essential knowledge sharing, with top professional referees, Aimee Barrett-Theron and Cwengile Jadezweni, visiting the two EPD camps to lead discussions on the laws of the game.

The success of the Under-16 EPD camps paves the way for most of these young athletes to continue their journey and be included in next year's Under-17 EPD intake, further demonstrating the national pathway’s commitment to growing the next generation of South African rugby heroes.

The 2025 season was hailed as a watershed year for women’s rugby in South Africa by Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, on Thursday.

The performance of the Springbok Women’s team at the Rugby World Cup – at which they reached the quarterfinals for the first time – was a major highlight, but Mr Alexander was especially proud of the broadening and deepening of the female playing base.

Other notable firsts achieved during the year were:

The first Under-16 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls was held.

The first national championship for women’s clubs, sponsored by Betway took place.

The most teams yet played in the Under-20 Women’s Week.

The Springbok Women’s team had the full suite of sponsors on kit for the first time.

And SA Rugby also announced plans to launch an elite, fully professionalised women’s competition in 2026.

“Our Springbok Women definitely set the tone with their performances this year,” said Mr Alexander.

“But from the Women’s Premier Division early in the season to the trio of landmark events last week, 2025 has truly been a phenomenal year for women’s rugby in South Africa.

“To see our best Under-16 girls gather for a high-performance camp for the first time, while the top Under-20s and club players competed simultaneously, underlined the depth and momentum building in the women’s game.

“Women’s rugby is a strategic priority for SA Rugby and what we’ve witnessed this year – alongside the Bok Women breaking broadcast records – confirms we are on the right path.”

Mr Alexander extended his gratitude to all those working behind the scenes and acknowledged the vital role of SA Rugby’s partners, “We cannot do this alone. I doff my cap to dedicated partners such as FNB, Betway, Pick n Pay, Coca-Cola and many others for the way they have embraced the women’s game.”

The triumvirate of women’s events taking place simultaneously this month were the first Under-16 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls, which ran concurrently with a similar gathering for boys in Paarl, SA Rugby also hosted the inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship and the Under-20 Women’s Week in Johannesburg.

This followed hot on the heels of the Springbok Women’s best performance at a Rugby World Cup when they reached the quarterfinals at the tournament hosted in England last month.

The EPD squad for girls was announced following a comprehensive talent identification process during the FNB Girls Week for U16s in Johannesburg. The 50 players were taken through their paces by former SA Schools head coaches Sean Erasmus and Katlego Lynch at La Rochelle Girls' High School.

At the Betway Women’s Club Championship held in Alberton, Eastern Province side Kwaru made history by winning the Premier Division Final, beating Walker Bay Babes 17-14 to bring the curtain down on a wonderful week for women’s rugby.

And DHL Western Province beat the Blue Bulls by 33-0 in the final match of the U20 Women’s Week at Queens High School.

“The potential for growth in the women’s game in our country is fantastic,” concluded Mr Alexander.

“As the playing base grows, so will excellence at the high-performance level. I believe it’s no longer a question of whether our women can win the Rugby World Cup, but when.”

Provincial bragging rights will be a guaranteed motivational factor for the 14 teams contesting the 2025 U20 Women’s Week in Johannesburg, starting on Monday, while the next generation of talent should lay down a marker to the current Springbok Women coaching staff, who will be attendance at various stages of the three-day tournament.

Laurian Johannes-Haupt will attend matches on Monday and Wednesday, and Swys de Bruin and Bafana Nhleko will be at Queens High School on the final day on Friday.

Meanwhile, this year’s U20 tournament – a key pillar in SA Rugby’s national strategy to grow the women’s game – marks a new milestone, with a record 14 teams confirmed to participate, up from 12 that played last year.

Next week, the Pumas and a Northern Invitational XV will be joining the action, which boosts access and opportunity to even more players, while strengthening the pathway to high performance rugby.

De Bruin said he was keen to assess the talent on offer as this tournament ensures talented young women are seen, developed, and supported, building stronger provincial and national teams for the future, which will benefit the Springbok Women’s team on the long run.

“We have seen what momentum was created by our squad during the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said De Bruin.

“We would like to build on that and make sure we have the best athletes available for the next World Cup, in Australia in 2029. We already identified some talent this season at this age group, and I am sure more will emerge next week.”

Amongst those identified are Western Province flyhalf Anja le Roux and Bulls Daisies loose forward Bronishia Hess. Both were in the national training squad that prepared for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in June but missed out on selection due to injury.

A debutant at the Antananarivo tournament, Daisies wing Patience Mokone, will support her younger sibling, Thato Mokone, who will start on the wing for the Pretoria team.

The Capetonians be hard to beat, as their squad also include Logan Welman and Donëy Fillies, who have already played senior rugby for Western Province in the Women’s Premier Division. Stella Ncube (wing, Golden Lions) and Neidene Solomons (flanker, Free State) are also amongst some of the Premier Division regulars.

Former Springbok Women players Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen and Rumandi Potgieter are the Lions’ coaches.

The 14 participating teams have been grouped into two tiers to ensure fairness and maintain competitive balance throughout the tournament. At the conclusion of each day’s matches, a panel will convene to determine the next round of fixtures based on performance and outcomes.

Tier 1 includes the Bulls, Boland, Border, Eastern Province, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks, and Western Province. Tier 2 will feature Griquas, Limpopo Blue Bulls, Pumas, SWD, Valke and the Northern Invitational XV.

Matches take place on 6, 8 and 10 October and will be be broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools platform. At the conclusion of the tournament, a Junior Springbok Women’s training squad will be named.

U20 Women’s Tournament fixtures (day one – Monday 6 October at Queens High School):

08h30: Valke v Northern Invitational XV

09h40: Pumas v Limpopo

10h50: SWD v Griquas

12h00: WP v Sharks

13h10: Lions v Cheetahs

14h20: Border v Boland

15h30: Bulls v EP

England centre Megan Jones is determined not to be seen as a "victim" following the death of both of her parents as she targets Women's Rugby World Cup glory on Saturday.

The Red Roses vice-captain, a nominee for world player of the year, and her teammates are just 80 minutes away from securing the sport's ultimate prize as they gear up to face Canada at a sold-out Twickenham.

But the match will not be witnessed by Jones' father or mother, who both died last year.

Jones's father, Simon, died from lung cancer in August 2024 and just four months later, she lost her mother, Paula, following a long struggle with alcoholism and addiction.

"It's been a huge fuel for me," Jones said. "Of course it's difficult, but I've always hated being the victim. I was never brought up that way. My mum and dad would hate that."

She added: "So I never want people to feel sorry for me, but the bit I want to get over is that through difficult times, through adversity, you can still fulfil your dreams and your purpose and you can actually use that to drive you in such a good way."

The 28-year-old said that she faced plenty of bad days but added: "There's always good within a bad day.

"Perspective is so beautiful and it's everything my mum and dad taught me. Input via output, work hard and always know that you'll never feel sad 24/7.

"Good days are always ahead. There are always silver linings, we've just got to look quite deeply sometimes."

'SUPERPOWER'

Cardiff-born Jones, who qualifies for England through her mother, was not involved in the 2022 World Cup, when England suffered a 34-31 loss to New Zealand in the final – the Red Roses' lone defeat in their past 63 matches.

Jones has said missing that match is her "superpower", because she is not scarred by the defeat, even though she started the 2017 final, another loss to New Zealand.

"I didn't enjoy 2017 as much as I could have done," said Jones. "I was 20, I was young... I was chasing, as you do as an aspiring player.

"Now, because of everything that's happened as well, I've been so present in this time and wanting to share it with my loved ones," she added.

"I'm not taking it for granted, which I might have done in 2017."

Rugby chiefs on Thursday launched a new WXV Global Series in a bid to harness the "energy" of the ongoing Women's World Cup in England.

The competition builds on the existing WXV tournament, created to bolster international women's rugby union between World Cups.

The new version will run between 2026-28 and feature 18 international teams divided into two divisions.

The top 12 countries –- Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, the United States and Wales –- will compete in a home-and-away touring model in September and October.

Unions will retain domestic commercial rights to their home fixtures, with World Rugby recognising "the importance of growing the value of the women's game in each country".

Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, Samoa and Spain, meanwhile, will meet in a single venue in both 2026 and 2028, with World Rugby funding those tournaments to ensure teams can compete without financial hardship.

According to World Rugby, the top 18 teams will play over 100 matches between them from 2026-28.

The Global Series will also help a team reach the 2029 Women's World Cup in Australia, with the second division tournament in 2028 acting as a final qualifier for that event.

"The launch of the WXV Global Series is a pivotal next step for the women's game," Sally Horrox, World Rugby's head of women's rugby, told a press conference.

"We want to build on the energy of the World Cup," she said, with a sell-out crowd of over 80 000 already secured for next week's final at Twickenham.

Horrox, speaking in Bristol, which is staging the semifinals between world champions New Zealand and Canada and between England and France, added: "The WXV Global Series will bring consistency, clarity and certainty of global competition."

In a significant boost for women's rugby development, SA Rugby has confirmed a brand-new club competition for women, with Betway as the title sponsor, while the U20 Women’s Tournament will see more participating teams than ever before converge on Johannesburg next month.

Both tournaments will take place in the week of 5-10 October in Gauteng – the Betway Women’s Club Championship at Alberton Rugby Club and the U20 Women’s Tournament at Queens High School.

The inaugural Betway Women’s Club Championship – the first of its kind in South Africa – will see 16 club teams (drawn from all 15 provincial unions plus one wild card) play each other over three match days, with the event aimed at elevating the domestic women’s rugby further and developing the game nationally at grassroots level.

“The Betway Women’s Club Championship marks an important milestone in the development of women's rugby, providing a vital platform for players to showcase their talent in the level below provincial rugby,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“We’re not just building competitions – we’re creating pathways for women to play, dream, and rise, and we are very grateful to Betway for coming on board as title sponsor and showing strong support for the women’s game in South Africa.”

Betway’s Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles believes this is an important opportunity for the future of women’s rugby in South Africa.

“As a principal partner of the Springboks, Springbok Women’s team and the Blitzboks, we are delighted to extend our commitment to rugby in South Africa by supporting the Betway Women’s Club Championship,” said Rowles.

“We at Betway believe that this tournament provides a vital platform for the next generation of women to showcase their unbelievable talent and hopefully one day represent the senior national team on a global stage like the Rugby World Cup. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Springbok Women’s team on their performance at the 2025 World Cup.”

The competition will feature 16 teams from across South Africa. Similarly to the Pick n Pay Gold Cup, teams from the FNB Varsity Cup are not eligible although women’s teams from three other tertiary institutions that did not participate in the Varsity Cup have been included among the 16 competitors.

They are Durban University of Technology (Sharks), Sol Plaatje University Rugby Club (Griquas) and University of Limpopo (Limpopo Blue Bulls).

They will be joined by Walker Bay (Boland), Mqanduli Sharks (Border), Harlequins (Bulls), Kwaru RFC (EP), Collegians Valkyries (Free State), Pirates (Lions), Van der Stel Evergreens (WP), Welkom Rugby Club (Griffons), Potchefstroom Dorp (Leopards), Embalenhle RC (Pumas), Titans (SWD), Kempton Park (Valke), and the wild card team, Raiders (Lions).

The teams will be split into two divisions of eight, based on their provincial participation in the Women’s Premier and First Divisions. Teams will play three matches each during the week in Alberton.

Meanwhile, this year's U20 tournament marks a new milestone, with a record 14 teams confirmed to participate, up from 12 that played last year, with the Pumas and a Northern Invitational XV joining the action next month.

Oberholzer said: “This tournament is of strategic importance as it serves as a critical platform for the development of women’s rugby and a vital step in the pathway to the Springbok Women’s team.

“It also serves as a vital recruitment platform, enabling unions to scout and strengthen their First and Premier Division squads with emerging talent from across the country.

“These two tournaments really underline our Participation & Development Department’s mantra of #GrowTogetherPlayTogether.”

The 14 participating sides will also be split into two groups, according to the Women’s Premier and First Divisions. Tier 1 at the 2025 U20 Women’s Tournament in Johannesburg will consist of the Bulls, Boland, Border, Eastern Province, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks and Western Province. Tier 2 will feature Griquas, Limpopo Blue Bulls, Pumas, SWD, Valke and the Northern Invitational XV.

Matches in both tournaments will take place on 6, 8 and 10 October.

BETWAY WOMEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES (day one – Monday 6 October at Alberton Rugby Club):

FIRST DIVISION:

8:30am: Sol Plaatje (Griquas) v Raiders (wild card, Lions)

9:40am: Titans (SWD) v Welkom (Griffons)

10:50am: Embalenhle (Pumas) v University of Limpopo (Limpopo)

12pm: Potch Dorp (Leopards) v Kempton Park (Valke)

PREMIER DIVISION:

1:10pm: Mqanduli Sharks (Border) v Kwaru (EP)

2:20pm: Harlequins (Bulls) v DUT (Sharks)

3:30pm: Walker Bay (Boland) v Collegians Valkyries (Cheetahs)

4:40pm: Van der Stel Evergreens (WP) v Pirates (Lions)

U20 Women’s Tournament fixtures (day one – Monday 6 October at Queens High School):

8:30am: Valke v Northern Invitational XV

9:40am: Pumas v Limpopo

10:50am: SWD v Griquas

12pm: WP v Sharks

1:10pm: Lions v Cheetahs

2:20pm: Border v Boland

3:30pm: Bulls v EP

New Zealand's Mererangi Paul has been drafted into the squad as an injury replacement for Amy du Plessis ahead of their Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinal against Canada in Bristol on Friday, where the defending champions face a potential crisis at centre.

Du Plessis has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a shoulder injury picked up in their opening game against Spain, and with Sylvia Brunt and Theresa Setefano doubts to face Canada after head injuries in the quarterfinal victory over South Africa, New Zealand may be left short in the midfield.

Stacey Waaka is the only centre known to be available but outside back Paul will be able to cover that position too.

Paul has 12 caps after making her international debut in 2023 and was a nominee for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, having been a professional netball player before crossing over to Sevens and then 15s rugby three years ago.

Canada secured top place in Pool B at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, beating Scotland 40-19 on Saturday and avoiding a likely quarterfinal clash with favourites England.

Instead, Scotland, who had already secured a last-eight berth last weekend, are set for a showdown with the Auld Enemy in the quarters if England overcome Australia in Brighton later on Saturday.

Second-ranked Canada had already been guaranteed progress to the knockout stages but were subjected to a tough contest by Scotland, who had the majority of possession but paid the price for a myriad of mistakes.

Emily Tuttosi scored two tries for Canada with one each for McKinley Hunt, Brittany Kassil and Olivia DeMerchant plus a penalty try.

Scotland’s try scorers were Rhona Lloyd, Evie Gallagher and Fran McGhie, with her sixth of the tournament.

Canada’s win was the first of a double header at Sandy Park, with Fiji and Wales, who have both been eliminated, kicking off at 1345 GMT.

Also on Saturday in Pool A, the United States were meeting Samoa in York (kick off 1230 GMT) while England's and Australia’s meeting was kicking off at 1600 GMT.

If Australia lose and do not get a bonus point and the US win with a bonus point, both Australia and the Americans will have eight points, and a place in the last eight will then be decided on points difference.

The Springbok Women are determined to show that their strong start at the Women’s Rugby World Cup was no fluke and want to keep their winning momentum going when they face France in their final pool match in Northampton on Sunday.

That was the message from Babalwa Latsha, who will lead the team out at Franklin’s Gardens, who feels their upward curve is due to hard work and doing the right things at training.

“We have prepared well for this one,” she said. “We understand the challenge the French will pose, but we are ready to embrace that. It is all about what is happening in the match itself and how we apply ourselves.”

South Africa top pool D with a full house of 10 log points after beating Brazil and Italy, with France second with nine log points. Both have already qualified for the quarterfinals, to be played in Exeter next weekend.

“We enjoyed the highs of qualifying for the quarterfinals, but came back to earth this week to prepare for this important game,” said Latsha.

“We are still going out to win, no matter what. We are not saving ourselves for next weekend. What gives me confidence is the fact that we have been on an upward trajectory in our play for a while now and I know we can still improve even more. We are in a good space and ready to take on whatever challenge come our way.”

Latsha said the support from back home is also motivating the team: “The support has also been awesome – the number of messages of support and good luck has been incredible and inspiring, so a big thumbs up to everyone who became our plus ones.”

ZULU READY TO GO

For Mary Zulu, who will play in her first match of the Women's Rugby World Cup, it has been a week of smiles after she was named at flyhalf for this crucial test.

Zulu took a blow to the face last week as the team prepared for the match against Italy and needed stitches, but September has been good to her thus far, she said with a huge smile.

"The wound has healed completely, and all the swelling is gone, so I am ready to go on Sunday,” said Zulu.

“This is a great opportunity for me, and I plan to use this to the best of my ability. To play in a World Cup was just a dream a couple of years back, but now this becomes a reality, and I cannot wait.”

Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin made several changes to the side that played Italy, with the result that all of those who did not play in the first two matches will get a run against France.

“We have prepared well for this match, and everyone is keen to go,” said Zulu.

“Those who did not play yet has been waiting for their opportunity and want to make the most of it. Coach Swys said that the selection for the squad to play in the quarterfinals will only be made after the France game, so we have 80 minutes to make our mark and stake a claim for next weekend.”

MATCH DETAILS: SOUTH AFRICA V FRANCE

Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton

Kick-off: 17h45 (SA time)

Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy)

Assistant referees: Lauren Jenner (Italy), Jess Ling (Australia)

TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)

TV: SuperSport 199

Head to Head (SA score first):

10/8/2009: 17-17 (Ontario)

4/7/2014: 8-46 (Marcoussis)

5/8/2014: 3-55 (Marcoussis)

6/11/2021: 3-46 (Vannes)

8/10/2022: 5-40 (Auckland)

Selected stats:

● Tayla Kinsey and Sinazo Mcatshulwa will extend their records as most capped scrumhalf and loose forward in the Bok Women test history (40 caps each). They are also second on the list of most caps behind Nolusindiso Booi (53).

● Babalwa Latsha is the most capped prop in Bok Women history (38 caps).

South Africa's women's team are stepping out from the monumental shadow of the four-time world champion Springboks as they prepare for their first-ever quarterfinal appearance in a Rugby World Cup by taking on France this weekend.

The team has come a long way since disappearing between 2014 and 2017, drawing more attention as they develop though they still do not enjoy the public adoration reserved for the men's squad.

Under the guidance of coach Swys de Bruin, the Springbok Women take on France on Sunday in their final pool game after already having ensured a history-making spot in the quarterfinals following their battling 29-24 win against higher-ranked Italy in gameweek two.

"We are sitting on a goldmine that can explode if we're really serious about it," said former coach Stanley Raubenheimer, who led the team's revival from 2018 to 2022.

This success can be traced back to 2019, when, as SA Rugby Union director of rugby, current Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made the women's side a priority.

It has paid off. Between 2021 and 2024, the pool of licenced players nearly doubled from 3 900 to 6 800, and the first professional women's franchise – the Bulls Daisies – was launched in 2023.

"There are a lot of plans for next year," De Bruin told AFP. "There will be more professional franchises, not only the Bulls."

De Bruin, a Springboks attack coach from 2018 to 2019, also helped to rebuild the men's side before resigning with burnout.

There are parallels between the men's and women's teams but "the gap is still massive", he said.

EXPOSURE, INSPIRATION

The Boks Women opened their World Cup campaign this year with a 66–6 rout of Brazil on 24 August, their first World Cup pool stage win since 2010.

It was a massive moment for the team but went unnoticed by many at home.

In popular sports bars in Johannesburg, the game was on television but few were watching. "On Sundays, people rest," a security guard said at the Benchwarmers by way of explanation.

It was a far cry from the jubilation the day before when fans crowded venues across the city in gold and green jerseys to watch the Springboks exact a 30-22 revenge on Australia.

With history already made, Springbok Women prop Yonela Ngxingolo believes this World Cup run could turn the tide for the game.

"Definitely, because even the numbers have grown right now in terms of exposure and people seeing us," Ngxingolo told AFP.

That means "there are more girls out there that are going to be inspired", she added.

'IN OUR DNA'

Like the men, the women favour a bench stacked with six forwards and just two backs. "We pride ourselves on our physicality," said forwards coach Franzel September. "We know we can bully you up front. That's in our DNA."

Embodying this raw power is Aseza Hele, an unstoppable loose forward (172cm, 91 kg) and one of the Black players who ensures the women's team is more representative of South Africa than the largely white men's squad.

The composition of the country's sports teams is closely watched in the post-apartheid era and the Springboks were criticised for including only one Black player in the side that defeated Australia.

There was little chance of that happening in women's rugby as it was "more prevalent in the Black culture", Raubenheimer said.

"Girls really want to play rugby so there's not those blockers and barriers that you might have in other countries where girls don't know whether they want to play a contact sport," former Ireland international Lynne Cantwell, the team's high-performance manager until 2024, told AFP.

The South African "high school system is an absolutely unbelievably ripe breeding ground for excellent talent", she said, adding that she hopes "in the next couple of years that will get stronger and there'll be more schools getting involved and more competitive in the girls' game".

Wales No 8 Georgia Evans has hit back at the negative remarks about her appearance on the field, saying she brings "a bit of Barbie" to a sport long dominated by men.

The 28-year-old Saracens player earned her 42nd international cap in Wales' 42-0 defeat by Canada last weekend, a result that ended their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

While Evans was praised for her tackling and work-rate, she was attacked on social media for her appearance, which includes wearing ribbons in her hair during matches.

"In an old-school, man's game, I'm bringing a bit of Barbie to the party," she said in an Instagram post. "To those who don't like it, that's OK. To those who've shown love and support - thank you. Don't worry, I won't be changing."

The Welsh Rugby Union publicly backed Evans, sharing their support for her message.

"A rugby player is no longer defined by your gender or what you look like," Evans wrote on Instagram.

"It appears that my appearance on game day seems to be offending some people... and to that I'm so not sorry.

"Myself, my team, and all the incredible female athletes from around the world are currently competing in the biggest Women's Rugby World Cup, showcasing the best of the best and inspiring thousands - including young boys and girls who are finally seeing what's possible in this incredible game.

"Yes, Wales haven't been at our best, but I'm not here to make excuses. The bows in my hair, the tape on my arm, the eyelashes and full face of make-up I choose to wear — none of that affects my ability, passion, or fight for this game."

Wales play Fiji in their final group match on Saturday.

The Springbok Women’s pack of forwards came to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup with a clear objective and that desire – to be rated among the best of the best – will be a massive driving force in their Pool D performances against Brazil, Italy and France over the next three weekends.

Springbok Women scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said there is a firm belief in the squad that they can provide the ammunition needed for South Africa to achieve a best-ever performance at the Rugby World Cup, where the Bok Women have won only three of their 18 matches to date, something the coach said have to change.

“This pack is a proper machine, and I can confidently say that we rank up there with the best in the tournament,” said Johannes-Haupt.

“They have come a long way, improving all the time, but I have to say, the growth over the last season or so has been really impressive. They are so powerful, without them even realising it at times.

“Our set piece is going to dominate, and I put it out there, so strong is my belief in our players. I think were among the top three at this tournament.”

The Springbok Women are ready to break into the top 10 on the world rankings 🇿🇦💥

Watch all the #RWC2025 action on SS Events (ch.199), available on DStv Access 📺#SSRugby | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/mO2BtxAk5Y

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 21, 2025

Johannes-Haupt admitted that it was an emotional time for her to return to a Women's Rugby World Cup in England, where she represented the Springbok Women in 2010.

“This is such a huge moment for me to now see where we are as a team and what that road looked like from 2010,” she said.

“It is so fulfilling to see how these players are living the dream we had way back. I am so proud of the way they carry themselves as Springbok Women and how proud they are of playing here, representing us.”

The 2010 squad won matches against Wales and Kazakhstan, but for Johannes-Haupt, the expectation of a potential top eight finish was far off back then.

“Back in 2010, we could not anticipate that, so it is really great to be here and experience this moment with this team,” she said.

“The class of 2010 are proud, I know I speak for all of them, although the job is only starting on Sunday. We have a massive responsibility to take this team to a status they never had.”

Their desire to be rated amongst the best of the best will be a massive driving force for the #BokWomen pack at #RWC2025 - more here: https://t.co/Wl3HtOFSHy 🙌#PlusOne pic.twitter.com/Dno7HbahMf

— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) August 21, 2025

Experienced prop Babalwa Latsha said she is proud to call herself a Springbok Women rugby player: “Rugby gave me an identity and a voice. In a way, becoming a rugby player liberated me as a person. I started playing rugby by chance, but the real answer to the question is why I kept playing rugby and is still doing that today.”

The fact that she was accepted despite her body shape made her feel welcome up to this day, Latsha said.

“Suddenly I was accepted for the way I looked and how I was built,” said Latsha, who will will extend her record as most capped prop in a Bok Women jersey at this Rugby World Cup.

“In fact, I was celebrated because I was strong and did not mind running over people. That gave me the confidence that I am indeed special and from that day my confidence grew, and I found a voice and space in life.”

England concluded preparations for their hosting of the Women's Rugby World Cup with a convincing away victory over France, winning 40-6 on Saturday in their last warm-up international before the tournament kicks off later in the month.

England – who have contested the last six World Cup finals, a run that includes their 2014 triumph – produced a dominant performance and will be heading to the tournament brimming with confidence as they scored six tries without reply against their hosts.

Morwenna Talling, Amy Cokayne and Maud Muir all went over in the first half as England put on an impressive display of forward power and Megan Jones and Lark Atkin-Davies (two) added second-half scores as a near-full strength English side proved far too strong for the French at Stade Andre-et-Guy-Boniface.

Zoe Harrison kicked over five conversions while France’s two penalties were slotted over by Morgane Bourgeois.

The result made it 57 wins from their past 58 internationals, and a 16th win in a row over the French, for the English who kick off the World Cup with a Pool A clash against the United States in Sunderland on August 22.

France, who have been third at seven of the nine previous World Cups but never reached a final, are in Pool D and meet Italy in their opening game at Exeter on 23 August.

Springbok Women flanker and Isuzu Bulls Daisies captain Lusanda Dumke is stepping away from rugby due to health concerns.

The 28-year-old loose forward, who earned 33 test caps and captained the Springbok Women on three occasions, led the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to their third consecutive Women’s Premier Division title in 2025.

Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin acknowledged Dumke’s importance to the national setup and expressed full support for her decision.

“Lusanda has been pivotal for us, but we now wish her the best as she battles her medical condition,” said De Bruin.

“Her absence will have an impact, but at the same time, the players going to the Rugby World Cup will know that playing for your country while you are fit and strong is indeed a privilege.”

Dumke is a previous winner of the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award, and her leadership and resilience left a lasting mark on both the Bok Women and the Isuzu Bulls Daisies.

Thando Manana, executive for women’s rugby and strategic projects at the Blue Bulls Company, said: “Lusanda has been more than just a captain, she’s been the heartbeat of the Isuzu Bulls Daisies. Her leadership, humility, and relentless drive have shaped the culture of this team.

“While we respect her decision to step away for health reasons, her legacy will continue to inspire every player who wears this jersey. We stand firmly behind her and wish her strength and healing in the journey ahead.”

Dumke has requested that her privacy be respected in this matter and no further comment will be made.

Injured former Olympic sevens champion Charlotte Caslick is confident she will play some women's Rugby World Cup in England even if she has already ruled out from taking the field in Australia's tournament opener against Samoa.

Caslick, who was named sevens World Player of the Year in 2016, damaged her ankle against New Zealand last month and was still in a moonboot when she spoke to reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.

Coach Jo Yapp included the 30-year-old in her World Cup squad on Monday, however, and Caslick said she was hoping to be ready to go against the United States in Australia's second Pool A game in York on August 30.

"When it happened, I knew it would be touch and go, and the time frame's probably a little bit tighter than I would have hoped," the backline threat said.

"It's a bit of a bummer but I guess it's all part of it. It's disappointing knowing that I probably won't be in the best shape of my career at this point, but I'm going to try and do everything I can to be as good as I can be."

Yapp also selected Siokapesi Palu in her squad despite the Wallaroos captain struggling with a foot problem. Caslick said the two injured players had been supporting each other.

"We're definitely in very similar positions at the moment," she said.

"I feel for her too, she's had an amazing season and being captain of the team but we're kind of bouncing off each other every day in training and just praying for each other."

The eighth-ranked Wallaroos concluded their preparations for the World Cup with a record 36-5 win over Wales last week and Caslick thought there was enough quality in the squad to fulfil Yapp's ambition of a spot in the quarterfinals.

"I think obviously the game against Wales last Friday just proved how much improvement we've had in the last 12 months," Caslick said.

"There's so many world class players in that side."

Australia, whose best finish at the World Cup was a run to the semifinals in 2010, complete their pool stage campaign against hot title favourites England in Brighton on 6 September.

The Springbok Women want to dish up the perfect meal in Cape Town on Saturday, not only to appease the appetite for perfection from the coaching staff, but also to their loyal support base at Athlone Stadium when they take on the Black Ferns XV in their second international friendly.

The visitors won last weekend’s clash by 34-26, but Babalwa Latsha, who will lead the Bok Women out again, said too many chefs spoiled the broth for the home side on that occasion.

“This time we are going to keep it simple and rather focus on doing small things right first – we need to be physical, but we also need to be clever and productive when we have possession,” the most capped prop in the Springbok Women’s game said.

Latsha added that there are many reasons why they want to leave the stadium Saturday night content and happy: “This is indeed our final chance before the World Cup later this month. Up to this point, our coaches have given us all the ingredients to make the perfect dish.

“We know our set piece is working well and it showed last weekend, we have good commitment when under pressure and we do play with guts, but something was still amiss.

“We worked hard this week to get the nuances in our game in place and I think we are ready to deliver that final showing that will leave us all ready for the biggest tournament of our lives.”

The mindset of the Bok Women towards the perfect game and their opponents’ class will lead to another humdinger, Latsha predicted.

“They are really such a skillful team and a joy to watch when you are on the sidelines,” she said.

“I think we proved that we can play a bit as well last weekend, and what a game that was. I suspect we are going to have more of the same again. It will be a match of high intensity, huge physicality and amazing action.

“This is a perfect way to complete our local season and how special will it be if we have the same energy and crowds in tomorrow. Tickets are only R20, but the value of entertainment will exceed that, guaranteed.”

Tickets for the match can be purchased for R20 per person from Quicket.

FIXTURE

SPRINGBOK WOMEN V BLACK FERNS XV

Saturday 2 August

Athlone Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 5pm

Live on SuperSport Grandstand

Experienced campaigners Ayanda Malinga, Danelle Lochner, and Lindelwa Gwala will return to the Springbok Women match-23 for Saturday’s second international friendly against the Black Ferns XV as Swys de Bruin again tweaked combinations for their final match before the Rugby World Cup in England next month.

Malinga, a try-scorer against Canada in Gqeberha three weeks ago, returns to the left wing after being declared fit following a shoulder strain, while Lochner, who also played in that match, recovered from a facial fracture to run out at Athlone Stadium this weekend.

Lindelwa Gwala, the Springbok Women’s most experienced hooker with 35 test caps, returns after she missed both tests against Canada.

Byrhandré Dolf is another to return to the starting team after sitting out the first match against the New Zealand side due to a niggle, while De Bruin again opted for new combinations in several other positions.

Among those are Nadine Roos, who will return to scrumhalf where she will partner with flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg, and in the midfield, where Aphiwe Ngwevu – who came off the bench last weekend – will combine with Zintle Mpupha for the first time this year.

Sinazo Mcatshulwa is also back at her preferred position of blindside flanker after coming off the bench last weekend, while loosehead prop Yonela Ngxingolo gets a rare start, having played off the bench 14 times in her last 16 appearances.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The Springbok Women's team for Saturday's match against the Black Ferns XV 🇿🇦

Kick-off is 17:00 (CAT) at Athlone Stadium, 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 on Variety 3 📺#SSRugby | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/2wPd0Np0F0

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 31, 2025

The 27-year-old started in 13 consecutive tests earlier in her career, before being moved to the bench as a super sub who can pack down on both sides of the scrum.

Unam Tose and Xoliswa Khuzwayo are the only players on the bench who did not play in Athlone last weekend.

Tose did face Canada off the bench in Gqeberha, while Khuzwayo started all three matches in Madagascar during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

“These are the last tweaks – some were forced by niggles, as we could again not consider Nolusindiso Booi and Sizophila Solontsi, while Chumisa Qawe was also replaced due to medical advice,” said De Bruin.

“The other switches are to make sure we have a squad full of players with enough game time before we leave for England.”

With Booi on the sidelines, Babalwa Latsha will again lead the team on the field, with Janse van Rensburg as her deputy.

“We were boosted by the second half performance last weekend, but that is in the past and we approach this one with a different team and some tweaks in the game plan,” said De Bruin.

“I would like to see the team play with more freedom on attack, but that focus area will only bring results if we finish our lead-up play. We are so close to combining all the good things we do, and this is the final opportunity to get it right before the trip to England.

“We must finish all the good things we start, that is a non-negotiable.”

Springbok Women’s team to face the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town:

15 Byrhandre Dolf

14 Maceala Samboya

13 Zintle Mpupha

12 Aphiwe Ngwevu

11 Ayanda Malinga

10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (vice-captain)

9 Nadine Roos

8 Aseza Hele

7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa

6 Lerato Makua

5 Danelle Lochner

4 Vainah Ubisi

3 Babalwa Latsha (captain)

2 Lindelwa Gwala

1 Yonela Ngxingolo

Replacements:

16 Luchell Hanekom

17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo

18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki

19 Anathi Qolo

20 Catha Jacobs

21 Unam Tose

22 Jakkie Cilliers

23 Eloise Webb

Final tweaks aside, a positive result will be massively important for the Springbok Women when they take on the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, as this will be their final match before the Rugby World Cup starts in England next month.

That was the message of Franzel September, one of the team’s assistant coaches, after the Bok Women was put through their paces at the UCT Rugby Fields on Tuesday, with a strong focus on set pieces at the session.

“We need to get onto the plane knowing that we have all our ducks in a row and our plans tried and tested,” said September.

“To be fair, most of those are going really well and the progress in our last three matches is well documented, but what we did not get was a win. And that will be a very important boost for us.”

September was very proud of the way the Bok Women lineouts delivered two well-taken tries, but he said they are looking to vary play in their second consecutive match against the New Zealand opponents on Saturday.

Attacking the wider channels will be key as the #BokWomen look to finish their #RugbyWorldCup preparation on a high - more here: https://t.co/NXHeaTXTer 🙌#MakeItCount #PlusOne pic.twitter.com/5PCFgTvuYc

— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 29, 2025

“It is good to know that our set piece functions well, but we want to also try alternatives,” he said.

“We all know that our pack is a force in the game, but on Saturday we also want to include our backs in the game plan, especially our wings, who are proven finishers.

“We are not going away from our traditional strengths, but will rather look to expand our attacking options as well. After the two Canada tests, the Blacks Ferns XV showed us good pictures and we are happy with our progress and preparation for the World Cup, but now we need to close this out with a win.”

For the Bok Women players, who will face Brazil, Italy and France in their RWC pool matches, it will also be a final opportunity to showcase their growth in South Africa and the showdown in Athlone will be a motivational factor.

“Yes, the players have one more opportunity, at home, to show why they deserve support and encouragement come England next month,” said September.

“The crowd last week was great and to have another opportunity to have a go at the Black Ferns and to play in front of true fans is an opportunity we cannot let slip.”

They were caught napping at times and were outplayed at others, but the Springbok Women resumed their training on Monday with renewed energy as they prepare to take on New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV for a second time this weekend.

The visitors had an eight-point margin when the final whistle went at Athlone Stadium last Saturday, but Nadine Roos said the South Africans learned a lot and are looking for a strong rebound this weekend.

“We are keen to get back on the field against them and to have another go,” said the utility back.

“They outplayed us in certain areas of the game and we did so to them in others, especially among the forwards, so it will be an interesting tussle come Saturday, as we now know a bit more about each other.”

Roos said that although the review from the first match showed some negative pictures, it also reminded the team of how many scoring opportunities they wasted, especially in the second half, when they rallied strongly.

“That was actually a good thing to see that we created so many chances, but sadly our finishing let us down on the day,” she said.

“They were clever in their attack and they did not allow our backs to get into any rhythm with their good rush defence, but once we opted for the more direct route, they tired and we got back into the game.”

LOOKING FOR BIG IMPROVEMENTS

For the versatile player, the number on her back matters little, as long as she can contribute to the team effort. Whether at scrumhalf, flyhalf, or fullback, she hopes the crowd at Athlone will see more of the Bok Women backline on the attack.

“We are looking for a big improvement on attack from the backs,” she said. “Our pack did wonders last weekend by giving us the necessary punch and we could claw back in the game, but for this weekend, I am hoping that our backline can also make telling contributions.”

Roos said they expected the skill level of the Black Ferns XV to be at a very high level: “They did manage to get around us by using those skills, but once we started to get possession, we did much better. We will have to kill their backline’s space and time on Saturday if we want to keep them under pressure.”

The match-23 for the second fixture will be announced on Thursday, with Nolusindiso Booi and Sizophila Solontsi still not considered for selection. Golden Lions prop Xoliswa Khuszwayo has meanwhile joined her teammates with whom she last played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in June.