Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin expressed his satisfaction after a wider training squad completed a first alignment camp for the 2026 season in Stellenbosch on Friday.
De Bruin said a number of objectives were met as the Springbok Women look towards the next Women’s Rugby World Cup cycle, while he was impressed with a number of new players invited to the camp.
“It was great to see the players again that travelled to the World Cup with us, it was very easy to pick up the connection again,” said De Bruin.
“The squad really created a wonderful bond over the last couple of months and you can see the confidence they have after their best ever finish in the tournament.”
De Bruin was duly impressed with a number of first-time invitees from the recent U20 Women’s Week and the Betway Women’s Club Championship held in Gauteng.
“Yes, it is important to identify the next generation of players, and I think our scouting department did an excellent job with the players they selected to join us,” he said.
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“It is clear to see that the interest and uptake in the women’s game is real and the enthusiasm of these youngsters was great to see. It is also great to work with them first hand, to see how they respond to the various drills and aspects of play.
“They may have been a bit star struck in the beginning, but they soon picked up the tempo and intensity and contributed nicely to the overall outcome of the camp.”
De Bruin said the club players invited from the Betway tournament held in Alberton also shaped up well: “It was good having a chat with them about their ambitions and struggles at that level. We have received so many calls and enquiries from potential players wanting to join. I am really excited about the new season and the potential influx of talent. The women’s game is growing at a rapid pace.”
The Bok Women’s coach praised the seven coaches that were invited as well. “Most of them are the U20 squad coaches and I wanted to reward them for the work done as well,” he said.
“Coaching the coaches has always been a passion of mine and I had a couple of productive sessions with just the coaches. We wanted to broaden the base, not necessarily inviting the provincial coaches like we did last year, but those involved with the juniors. It also helped the junior players to have their provincial coaches around during the camp.”
Springbok Women Alignment Camp Squad
Aseza Hele (Boland)
Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border)
Eloise Webb (Border)
Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border)
Sindisiwe Mbonja (Border)
Zethu Gcaza (Border)
Lilitha Vakalisa (Border)
Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies)
Azisa Mkiva (Bulls Daisies)
Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies)
Anathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies)
Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies)
Dineo Ndhlovu (Bulls Daisies)
Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies)
Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies)
Camelitha Malone (Bulls Daisies)
Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies)
Klarissa van der Linden (Bulls Daisies)
Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies)
Shaunique Alexander (Bulls Daisies)
Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies)
Lithalethu Nombakuse (Eastern Province)
Siphenathi Yeko (Free State)
Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions)
Ratidzo Gurajena (Golden Lions)
Lidene Kruger (Griquas)
Sinothile Bhengu (Sharks)
Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks)
Tayla Kinsey (Sharks)
Mary Zulu (Sharks)
Luchell Hanekom (Western Province)
Roseline Botes (Western Province)
Anushka Groenewald (Western Province)
Nomsa Mokwai (Western Province)
Anothando Kathswa (Western Province)
Abigail Smit (Western Province)
Thandile Mazwi (Western Province)
Logan Welman (Western Province)
Anja le Roux (Western Province)
Alichia Arries (Western Province)
Babalwa Latsha (Unattached)
Lindelwa Gwala (Unattached)
Sinazo Mcatshulwa (Unattached)
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women are setting the standard for the 2026 season after a succesful camp focusing on alignment and integrating new talent as the journey toward the next Women’s Rugby World Cup in Stellenbosch. All Photos: Gallo Images via SA Rugby
Photo 2 Caption: The focus was building the future of Springbok Women’s rugby to blend experienced campaigners with enthusiastic first-time invitees and U20 talent.
Photo 3 Caption: Head Coach Swys de Bruin pleased with the progress and the rising interest in the women’s game after a successful training camp.
