In an emotional send-off hosted by team sponsors, FNB, and the South African Rugby Union, the national women’s rugby team was celebrated in style before their departure to England for the Rugby World Cup 2025.
The evening combined music, inspiration, and heartfelt messages of support – all underscored by the rallying cry: “Follow Our Journey. Be Our #PlusOne.”
The event opened with an unforgettable performance by award-winning songstress Lira, who moved the crowd with a stirring rendition of the national anthem before delivering her timeless hit Something Inside So Strong.
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On stage, following a vitalising welcome by FNB Chief Marketing Officer, Faye Mfikwe, sports trailblazers including former Spar Proteas captain Bongi Msomi, Proteas Women wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta, gsport Founder, Play Your Part ambassador Kass Naidoo, and FNB Personal Segment CEO Lytania Johnson joined host Motshidisi Mohono for a dynamic discussion.
Topics ranged from the evolution of women’s sport coverage to the power of visibility for women athletes – all aimed at empowering the Springbok Women as they head to the world stage.
The crowd also heard from the team’s inner circle: Head coach Swys de Bruin, South Africa’s first-ever woman professional rugby coach, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, captain and most-capped Springbok Women’s player Cindy Booi, and star playmaker Libbie Janse van Rensburg. Together, they reflected on the team’s journey so far and the possibilities that lie ahead in England.
The evening closed on a high note as the Springbok Women joined the RMB Choir for a powerful performance of Gwijo – a fitting finale to a celebration that was equal parts emotional and energising.
The send-off doubled as a call to action for the recently launched #PlusOne campaign, a nationwide movement designed to unite South Africans behind the Springbok Women. The concept is simple yet powerful: every “plus one” – whether it’s one more supporter, one extra repetition in the gym, or one more metre gained on the field – adds momentum towards a shared goal.
It’s about more than cheering from the stands; it’s about showing up daily, inspiring belief, and building a legacy together.
De Bruin described his team’s departure to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England on Thursday as “the wrapped bicycle under the Christmas tree” and said they are well prepared for their most significant tournament in three years.
He was a happy coach after the team completed their final training session in Johannesburg before jetting off to London, from where they will move to their training base in Northampton on Friday.
“We trained with a lot of intensity today, which was great for the coaches to see. It was a busy couple of days for the players with a team capping and send-off function, but that did not affect their mindsets at all and they were really sharp at training.”
Springbok Women Head Coach, Swys de Bruin
De Bruin thanked the various sponsors and stakeholders for their treatment of the team on their way to England and said there is a real belief in the group that their journey could become a very significant one to change the face of the women’s game in the country.
“It was really pleasing to see how much effort was put into the team and the goodwill that was shown, from the executive council down to those wonderful people marketing the team, not to forget the way the team sponsors treated the players,” he said.
“There is a reality about this team and this World Cup as we look to go further than ever before and get into the play-offs.”
De Bruin said they will not be carried away by the fact that the focus on Brazil, their first opponent in Pool D, is well underway: “We had a good look at them already and our plans to deliver a good performance in our opener are taking shape. The team was given some homework on the opponents and their feedback was great. The session today filled me with enthusiasm.”
For De Bruin, there is a second tier of motivation as they depart: “The players understand what is at stake and that they are representing not only their country, but also those next generations in the women’s game.
“We know a good performance will not only elevate the game in the minds and hearts of South Africans, but also justify the investment and time from SA Rugby’s side. We are determined to make the country proud.”
Follow their journey. Share their story. Be their #PlusOne.
Springbok Women 2025 Rugby World Cup Squad
Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 10 points *
Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 8 caps, 0 points
Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies) – 35 caps, 15 points *
Babalwa Latsha (vice-captain, unattached) – 36 caps, 30 points *
Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 5 caps, 0 points
Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers Women, England) – 13 caps, 5 points *
Lindelwa Gwala (Unattached) – 35 caps, 75 points *
Luchell Hanekom (DHL Western Province) – 9 caps, 0 points
Nolusindiso Booi (captain, DHL Western Province) – 52 caps, 5 points *
Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 19 caps, 10 points
Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) –13 caps, 0 points
Anathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies) – 9 caps, 5 points
Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies) – 18 caps, 15 points
Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 28 caps, 65 points *
Catha Jacobs (unattached) – 22 caps, 5 points *
Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies) – 15 caps, 15 points *
Sinazo Mcatshulwa (Unattached) – 38 caps, 55 points*
Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies) – 28 caps, 45 points*
Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies) – 3 caps, 15 points
Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 12 points *
Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women) – 40 caps, 53 points*
Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 209 points *
Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 15 caps, 40 points
Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 106 points*
Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 27 caps, 60 points*
Chumisa Qawe (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 20 points*
Eloise Webb (Border Ladies) – 17 caps, 30 points *
Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies) – 19 caps, 106 points *
Ayanda Malinga (Bulls Daisies) – 13 caps, 65 points
Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 4 caps, 20 points
Byrhandré Dolf (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 37 points
Nadine Roos (Unattached) – 18 caps, 35 points*
* Previous RWC experience.
Team Management
Swys de Bruin (Head Coach)
Laurian Johannes-Haupt (Assistant Coach)
Bafana Nhleko (Assistant Coach)
Franzel September (Assistant Coach)
Naasier Parker (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Zenay Jordaan (World Rugby Gallagher High Performance Academy Coach)
Moshe Magethi (Team Doctor)
Neda Isaacs (Physiotherapist)
Lezane Ward (Physiotherapist)
Thandiswa Nxomani (Team Manager)
JJ Harmse (Media Manager)
Zwonaka Mbedzi (Analyst)
Thembisa Nxopo (Operations)
Springbok Women Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool D Schedule (SA times)
Sunday 24 August
15h45: SA v Brazil (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton)
Sunday 31 August
16h30: SA v Italy (York Community Stadium, York)
Sunday 7 September
17h45: SA v France (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton)
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: In an event opened with an unforgettable performance by award-winning songstress Lira, who moved the crowd with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, the Springbok Women were treated to a magnificent World Rugby Women’s World Cup team send-off which doubled as a call to action for the recently launched #PlusOne campaign, a nationwide movement designed to unite South Africans behind the Women Boks in England. All Photos: gsport / Karabelo Duiker
Photo 2 Caption: SA Rugby President Mark Alexander opened proceedings, and FNB Chief Marketing Officer Faye Mfikwe delivered a vitalising welcome.
Photo 3 Caption: Sports trailblazers (from right) Bongi Msomi, Sinalo Jafta and Kass Naidoo joined FNB Personal Segment CEO Lytania Johnson with host Motshidisi Mohono for a dynamic discussion.
Photo 4 Caption: FNB’s Springbok Women Women’s Rugby World Cup sendoff host, Motshidisi Mohono.
Photo 5 Caption: Former elite rugby player and Supersport rugby presenter and commentator, Layla Arrison.
Photo 6 Caption: Springbok Women Head Coach, Swys de Bruin, pictured with Assistant Coach, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, said: “We look to go further than ever before and get into the play-offs.”
Photo 7 Caption: The crowd heard from Head coach Swys de Bruin, SA’s first-ever woman professional rugby coach, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, captain Cindy Booi, and star playmaker Libbie Janse van Rensburg, as they reflected on the possibilities that lie ahead.
Photo 8 Caption: The evening closed on a high note as the Springbok Women joined the RMB Choir for a powerful performance of Gwijo – a fitting finale to a celebration that was equal parts emotional and energising.
