South African women’s rugby will turn a page in December when the newly formed Under-18 Girls team plays their very first international matches, a two-game series against the Netherlands U18 Girls that represents a groundbreaking milestone for the sport in the country.
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 17:00. This historic series marks the inaugural international competition for South Africa’s U18 Girls programme.
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 extensive pool of talent, selectors chose a strong 26-player squad to take on the Dutch visitors.
Former Springbok wing Jongi Nokwe from Western Province assumes the head coaching role, bringing his wealth of international experience to guide the next generation of South African female rugby talent. The decorated former international receives support from assistants Aneesah Adams (Maties/WP) and Lesego Malebadi (UJ/Lions).
“This represents a significant development in our women’s programme, and witnessing the excitement amongst the girls, along with the enormous amounts of hard work they demonstrated this week, bodes well for the future,” explained Nokwe.
The former Springbok expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, emphasising the transformative nature of this historic moment for South African women’s rugby.
“We cannot wait to begin working with this squad and start preparing for the two matches. The task ahead will prove challenging, but everyone involved stands ready for this challenge, which also presents a wonderful opportunity for both players and management.”
The squad will establish their base at the prestigious Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), with both international fixtures taking place at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium.
The squad composition reveals the national spread of talent, with Western Province contributing twelve players across forwards and backs. Eastern Province provides seven players, whilst the Bulls, Lions, Pumas, Border, Boland, and SWD unions each contribute representation.
The selection from 34 different high schools illustrates the grassroots expansion of girls’ rugby programmes, with schools across the country now producing players capable of international representation. This development reflects years of investment in school-level rugby infrastructure and coaching.
The visiting Netherlands side offers ideal opposition for South Africa’s inaugural U18 Girls fixtures. The Dutch programme has established itself as a developing force in European women’s rugby, providing the young Springboks with quality international competition that will test their skills.
Complete Squad List:
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).
