Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin has invited 42 players to a week-long alignment camp. The squad assembled at Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on Sunday for intensive training.
Twenty-one players from September’s Rugby World Cup in England received call-ups again. Several promising performers from last month’s U20 Women’s Week in Johannesburg joined them.
DHL Western Province stars Anja le Roux and Logan Welman earned second senior call-ups. Both impressed during their victorious provincial campaign in recent competitions.
Eastern Province’s Lithalethu Nombakuse, the tournament’s leading try-scorer, attracted national attention. Junior Springbok Women player Lidene Kruger from Griquas also received selection recognition.
Two Betway Women’s Club Championship Dream Team members secured invitations last month. Van der Stel Evergreens’ Alichia Arries returns after previous international representation. Pretoria Harlequins’ Klarissa van der Linden also earned her opportunity.
De Bruin credited recent pathway developments for expanding talent identification successfully. “The depth and talent displayed at the U20 Week and club championships was encouraging,” he explained.
The coach emphasised opportunities for closer evaluation of standout performers alongside established internationals. “This camp provides good insights to coaches and players,” de Bruin stated. “It offers valuable learning about expectations at the top level.”
Seven provincial coaches received invitations to attend the comprehensive programme. Border’s Nonkosi Sobandla, Bulls Daisies’ Zenay Jordaan, and Griquas’ Claudia Francke join the group. Leopards’ Jackie Kriel, Sharks’ Jean Kietzmann, SWD’s Marlize van der Merwe, and Western Province’s Jongi Nokwe complete the coaching delegation.
“They know the new call-ups having coached them recently,” de Bruin noted. “That helps ensure we hit the ground running effectively.”
The coach outlined ambitious future plans requiring comprehensive preparation and alignment. “We managed to create something special and can set higher standards,” he added.
Springbok Women Sevens players currently competing in Nairobi will miss the camp. Nadine Roos, Zintle Mpupha, Ayanda Malinga, and Byrhandré Dolf return Monday afternoon. All four require mandatory rest days following their Kenya tournament commitments.
