De Bruin Unveils Springbok Women Squad for Historic USA Series
Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin has announced a formidable 30-player squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against the United States. The historic fixtures are structured as high-profile double-headers alongside the men's senior Springbok Nations Championship matches, taking place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 4 July, and Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, 11 July.
The announcement follows the conclusion of a rigorous two-week alignment camp in Stellenbosch, where the national coaching staff focused on re-establishing tactical synergy ahead of facing a match-ready American outfit.
World Cup Experience Blended with Domestic Form
The selection heavily rewards continuity, featuring 22 players who spearheaded South Africa's historic quarter-final run at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. This experienced core is bolstered by the return of powerhouse lock Danelle Lochner (Harlequins) and hooker Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers) following their respective seasons in the English domestic league.
The remaining slots have been filled by standout performers from the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and top-tier talent from the domestic Pick n Pay Women’s Premier League.
Springbok Women Squad Baseline Positions
Position
Key Form Players Included
Squad Count
Props
Sanelisiwe Charlie, Babalwa Latsha, Yonela Ngxingolo
6
Hookers
Micke Gunter, Anushka Groenewald
2
Locks
Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Nomsa Mokwai
4
Loose/Utility Forwards
Sizophila Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Lerato Makua
6
Scrumhalves
Unam Tose, Felicia Jacobs, Anacadia Minnaar
3
Flyhalves
Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Eloise Webb
2
Centres & Backs
Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga, Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandré Dolf
7
Tactical Preparation and Leadership Transition
While the USA enters the tour with competitive momentum following their recent Pacific Four campaign against New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, the South African management team opted to prioritize internal structures during their preparation block. Assistant coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt spearheaded foundational and strategic drills to ensure the squad is physically prepared for the visitors' high-tempo style.
A major talking point surrounding the camp is the official transition in leadership. Following the retirement of long-standing national captain Nolusindiso Booi last year, the team is currently without an designated on-field leader. De Bruin confirmed that the identity of the new permanent Springbok Women captain will be officially unveiled alongside the matchday team announcement next week.
Medical Enforced Absences
The national selectors' choices were slightly curtailed by medical assessments, with seven high-profile players ruled out of contention due to various injuries and strict return-to-play protocols.
Unavailable for Selection: Nadine Roos, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Lindelwa Gwala, Aseza Hele, Donelle Snyders, Naima Hlatshwayo, and Chumisa Qawe.
Despite these personnel setbacks and the staggered arrival of players finishing compulsory rest periods after international sevens duties, the 30-player squad relocated to Johannesburg on Sunday to begin formal Test-week preparations.
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