Springbok Women’s head coach Swys de Bruin has cast his net wide, inviting a mix of rising talent and household names from the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England in September to a 42-player alignment camp in the Western Cape.
Several stars from the U20 Women’s Week in Johannesburg last month were rewarded for their performances, earning the chance to rub shoulders with 21 World Cup stars. The camp began on Sunday at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
Among the call-ups are Anja le Roux and Logan Welman from the victorious DHL Western Province team, both attending a second senior camp. Leading try-scorer Lithalethu Nombakuse from Eastern Province and Junior Springbok Women’s player Lidene Kruger from Griquas were also invited.
Good start to the trip thanks to @SpurRestaurant safe arrivals and good flush out. Day one done! #RiseUp @RugbyAfrique pic.twitter.com/MEtEMLBA9u
— SA Women’s Rugby (@WomenBoks) November 13, 2025
Two players named in the Dream Team at last month’s Betway Women’s Club Championship also earned spots: Van der Stel Evergreens’ Alichia Arries, who previously represented South Africa in fifteens and sevens, and Klarissa van der Linden from Pretoria Harlequins.
“The amount of depth and talent displayed at the U20 Week and the club champs was encouraging,” said De Bruin.
“We now have a wonderful opportunity to take a closer look at some of those stand-out players, as well as get a good understanding of their abilities amongst senior Springbok players. This camp will provide good insights to the coaches, but also to those players, as it will provide valuable learnings of what is expected at the top end of the women’s game.”
Seven provincial coaches were also invited to attend, helping smooth the integration of players they have recently coached.
“We have big plans for the future, and it will be very productive to have all on board and informed of what is expected. Of course, it will be great to be reunited with the World Cup players as well. We managed to create something special, and we can just set the bar higher from here on in,” De Bruin added.
Players from the Springbok Women Sevens squad, who are contesting the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in Nairobi, will not attend. This includes Nadine Roos, Zintle Mpupha, Ayanda Malinga and Byrhandré Dolf, all returning from Kenya on Monday and observing compulsory rest days for the remainder of the week.
Springbok Women’s alignment camp squad
Aseza Hele (Boland), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Eloise Webb, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sindisiwe Mbonja, Zethu Gcaza, Lilitha Vakalisa (Border), Sanelisiwe Charlie, Azisa Mkiva, Yonela Ngxingolo, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi, Dineo Ndhlovu, Sizophila Solontsi, Lerato Makua, Camelitha Malone, Unam Tose, Klarissa van der Linden, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Shaunique Alexander, Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies), Lithalethu Nombakuse (Eastern Province), Siphenathi Yeko (Free State), Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Ratidzo Gurajena (Golden Lions), Lidene Kruger (Griquas), Sinothile Bhengu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Tayla Kinsey, Mary Zulu (Sharks), Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Nomsa Mokwai, Anothando Kathswa, Abigail Smit, Thandile Mazwi, Logan Welman, Anja le Roux, Alichia Arries (Western Province), Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala, Sinazo Mcatshulwa (unattached).
A group of 42 players will gather in Stellenbosch on Sunday for a #BokWomen alignment camp – more here: https://t.co/cXBN1XI9kO 🏉#MakeItCount pic.twitter.com/1fXhfgGpyl
— SA Women’s Rugby (@WomenBoks) November 14, 2025
Springbok Women’s alignment camp squad: Aseza Hele (Boland), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Eloise Webb, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sindisiwe Mbonja, Zethu Gcaza, Lilitha Vakalisa (all Border), Sanelisiwe Charlie, Azisa Mkiva, Yonela Ngxingolo, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi, Dineo Ndhlovu, Sizophila Solontsi, Lerato Makua, Camelitha Malone, Unam Tose, Klarissa van der Linden, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Shaunique Alexander, Jakkie Cilliers (all Bulls Daisies), Lithalethu Nombakuse (Eastern Province), Siphenathi Yeko (Free State), Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Ratidzo Gurajena (both Golden Lions), Lidene Kruger (Griquas), Sinothile Bhengu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Tayla Kinsey, Mary Zulu (all Sharks), Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Nomsa Mokwai, Anothando Kathswa, Abigail Smit, Thandile Mazwi, Logan Welman, Anja le Roux, Alichia Arries (all Western Province), Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala and Sinazo Mcatshulwa (all unattached).
