32-player Springbok Women's squad named for Euro tour

JOHANNESBURG –  Swys de Bruin has named a 32-player Springbok Women's squad to travel to France and Spain for a short tour.

The South Africans will be based in Marcoussis near Paris, where they will train against France and play a match against England Under-20 before travelling to Spain. They will play their hosts in a once-off Test in Alicante on 19 April and return to South Africa on 21 April.

Included in the squad captained by Nolusindiso Booi are three uncapped players, namely Faith Tshauke, Faith Tshauke and Alicia Willemse.

“Faith had a great season for the Daisies and her versatility counts in her favour as she covers all loose forward positions and can play lock – in fact, she reminds me a bit of Franco Mostert with her work rate and adaptability,” said De Bruin in a statement.

The coach further said “Xolelwa has been to a number of our camps this year and with Micke sadly missing out, she gets a great opportunity to travel with us and enhance her claims for a Rugby World Cup spot.”

The squad will have a short pre-departure camp in Cape Town before they fly out to France late on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Nadine Roos, Zintle Mpupha and Ayanda Malinga, will first represent the Springbok Women’s Sevens in the final Challenger Series tournament in Poland next weekend, before joining the squad in Spain, while French-based lock Sinazo Mcatshulwa will link up with her compatriots on Sunday.

The Springbok Women touring squad:

Forwards (18): Azisa Mkiva, Luchell Hanekom, Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Nomsa Mokwai (all DHL Western Province); Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies); Xolelwa Diliza*, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke*, Anathi Qolo, Lerato Makua (all Bulls Daisies); Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames), Danelle Lochner, Babalwa Latsha (Harlequins), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders), Catha Jacobs (Leicester), Sinazo Mcatshulwa (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois).

Backs (14): Unam Tose, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf, Chumisa Qawe, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha (all Bulls Daisies); Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames), Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb (Border Ladies), Nadine Roos (unattached), Tayla Kinsey, Mary Zulu (both Sharks Women), Alicia Willemse* (DHL Western Province).