South Africa release star-studded squad for Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 21.05.26. | 09:30
Skipper Qolo is among nine players in the squad who represented South Africa at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where the Springbok Women made history by reaching the quarter-finals
Defending champions South Africa have named a star-studded squad for the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup set for Saturday, 23 to Sunday, 31 May at the RFUEA Grounds.
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The Springbok Women will arrive in Nairobi looking to retain the continental title they won in Madagascar last year after a dominant campaign that saw them beat Uganda 62-7, edge Kenya Lionesses 19-12, and hammer Madagascar 61-17.
Head coach Swys de Bruin unveiled a 28-player squad packed with World Cup experience and promising young talent. However, De Bruin will not travel with the team to Kenya as he remains in Stellenbosch to oversee the conditioning group, leaving assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September in charge of the touring side.
Lock Anathi Qolo will captain the side after recently leading the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to a fourth consecutive Pick n Pay Women’s Super League title.
Qolo is among nine players in the squad who represented South Africa at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where the Springbok Women made history by reaching the quarter-finals.
South Africa have also recalled eight capped players who missed out on last year’s World Cup squad, while nine uncapped players have earned places in the travelling team.
Among the uncapped players are Thandile Mazwi, Abigail Smit, Logan Welman and Zethu Gcaza, all recent graduates from the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week programme, highlighting the pathway being created for emerging talent in South African women’s rugby.
Seven other Rugby World Cup players are currently attached to the Springbok Women’s Sevens programme, while two more are playing professionally in England.
The tournament in Nairobi will feature four teams — South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar — battling for continental supremacy.
South Africa will begin their campaign against Madagascar on May 23 before taking on Uganda on May 27. Their final match will be against hosts Kenya Lionesses on May 31.
South Africa squad
Forwards: Yonela Ngxingolo, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Thandile Mazwi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Anuschka Ekron, Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Abigail Smit, Nomsa Mokwai, Anathi Qolo (captain), Zethu Gcaza, Nobuhle Mjwara, Faith Tshauke, Sinelitha Noxeke, Ntsako Mbombi, Logan Welman.
Backs: Insaaf Levy, Anacadia Minnaar, Jakkie Cilliers, Naima Hlatshwayo, Chuma Qawe, ShaUNIQUE Alexander, Nomawethu Mabenge, Alichia Arries, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Mary Zulu, Nobuhle Mjwara.
Fixtures:
May 23: South Africa vs Madagascar (1pm)
May 27: South Africa vs Uganda (1pm)
May 31: South Africa vs Kenya (3pm)