As South Africa wraps up Women’s Month this August, the Springbok Women are busy showing the world exactly why rugby belongs to them too. Playing in the Rugby World Cup in England, the team in green and gold is carrying not just national pride, but the dreams of every young girl who’s ever imagined pulling on those boots. And they’re absolutely smashing it out there!
Women’s rugby has seen a huge rise since the 2024 Olympics, with stars like Ilona Maher, Emily Scarratt and New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe drawing global audiences and putting the women’s game firmly on the map. This year, the Rugby World Cup sold more than 400 000 tickets, setting new records at the opening ceremony and proving just how hungry the world is for women’s rugby. Right at the centre of this action are our own heroines: the Springbok Women.
Of course, rugby is in South Africa’s DNA. It unites us, uplifts us and reminds us of who we are. Seeing the Springbok Women on this global stage isn’t just a win for the team; it’s evidence for young women and girls across the country that yes, we can play too and this sport belongs to us as much as anyone. And here at WH, we absolutely love that!
Growing The Game At Home
While the spotlight shines on England, the impact at home is just as inspiring. With only 6.5% of registered rugby players in South Africa being women, investing in grassroots programmes is crucial. Pick n Pay, through its long-standing partnership with SA Rugby, is backing school clubs to make sure girls can see themselves in the game and dream big.
“This Women’s Month, as the Springbok Women carry our hopes to the Rugby World Cup, we want every young girl watching to know that there’s a place for her in this game,” says Tessa Chamberlain, Head of Partnerships & Engagements at Pick n Pay. “We’re proud to play a small part in building a more inclusive, inspiring future for South African rugby.”
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Players To Watch
While the Springbok Women’s strength lies in their collective power, a few standout players are truly captivating audiences with their skill and leadership:
Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Flyhalf)
With an incredible 209 points from 27 caps, Libbie is a force to be reckoned with. Her precision kicking and playmaking ability are crucial to the team’s attacking strategy, making her a thrilling player to watch every time she steps onto the field.
Babalwa Latsha (Vice-Captain, Prop)
A true powerhouse in the front row, Babalwa embodies the Springbok spirit. With 36 caps and 6 tries, her leadership and raw strength are instrumental in dominating scrums and driving the team forward.
Nolusindiso Booi (Captain, Lock)
The inspirational captain of the team, Nolusindiso brings a wealth of experience with 52 caps. Her calm presence, strategic mind and dedication to the game make her an indispensable leader both on and off the field.
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When To Watch The Springbok Women
Italy vs South Africa (Pool D)
- York Community Stadium, York
- Sunday, 31 August 2025
- 16h30
- Live on SuperSport
France vs South Africa (Pool D)
- Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
- Sunday, 7 September 2025
- 17h45
- Live on SuperSport
Quarter-finals follow on 13/14 September, with the semis on 19/20 September and the final on 27 September.
Catch some goosebump-worthy highlights from their journey so far here:
Springbok Women 2025 Rugby World Cup Squad:
Props:
- Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 10 points (2 tries) *
- Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 8 caps, 0 points)
- Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies) – 35 caps, 15 points (3 tries) *
- Babalwa Latsha (vice-captain, unattached) – 36 caps, 30 points (6 tries) *
- Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 5 caps, 0 points
Hookers:
- Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers Women, England) – 13 caps, 5 points (1 try) *
- Lindelwa Gwala (unattached) – 35 caps, 75 points (15 tries) *
- Luchell Hanekom (DHL Western Province) – 9 caps, 0 points
Locks:
- Nolusindiso Booi (captain, DHL Western Province) – 52 caps, 5 points (1 try) *
- Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 19 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
- Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) –13 caps, 0 points
- Anathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies) – 9 caps, 5 points (1 try)
- Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies) – 18 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
Utility and loose forwards:
- Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 28 caps, 65 points (13 tries) *
- Catha Jacobs (unattached) – 22 caps, 5 points (1 try) *
- Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies) – 15 caps, 15 points (3 tries) *
- Sinazo Mcatshulwa (unattached) – 38 caps, 55 points (11 tries) *
- Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies) – 28 caps, 45 points (9 tries) *
- Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies) – 3 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
Scrumhalves:
- Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion) *
- Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women) – 40 caps, 53 points (3 tries, 16 conversions, 2 penalty goals) *
Flyhalves:
- Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 209 points (12 tries, 55 conversions, 12 penalties, 1 drop goal) *
- Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 15 caps, 40 points (20 conversions)
Centres:
- Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 106 points (20 tries, 3 conversions) *
- Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 27 caps, 60 points (12 tries) *
- Chumisa Qawe (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 20 points (4 tries) *
- Eloise Webb (Border Ladies) – 17 caps, 30 points (6 tries) *
Outside backs:
- Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies) – 19 caps, 106 points (9 tries, 23 conversions, 5 penalty goals) *
- Ayanda Malinga (Bulls Daisies) – 13 caps, 65 points (13 tries)
- Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 4 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
Utility backs:
- Byrhandré Dolf (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 37 points (7 tries, 1 conversion)
- Nadine Roos (unattached) – 18 caps, 35 points (5 tries, 5 conversions) *
* denotes previous RWC experience. Information extracted from SA Rugby.
