Springbok Women set to defend Rugby Africa title with Anathi Qolo at the helm in Madagascar

Lock Anathi Qolo will take the helm of the Springbok Women’s team and lead them into battle at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar next month.

The South Africans will defend their continental title against formidable opponents like Uganda, Kenya, and the host nation, but will gain invaluable experience ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year.

Twelve players are uncapped, but there is still enough experience within the side to retain their title.

Swys de Bruin, Springbok Women’s Performance coach, says they are looking to expand their player base ahead of the World Cup, but want to give some experienced players enough game time to stake a claim for the tournament in England.

“We see this continental tournament in a very positive light, hence our decision to expand our playing experience and player base by selecting some of the best young talent in the country but also provide a backbone of experienced players who are still in Rugby World Cup contention,” De Bruin said.

“The tournament is a testing one, with short turnarounds against physical teams, but this is an ideal way to make sure we have a fit and able second line of selection options as well as giving some senior players valuable game time.”

While the team will be in Madagascar, De Bruin and Laurian Johannes-Haupt will look after 20 players at a position-specific camp in Stellenbosch, with the focus on the Tests against Canada and the international friendlies against the Black Ferns XV.

“All of this is part of the wider Rugby World Cup preparations and decided upon by the management during our early planning stages. Our progress on that is good and I think we are onto something special.”

On the Qolo appointment, De Bruin added that the Bulls Daisies forward has been a wonderful asset to the side since joining last season.

“Her rugby intelligence and willingness to work for the team and her obvious ability as an outstanding lineout jumper are additions to her natural leadership qualities.”

The team will assemble in Johannesburg on 28 May before heading to Madagascar.

Bok squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup:

Props:

Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions) – 5 caps, 0 points, Sinothile Bhengu (Sharks Women) – uncapped, Amanda Ndlovu (Sharks Women) – uncapped, Anuchka Ekron (Western Province) uncapped, Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 1 cap, 0 points.

Hookers:

Luchell Hanekom (Western Province) – 4 caps, 0 points, Roseline Botes (Western Province) – 21 caps, 45 points (9 tries), Anushka Groenewald (Western Province) – uncapped.

Locks:

Anathi Qolo – captain (Bulls Daisies) – 6 caps, 0 points, Nomsa Mokwai (Western Province) – 4 caps, 0 points, Dineo Ndlhovu (Bulls Daisies) – uncapped.

Loose forwards:

Nompumelelo Mathe (Boland Dames) – 20 caps; 25 points (5 tries), Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women) – uncapped, Bronishia Hess (Western Province) – uncapped, Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies) – uncapped, Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies) – 10 caps, 0 points.

Scrumhalves:

Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies)- 23 caps, 5 points (1 try), Felicia Jacobs (Boland Dames) – 7 caps, 15 points (3 tries), Insaaf Levy (Western Province) – uncapped.

Flyhalves:

Mary Zulu (Women) – 12 caps, 14 points (7 conversions), Anja le Roux (Western Province) – uncapped.

Centres:

Aphiwe Ngwevu (Ladies) – 24 caps, 40 points (8 tries), Simamkele Namba (Springbok Women’s Sevens) – 11 caps, 40 points (8 tries), Leigh Fortuin (Western Province) – uncapped.

Outside backs:

Chuma Qawe (Daisies) – 11 caps, 0 points, Byrhandrѐ Dolf (Daisies) – 17 caps, 15 points (3 tries), Patience Mokone (Daisies) – uncapped, Nomawethu Mabenge (Boland Dames) – 18 caps, 70 points (14 tries).

Management:

Bafana Nhleko (coach), Franzel September (coach), Zwonaka Mbedzi (analyst), Dr. Moshe Magethi (team doctor), Lezane Ward (physiotherapist), Thandiswa Nxomani (team manager).