South Africa Debuts New Talent in Hong Kong for HSBC SVNS World Championship Opener

Uncapped stars Mohuli and Mulder join Ayanda Malinga’s South African side for the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Hong Kong. Get the full match preview.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 6:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

A New Generation Steps into the Spotlight

The South African women’s sevens program has entered a transformative phase with the inclusion of teenagers Owami Mohuli and Jane Mulder for the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Hong Kong. According to team management, the duo represents a broader commitment to blooding young talent as the nation competes alongside Argentina, Brazil, and Spain against the eight core series teams. Despite their inexperience at this level, both players have expressed a firm desire to deliver performances that could stabilize the sevens program and create future pathways for their age-group peers in South Africa.

Pedigree and Versatility in the Backline

Jane Mulder arrives at the international level with a deep familial connection to the sport, being the daughter of 1995 Rugby World Cup winner Japie Mulder. The University of Pretoria student earned her call-up following an impressive stint with the BlitzBok Women’s "A" side during the Dubai Sevens International Invitational. According to Mulder, her focus for the Hong Kong tournament involves becoming more assertive in her ball-carrying, a lesson learned from previous provincial outings with the Golden Lions Women and the Junior Springbok Women.

From Netball Courts to the Sevens Circuit

Owami Mohuli’s ascent to the national sevens squad is characterized by a rapid transition from multiple sporting disciplines, including hockey, soccer, and netball. After originally receiving a netball bursary, the 19,year,old discovered rugby during her second year of university and quickly progressed through the Free State provincial ranks. Mohuli noted that the high-intensity, all-action nature of sevens specifically appeals to her, as it requires players to be constantly involved in rucks and defensive transitions, a stark contrast to her traditional role as a wing in the 15s game.