Springbok Women Invite Ten Uncapped Players to Stellenbosch Training Camp Ahead of Continental Championship Defense

Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin invites 10 uncapped players and returning stars to a Stellenbosch training camp ahead of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 4:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

New Talent Injected into National Training Structures

The Springbok Women are set to begin their continental title defense with a significantly expanded talent pool following the inclusion of ten uncapped players in the latest training assembly. Head coach Swys de Bruin has finalized a 36 player group tasked with preparing for the rigorous demands of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi. Among the newcomers is Insaaf Levy, the daughter of Stormers skills coach Lebeeb Levy, who joins a cohort of athletes selected to increase the squad's competitive intensity. This influx of fresh personnel is part of a broader strategic effort to deepen the national roster as the team, currently ranked 10th globally, enters a high stakes international season.

Return of Key Veterans to Active Duty

Reinforcing the squad’s experience are Sizophila Solontsi and Nomawethu Mabenge, both of whom are returning to the national setup after recent injury setbacks. Solontsi missed the previous training camp due to a head injury sustained during domestic league play in Pretoria, while Mabenge has successfully completed a rehabilitation program following a knee injury. Mabenge’s preparation included specialized training alongside the BlitzBok Women’s team, highlighting the cross disciplinary approach the national union is taking toward player fitness. Their return provides a vital veteran presence that De Bruin believes will be essential for maintaining standards during the upcoming championship in Kenya.

Stellenbosch Assembly and Selection Deadlines

The invited players are scheduled to convene in Stellenbosch on May 10 for an intensive preparation period designed to refine tactical structures and physical conditioning. Following this camp, the coaching staff will reduce the group to a final touring squad of 28 players who will depart for Nairobi on May 20. De Bruin noted that the performance of the new invitees in recent sessions has been impressive, and he expressed a desire for the uncapped players to challenge the established starters for positions in the travel group. This internal competition is viewed as a necessary mechanism for ensuring the final selection is capable of defending their continental crown.