Springbok Women’s Sevens Introduce New Talent for Historic Hong Kong World Championship Opener

Owami Mohuli and Jane Mulder join the Springbok Women’s Sevens for the 2026 World Championship in Hong Kong. See the full squad news and fixtures.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 4:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

South Africa Joins Elite Field for Inaugural World Championship Race

The Springbok Women’s Sevens have arrived in Hong Kong as one of 12 teams competing in a revamped three-tournament World Championship format. Joining fellow qualifiers Argentina, Brazil, and Spain, South Africa will face off against the eight core Series teams to determine the ultimate champions of 2026. The stakes are particularly high for the South African program, as consistent performances across the legs in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux could secure a permanent place in the elite HSBC SVNS circuit. The team enters the competition under the leadership of Ayanda Malinga, who takes the captaincy for this critical opening phase.

Youthful Enthusiasm Bolsters Squad Amid Key Injury Absence

The squad is forced to navigate the Hong Kong leg without the services of national sevens captain and reigning SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, Nadine Roos. While her absence is a tactical blow, it has created opportunities for 19-year-old Owami Mohuli and 20-year-old Jane Mulder to earn their first senior caps. Both players have expressed a determination to use the platform to secure the future of the women’s sevens program. Mulder, the daughter of 1995 Rugby World Cup winner Japie Mulder, brings a heritage of rugby excellence to the side, while Mohuli’s rapid ascent from age-group netball and provincial 15s highlights the growing talent pathway within South African women’s rugby.

Technical Evolution and Versatility Key to Sevens Transition

For the newcomers, the transition to the all-action nature of sevens requires a high degree of technical versatility. Mohuli, primarily a winger in the 15-man game, noted that the sevens format demands constant involvement across all facets of play, from cleaning rucks to acting as a secondary playmaker. Similarly, Mulder has focused on refining her ball-carrying assertiveness following a successful stint with the South African 'A' side in Dubai. The coaching staff has prioritized this multi-functional approach to compensate for the speed and clinical execution of their opening-day opponents, Australia and Canada, who are established veterans of the world circuit.