Junior Springbok Women selection for a two-match series against the USA U20 side in July as well as bragging rights for being the best provincial team in the country, will be at stake at Alberton Rugby Club next week when the 2026 U20 Women’s Week kicks off for 14 teams.
Seven matches will be played on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (all streamed live on SA Rugby YouTube channel) in what promises to be another optimistic view of the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's rugby, especially at the junior level.
Like last year, the teams will be divided into two groups, determined by their participation in the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League. Tier One includes the defending champions, Western Province, as well as Border, the Blue Bulls, Golden Lions, KZN, Eastern Province, Boland and the Free State.
Tier Two consists of the Limpopo Blue Bulls, Griquas, South Western Districts, Mpumalanga, Valke, and Griffons, while the Leopards opted not to send a team.
With the next Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia in three years’ time, the Springbok Women's coaching staff will also be amongst the spectators in Johannesburg this weekend.
Bok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt, a former head coach of the SA U20 Women’s side, said they are watching with real interest for more emerging talent, adding that the pathway through this tournament into the national squad is a proven one.
“This week not only shows the massive growth amongst young women playing rugby but gives us a genuine view of the talent coming through this pathway into the senior ranks,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“We are in somewhat of a rebuilding phase for 2029, so there is a real possibility that someone playing at the week could be part of our Rugby World Cup squad, and that is very exciting.
“What we picked up as coaches in recent years is that the profile of athletes is changing. The younger generation is more serious about the game, and their athletic ability is improving year after year. This year, all the teams will arrive well prepared, and we are looking at another week of proper rugby that will showcase the growth of our game.”
Western Province, who outplayed the Blue Bulls 33-0 in last year's final, will play the main match of the opening day against Free State.
Meanwhile, Tereske Kabuika, who scored six tries for the Sanlam Boland Dames in this year's Pick n Pay Women's Super League, said the age-group tournament is perfect for players moving into the senior leagues.
The 19-year-old wing also played in last year’s event and said there is high hopes in their squad to finish amongst the top sides: “I did not train that much with them as I was with the senior team, but knowing the players, we will give a very good account of ourselves.”
Hosting the tournament is a big deal for the Golden Lions, according to Siphumelele Mdlalose, who donned the No 15 jersey for the Golden Lions Women in the Pick n Pay WSL: “We are hoping for good support from the locals, and I am sure they will come out in numbers to support us. The team worked hard and will be ready for KZN on Monday.”
Day one match schedule (all matches live on SA Rugby’s YouTube channel):
Tier Two:
08h30: SWD v Pumas
09h40: Griquas v Valke
10h50: Limpopo Blue Bulls v Griffons
Tier One:
12h00: Lions v KZN
13h10: Blue Bulls v Eastern Province
14h20: Border v Boland
15h30: Western Province v Free State