The Springbok Women completed their first alignment camp for the 2026 season in Stellenbosch on Friday, much to the satisfaction of Swys de Bruin (head coach), who feels that important objectives have been reached during the two weeks spent together.
“This was a good start for us, and I am happy with the outcomes,” De Bruin said.
“We had a number of objectives, including conditioning, defence and working on the breakdowns and I am happy with the results, especially the conditioning, where our Strength and Conditioning coach, Naasier Parker, did a very good job.”
De Bruin was also very pleased that SA Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen attended training and had a solid breakdown session with the squad.
“It was amazing to have Duane here and we also hope to bring in more of the calibre coaches in the SA Rugby system to add value in the future,” said De Bruin.
“I just love the way the Springbok breakdown operates at the moment, and we want to apply the same principals and techniques in our team. I have tasked Laurian Johannes-Haupt [assistant coach] with the breakdowns for this season and her interactions with Duane were very valuable.”
Ten uncapped players attended the camp and De Bruin said he was impressed with the array of talents from the new group.
“It showed the value of our Pick n Pay Women’s Super League as new talent came to the fore and there are six or seven of them that I am considering for our first tournament, the Rugby Africa Cup in Kenya next month,” he said.
“We are building depth in our squad with an eye on the next World Cup, and it is encouraging to see the next generation of players coming to the fore.
“Another group of younger players will come into camp next week. We call them the ‘Hunters’, as they will hunt for the next spots in our national team, and I am keen to see how they react and step up in this environment.”
“Hunters Camp” squad: Arthea King, Chloe Adams (both Sanlam Boland Dames), Tristain Coetzer, Sinothile Bhengu, Tiarisha Maritz, Avela Gwala (all Sharks Women), Lithalethu Nombakuse (EP Queens), Neidene Solomons (Free State Women), Emihle Mayitshe, Lilitha Vakalisa, Sindiswe Mbonja (all Border Ladies), Anuchka Ekron, Anelisa Ndamase, Marli George, Sara Krone, Fatouma Yalcoue, Akhona Nkosi (all DHL Western Province), Karabo Lebotsa, Robyn Strydom, Lidene Kruger (all Isuzu Bulls Daisies).