SA Rugby and R10 confirmed an exciting new sponsorship and competition structure involving the Junior Springbok Women that will boost the exposure of the game at the junior level across the African continent.
The Junior Springbok Women will pit themselves play against Tunisia, Uganda and the San Clemente Rhinos in three matches in the international R10 African U20 Women’s Series at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium, starting on Monday.
The 28-player Junior Springbok Women’s squad was also confirmed on Thursday. They will be coached by Flash Malinga, with Mandisa Williams, Eddie Myners and Zenay Jordaan assisting him.
The squad was finalised after the completion of the U20 Women’s Week played in Johannesburg. Western Province, who finished as one of two unbeaten teams at the week, are best represented with nine players.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, hailed the announcement of the sponsorship and the announcement of the SA U20 squad as an exciting new chapter in the history of women's rugby in South Africa.
“Our Junior Springbok Women have only ever played in once-off matches, and for them to be competing in a series with three other teams is really special,” said Oberholzer.
“We know the value of having a healthy player development pipeline and this will definitely be a big positive to our women's programme.
“I'd also like to thank R10 for their sponsorship of the R10 African U20 Women’s Series, which will also feature Uganda, Tunisia and the San Clemente Rhinos.
“It was clear at the U20 Women's Week in Johannesburg that there was something bigger to play for and the quality of the rugby went up a notch or two.
“Without investment from sponsors, our game will struggle and in this regard we're very grateful to R10 for getting involved in South African rugby.”
Andreea Trufasu, CEO of Rugby Tens (R10), said: “At R10, we pride ourselves as an organization that meaningfully contributes to equality in sport.
“We are thankful for the collaboration with SA Rugby to make this international event possible for the U20 ladies, which is a demographic often under-resourced yet critical to the development of national teams.”
The opening round of fixtures of the R10 African U20 Women’s Series on Monday 30 September will feature San Clemente Rhinos taking on Tunisia at 10h00, and South Africa will face Uganda at 12h00.
On Friday 4 October, the San Clemente Rhinos will play Uganda in the first match, followed by the Junior Bok Women against Tunisia.
The final round takes place on Tuesday 8 October, when Uganda take on Tunisia, before the Junior Bok Women and the San Clemente Rhinos will contest the final match of the tournament.
Junior Springbok Women squad:
Backs: Donëy Filies, Leigh Fortuin (Western Province), Kwanga Majebe, Tiarisha Maritz, Naima Hlatshwayo (Blue Bulls), Robyn Strydom (Free State), Lidene Kruger (Griquas), Jane Mulder (Golden Lions), Sisonke Hewu, Charlize Jacobs (Eastern Province), Melissa Younie (Sharks), Sindisiwe Mbonja, Lilitha Vakalisa (Border).
Forwards: Anuschka Ekron, Anushka Groenewald, Sarah Krone, Arzydia Komar, Bronishia Hess, Kelly Mckenna, Sesona Mbengo (Western Province), Sinathi Mzamo, Emihle Mayitshe (Border), Dembe Mbengeni, Sinoxolo Soga (Eastern Province), Dineo Ndhlovu, Abigail Smit (Blue Bulls), Micky Kapa, Sinothile Bhengu (Sharks).