Alichia Arries hasn't worn the Springbok Women's XV jersey since 2021 — her first caps came against Kenya, and fittingly, it's Kenya where she returns to fifteens rugby at the Rugby Africa Women's Cup this weekend. In between: a Sevens career spanning four HSBC SVNS tournaments, the birth of her daughter, injuries, club rugby for Van der Stel/Evergreens, and a pathway back through the Betway Women's Club Championship and a strong Western Province Super League season. Now 24, she's clear-eyed about what's changed — less about personal milestones, more about purpose and understanding the weight of the jersey. With nine uncapped players in the squad, Arries sees genuine internal competition to cement a spot ahead of the tougher international fixtures later this year, but her message is straightforward: the team result comes first. She's also flagging Madagascar — Saturday's opponents — as a ball-in-hand threat, drawing on her Sevens experience against them.
Arries completes the circle as Bok Women head to Nairobi
Arries returns to Springbok Women's XV rugby in Kenya — where her international career began in 2021 — after a journey through Sevens, motherhood, injury and a domestic league comeback. She's motivated by squad competition and clear that team results trump personal milestones.
Hits & Misses: Scotland earn respect at Loftus, Women Boks stumble at the finish line
Scotland pushed the Boks harder than the 42-28 scoreline suggests, the Women Boks let a series win slip through ill-discipline, Will Jordan broke the All Blacks try-scoring record, and France made history in Brisbane — Wynona Louw's weekend review covers the highs and lows.
FNB Stadium double-header set to be landmark moment for Bok Women
The Bok Women face the Black Ferns in a double-header at FNB Stadium in September 2026 — part of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry — with Juan de Jongh arguing the occasion could be a defining moment for the women's programme's upward trajectory.
Springbok Women's blockbuster 2026 schedule confirmed with Italy Test added
The Springbok Women's 2026 schedule features home Tests against the USA, Black Ferns and Ireland, plus a trip to Italy — all four opponents ranked in the world's top 10.
Springbok Women claim fifth consecutive Rugby Africa Women's Cup with Kenya win
The Springbok Women beat Kenya 35-20 in Nairobi to claim a fifth consecutive Rugby Africa Women's Cup, with assistant coach Franzel September crediting tactical kicking, a dominant bench and strong defensive organisation for the win.
Blitzboks fall to Australia in Valladolid pool finale
The Blitzboks lost 24-14 to Australia in their final pool match at the HSBC World Championship in Valladolid, and will face Spain in the quarterfinals. The Springbok Women were also beaten, 17-14 by Fiji, and face Argentina in the ninth-place semifinal.