Vianca Boer returns from a lengthy injury layoff — which required surgery and an extended rehabilitation — to captain the Springbok Women's Sevens 'A' side at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women's Sevens Cup at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.
Six members of the squad will be making their international sevens debuts, but Boer is unfazed by the inexperience in the group. "We came here with a young group of players who will be playing sevens at this level for the first time. We are expecting teams coming at us with their physicality, especially Zimbabwe, but we will have answers," she said.
Boer described the squad's cohesion as a strength: "They have lots of energy and are keen to learn the finer details of sevens rugby at this level. There are no egos in the team, no one thinks they are excluded from doing the hard yards. There is a strong bond that we want to represent our country and make everyone proud."
On her personal comeback, Boer was upbeat: "It is always the best feeling when you are cleared and can play again. To lead this group of girls into a tournament like this is an added bonus."
South Africa face Rwanda (11h28), Zimbabwe (14h12) and Zambia (16h56) in Pool A on Saturday. The tournament runs 7–8 November and is live on Rugbypass.TV.