Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin has named an extended 49-player squad to cover a demanding run of fixtures that includes away Tests against Fiji, the Black Ferns test in Soweto, three Global WXV matches in Europe against Wales, Italy and Spain, and a closing two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town.
The squad is broader than the group that competed in the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Kenya and the two-Test series against the USA, with De Bruin extending invitations to several players outside that core group.
"The next phase of our preparation starts now, and we have extended invitations to some players outside of the group that did so well in Kenya and against the USA," said De Bruin. Players from the USA series will take a short break before the full group reconvenes in Stellenbosch, with training structured in smaller groups according to individual development needs.
The 29-strong forward group includes Babalwa Latsha, Catha Jacobs, Lindelwa Gwala and Danelle Lochner among the more experienced names, alongside a number of developing players. The 20-strong back division features Anacadia Minnaar, Eloise Webb, Zintle Mpupha, Alichia Arries and Patience Mokone.
Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Anuschka Ekron, Babalwa Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Thandile Mazwi, Anothando Katshwa, Lindelwa Gwala, Anushka Groenewald, Micke Gunter, Jada Davids, Roseline Botes, Vainah Ubisi, Nomsa Mokwai, Zethu Gcaza, Danelle Lochner, Anathi Qolo, Abigail Smit, Sizophila Solontsi, Sinelitha Noxeke, Faith Tshauke, Palesa Matee, Ntsako Mbombi, Lerato Makua, Catha Jacobs, Nobuhle Mjwara, Logan Welman, Aseza Hele.
Backs: Unam Tose, Anacadia Minnaar, Felicia Jacobs, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Eloise Webb, Hayley Hardneck, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Isabela Nel, Jané Mulder, Alichia Arries, Jakkie Cilliers, Maria Tshiremba, Maceala Samboya, Patience Mokone, Shaunique Alexander, Thobile Msizazwe, Byrhandré Dolf.