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184 items · Springbok Women
Cardiff revisited: Bok Women veterans hungry to rewrite 2018 history
Latsha, Gwala, Hele and Jacobs revisit the 2018 Cardiff loss — and make clear they believe the Bok Women are a different proposition this time around, with rankings, experience and confidence all pointing in the right direction.
Cardiff debutants of 2018 hungry to rewrite history in Wales
Four Springbok Women who made their debuts in a 19-5 defeat at Cardiff Arms Park in 2018 — Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala, Aseza Hele and Felicia Jacobs — are targeting a first win in Wales when the two nations meet on Friday, with South Africa now ranked 10th in the world to Wales's 13th.
Wales lose Powell to hamstring injury ahead of Springbok Women clash at Cardiff Arms Park
Kayleigh Powell has been ruled out of Wales' entire WXV Global Series campaign with a hamstring injury, adding to the absences of Donna Rose, Kelsie Webster and Hanna Tudor ahead of Friday's Test against the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park.
Springbok Women begin Wales preparations despite travel fatigue and wet conditions
The Springbok Women completed their first training session in Cardiff on Monday, shaking off the effects of a long-haul journey from Cape Town as they prepare for Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt expressed satisfaction with the session despite windy and rainy conditions, emphasising clarity and match simulation as the squad targets a first victory over Wales since 2010.
Springbok Women adapt to Welsh conditions ahead of WXV Global Series opener
The Springbok Women trained at Cardiff Metropolitan University on Monday ahead of Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt reporting a productive session despite difficult weather. South Africa have not beaten Wales since 2010 and face them for the first time since 2021, with Felicia Jacobs replacing the unavailable Anacadia Minnaar in the touring squad.
Springbok Women settle into Cardiff camp ahead of WXV opener against Wales
The Springbok Women trained in Cardiff on Monday ahead of Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt satisfied with the session despite post-travel fatigue and wet conditions. Felicia Jacobs replaced the unavailable Anacadia Minnaar in the touring squad, with the match-day team to be announced on Wednesday.
Springbok Women open Wales camp with productive session ahead of WXV opener
The Springbok Women completed their first training session in Cardiff on Monday ahead of Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt citing match clarity as the focus. Felicia Jacobs replaced the unavailable Anacadia Minnaar in the touring party, and the team will be named on Wednesday.
Springbok Women name settled WXV squad with Hlatshwayo covering for injured Mpupha
Naima Hlatshwayo is the only change to the Springbok Women's WXV Global Series touring squad, replacing the ankle-injured Zintle Mpupha. The tour opens against Wales in Cardiff on 18 September.
Swys de Bruin departs Springbok Women after historic World Cup campaign
Swys de Bruin has stepped down as head coach of the Springbok Women after two years in charge, during which the team reached their first World Cup quarter-final and broke into the top 10 of the world rankings. SA Rugby President Mark Alexander thanked De Bruin for elevating the profile of the women's game and introducing an innovative style that captured widespread attention. The former Lions mentor won 14 of 21 matches in charge, including notable victories over higher-ranked opposition.
Betway Women's Club Championship returns to Alberton on 20 September
The second Betway Women's Club Championship opens at Alberton Rugby Club on 20 September, with defending champions Kwaru headlining a 16-team field split into Premier and First divisions across match days on 21, 23 and 25 September.
Betway Women's Club Championship returns to Alberton from 20 September
The second Betway Women's Club Championship kicks off at Alberton Rugby Club on 20 September, with defending champions Kwaru opening against DUT (KZN) in the Premier Division on day one.
De Bruin steps down as Springbok Women head coach after World Cup quarter-final run
Swys de Bruin has stepped down as Springbok Women head coach after two years, during which the team reached their first World Cup quarter-final and broke into the World Rugby top 10. Assistants Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt take over as co-head coaches for the WXV Global Series.
De Bruin departs as Springbok Women co-head coaches step up for WXV campaign
Swys de Bruin has left his role as Springbok Women head coach, with assistants Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt appointed co-head coaches as the team heads into WXV Global Series Tests against Wales, Italy, Spain and Ireland. De Bruin's tenure included the Springbok Women's best-ever World Cup result — a quarterfinal appearance in England — and a first-ever top-10 World Rugby ranking.
Alexander pays tribute to De Bruin as September and Haupt take over Springbok Women
Mark Alexander has thanked Swys de Bruin for his two-year tenure as Springbok Women head coach, during which the team reached the World Cup quarter-finals and cracked the world top 10 for the first time. Assistants Franzel September and Laurian Johannes Haupt take over as co-head coaches ahead of the WXV Global Series.
Black Ferns lose co-captain Demant to calf injury ahead of WXV opener against France
Ruahei Demant, the Black Ferns' most experienced player, has been ruled out of their WXV opener against France with a calf injury sustained during Saturday's win over the Springbok Women, with Georgia Ponsonby stepping up as sole captain.
Johannes-Haupt confirms coaching continuity as Bok Women look to WXV
Laurian Johannes-Haupt confirms the Springbok Women will retain their current coaching structure for WXV, with Melusi Mthethwa continuing alongside co-head coaches Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September following Swys de Bruin's resignation.
The size 4.5 ball trial splitting women's rugby opinion ahead of WXV
World Rugby's size 4.5 ball trial in the revamped WXV has divided players — Zoe Harrison hates it, Ellie Kildunne is more measured — with the debate cutting to deeper questions about whether the rationale holds up against existing performance data in the women's game.
Black Ferns too sharp for Springbok Women despite scrum dominance
The Springbok Women were beaten 52-20 by New Zealand at FNB Stadium, losing despite dominating the scrum and maul, with finishing and handling errors undermining a competitive first-half performance.
Springbok Women take positives from 52-20 loss to Black Ferns ahead of European tour
Co-head coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September expressed satisfaction with their side's four-try effort in a 52-20 loss to New Zealand at FNB Stadium, with the squad set to regroup in Stellenbosch on Wednesday ahead of a European tour against Wales, Italy and Spain.
Black Ferns too strong as Springbok Women fall 52-20 in historic Soweto clash
The Black Ferns defeated the Springbok Women 52-20 at FNB Stadium in the first Test between the sides played on South African soil, running in eight tries to four despite a competitive Bok scrum and maul.