Bok Women’s win “embodies the spirit of South Africa”

The Springbok Women were congratulated on Monday for reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a performance that “embodies the spirit of South Africa”, said Mark Alexander, the president of the South African Rugby Union.

The Bok Women followed up a 66-6 win over Brazil in their first pool game with a 29-24 victory over Italy – a team ranked four places above them – to clinch a first appearance in the knockout stages of the showpiece tournament at the fifth attempt later this month in England.

Alexander praised the work of the players and coaching staff for delivering a “remarkable victory”.

“On behalf of the South African Rugby Union, I extend my deepest admiration and pride,” he said.

“You have made history and you have made us proud. It was a performance that transcended sport. It was not only a remarkable victory – it was a demonstration of what it means to be South African.

“You showed grit, determination and belief in one another, and have inspired the whole nation. You showed us once again that rugby is more than a game for us – it is a force for unity, pride, and hope.”

The Springbok Women led from the first minute, after a try by No 8 Aseza Hele, but twice saw the Six Nations regulars level the scores before closing out victory with a fifth try, by Sinazo Mcatshulwa, in the 74th minute.

Alexander said the performances in England would inspire the next generation of young players.

“Your courage on the field will have lit a fire in the hearts of young girls and women players everywhere in SA to dream of wearing the green and gold,” he said.

“This team carries the flag with dignity and heart. You played not just for the scoreboard but for every community in South Africa. Your performance was a statement of identity – of who we are and what we stand for.”

The Bok Women complete their pool programme with a match against world number four, France – ranked eight places above them at the start of the tournament – at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton at 5.45pm (SA time) on Sunday.

Springbok Women 2025 Rugby World Cup squad

Props: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Babalwa Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki.

Hookers: Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Luchell Hanekom.

Locks: Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Danelle Lochner, Nomsa Mokwai, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi.

Utility and loose forwards: Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke.

Scrumhalves: Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey.

Flyhalves: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Mary Zulu.

Centres: Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe, Eloise Webb.

Outside backs: Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya.

Utility backs: Byrhandré Dolf, Nadine Roos.

Pool D schedule (SA times)

Sunday 24 August

3.45pm: SA v Brazil (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton) - SA won 66-6

Sunday 31 August

4.30pm: SA v Italy (York Community Stadium, York) - SA won 29-24

Sunday 7 September

5.45pm: SA v France (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton)

The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of 13/14 September, with the semi-finals on 19/20 September and the final on Saturday, 27 September.

Team Management

Swys de Bruin (head coach)

Laurian Johannes-Haupt (assistant coach)

Bafana Nhleko (assistant coach)

Franzel September (assistant coach)

Naasier Parker (strength and conditioning coach)

Zenay Jordaan (World Rugby Gallagher High Performance Academy coach)

Moshe Magethi (team doctor)

Neda Isaacs (physiotherapist)

Lezane Ward (physiotherapist)

Thandiswa Nxomani (team manager)

JJ Harmse (media manager)

Zwonaka Mbedzi (analyst)

Thembisa Nxopo (operations)