Returning duo boost Springbok Women's squad named for Ireland Tests

By SABC Sport
13th October 2026

Anacadia Minnaar and Insaaf Levy have rejoined the Springbok Women's squad for their two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town later this month.

The two Tests at Athlone Stadium will conclude the 2026 WXV Global Series for the hosts, who just returned from Europe where they played Wales, Italy and Spain on consecutive weekends.

Minnaar was a late withdrawal from the trip north, but she returns to the squad in place of Felicia Jacobs, while Levy has been added in place of the injured Ayanda Malinga as co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September stuck to the same group of players that finished the European tour with victories over Italy and Spain.

"We opted for continuity as we have good momentum from the last couple of matches on tour, hence the call to stay with the same group of players," said Johannes-Haupt.

"Anacadia could unfortunately not travel to Europe, but we are happy to have her back, while we also want to bring Insaaf closer to the action and tap into her skill set. Ireland are not the fifth-ranked team in the world for nothing - they will really test us."

Minnaar was part of the squad all year and last played against the Black Ferns just over a month ago, while Levy played in two of the three Rugby Africa Women's Cup Tests in Kenya in May before touring Brazil with the SA Women 'A'-side in August.

The team will start their preparations on Thursday and will move to Cape Town on Sunday, where they will be based for the series.

"We are pleased on how the season progressed and want to finish it strong at home," said Johannes-Haupt.

"Athlone Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years and it is a perfect setting for us to close out the season."

Two players, Free State Women centre Aisha Camara and DHL Western Province prop Anothando Katshwa, have been invited to train with the squad for the duration of the camp.

Springbok Women squad for Ireland Tests:

Forwards (18): Aseza Hele, Logan Welman, Lerato Makua, Sizophila Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sinelitha Noxeke, Nomsa Mokwai, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Anushka Groenewald, Lindelwa Gwala, Micke Gunter.

Backs (12): Jakkie Cilliers, Alichia Arries, Patience Mokone, Maria Tshiremba, Maceala Samboya, Naima Hlatshwayo, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Byrhandre Dolf, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Anacadia Minnaar, Insaaf Levy.