Springbok Women wrap up productive opening 2026 alignment camp in Stellenbosch

By SABC Sport
25th April 2026

The Springbok Women wrapped up their first 2026 alignment camp in Stellenbosch on Friday, with head coach Swys de Bruin satisfied that key objectives were achieved over the two-week programme.

"This was a good start for us, and I am happy with the outcomes," De Bruin said.

"We had a number of objectives, including conditioning, defence and working on the breakdowns and I am happy with the results, especially the conditioning, where our Strength and Conditioning coach, Naasier Parker, did a very good job."

De Bruin was also very pleased that SA Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen attended training and had a solid breakdown session with the squad.

"It was amazing to have Duane here and we also hope to bring in more of the calibre coaches in the SA Rugby system to add value in the future," said De Bruin.

"I just love the way the Springbok breakdown operates at the moment, and we want to apply the same principles and techniques in our team. I have tasked Laurian Johannes-Haupt [assistant coach] with the breakdowns for this season and her interactions with Duane were very valuable."

Ten uncapped players attended the camp and De Bruin said he was impressed with the array of talents from the new group.

"It showed the value of our Pick n Pay Women's Super League as new talent came to the fore and there are six or seven of them that I am considering for our first tournament, the Rugby Africa Cup in Kenya next month," he said.

"We are building depth in our squad with an eye on the next World Cup, and it is encouraging to see the next generation of players coming to the fore.

"Another group of younger players will come into camp next week. We call them the 'Hunters', as they will hunt for the next spots in our national team, and I am keen to see how they react and step up in this environment."

"Hunters Camp" squad: Arthea King, Chloe Adams, Tristain Coetzer, Sinothile Bhengu, Tiarisha Maritz, Avela Gwala, Lithalethu Nombakuse, Neidene Solomons, Emihle Mayitshe, Lilitha Vakalisa, Sindiswe Mbonja, Anuchka Ekron, Anelisa Ndamase, Marli George, Sara Krone, Fatouma Yalcoue, Akhona Nkosi, Karabo Lebotsa, Robyn Strydom, Lidene Kruger.