Their second conditioning and technical skills camp of the year saw the Springbok Women rubbing shoulders with the Springbok coaching staff this week, which resulted in an energetic week of training and learning.
Bok assistant coaches Deon Davids, Daan Human and Mzwandile Stick all delivered highly valuable insights and technical input to the 30-player squad that assembled in Cape Town this week and the players responded very well, said SA Rugby’s High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby, Lynne Cantwell, at the completion of the camp on Friday morning.
“It was wonderful to have Deon, Daan and Mzwandile around for those sessions and we could also tap into the vast experience of Louis Koen (HP Manager, Junior Rugby), who assisted our backs with two great kicking skills sessions,” said Cantwell.
“The synergy between our national teams is really great and for them to come and assist us in our early preparations for the year, was highly appreciated.
“They really are top-ranked coaches and what impressed me most was their wonderful interaction with the squad, and the way the players responded to their inputs. I think it is fair to say that this camp was a huge success from a technical perspective and that our squad will return to the next camp mindful of the standards set and platforms laid this week.”
Cantwell said the coaches will again have sessions with the squad later in the month: “They will assist again when the squad get together on 12 February and will further enhance the rugby knowledge of the players and help with their overall preparations for the year ahead.”
The training squad included 20 players who were part of the Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup group last year, while a number of youngers players again got invited.
“We are building towards the next World Cup cycle, so those younger players are integrated into the squad as they could play important roles in the future,” added Cantwell.
A tour to Europe next month is in the planning phase and an announcement in that regard will be made soon. Cantwell also confirmed that the appointment of the new Springbok Women’s coach will be made within the next few weeks.
Springbok Women’s training squad: Vainah Ubisi (Mastercard Golden Lions Women), Aseza Hele (Boland Dames), Sanelisiwe Charlie (EP Queens), Mary Zulu, Lindelwa Gwala, Nompumelelo Mathe, Tayla Kinsey, Sinothile Bengu (all Cell C Sharks Women), Lerato Makua, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Unam Tose, Rumandi Potgieter, Jakkie Cilliers, Yonela Ngxingolo, Lusanda Dumke, Byrhandre Dolf (all Bulls Daisies), Nolusindiso Booi, Azisa Mkiva, Chumisa Qawe, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Babalwa Latsha, Roseline Botes, Luchell Hanekom, Thandolwethu Hena, Asiphe Mayaba, Bronishia Hess (all DHL WP), Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies).