The Springbok Women are set to mark their first year under coach Swys de Bruin with a strong showing at the 2025 World Cup in England.
South Africa head to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup boosted by a third-place finish in last year’s WXV 2. Their place in the expanded 16-team tournament was secured after they claimed the 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title.
The competition runs from 22 August to 27 September in England, and kicks off with the hosts facing the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. South Africa are in Pool D alongside France, Italy, and Brazil.
Their campaign begins against Brazil on 24 August at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, followed by a clash with Italy on 31 August in York. The pool stage wraps up with a tough encounter against France on 7 September.
This year’s edition is the biggest in the tournament’s history, with the field expanded from 12 to 16 nations. Each pool contains four teams, with every side playing three matches in the group stage.
Since booking their place, the Springbok Women have gone 4–2, with wins over the Barbarians, Spain (twice) and Japan, and narrow defeats to Italy and Australia.
Their buildup continues in June with matches against Uganda, Kenya, and Madagascar in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup. Canada will then tour South Africa for two Tests at Loftus and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. A two-match home series against the Black Ferns is also planned, with final details still to be confirmed.
Former Lions coach Swys de Bruin took charge of the Springbok Women in August 2024, giving him a full year to prepare the team for England 2025. Having previously worked with both the Junior Springboks and the senior national side, De Bruin brings valuable experience and structure to a team aiming for its best showing on the global stage.
He’ll be relying on a core group of experienced players to lead the way. Captain Nolusindiso Booi, South Africa’s most-capped women’s player, brings leadership and stability to the second row as a key figure in the Springbok pack.
Nadine Roos remains a key threat out wide. Recognised as SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons, Roos has scored 200 points in just 15 caps and has excelled across both the fifteens and sevens formats. In the midfield, Jakkie Cilliers was named Provincial Player of the Year for 2024. The Bulls Daisies centre combines sharp attacking play with a reliable boot.
Aseza Hele offers power and impact from No 8. She has been a standout for both the Springboks and Boland Dames, crossing for two tries in a win against Spain and surpassing 50 career points.
At flyhalf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg continues to be a leading figure in the backline, contributing over 220 points in just 24 appearances with her game management and goal-kicking.
Together, this group gives South Africa a strong foundation to improve on a record of one win in 12 World Cup matches at four previous tournaments.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
