De Bruin breaks down Duane Vermeulen's cameo inside Bok Women camp
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Swys de Bruin revealed that he aims to bring in more ‘calibre coaches’ following Duane Vermeulen’s cameo inside the Springbok Women’s first alignment camp for the 2026 season.
The Bok Women completed their first alignment camp for the 2026 season in Stellenbosch on Friday and De Bruin feels that important objectives have been reached during the two weeks spent together.
*READ: Bok Women get extra help from Vermeulen
“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 principals 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 the 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.”
#SPOTLIGHT: A lot at stake for the Springbok Women https://t.co/A6Kxs8raJT
— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) April 24, 2026
“Hunters Camp” squad: Arthea King, Chloe Adams (both Boland Dames), Tristain Coetzer, Sinothile Bhengu, Tiarisha Maritz, Avela Gwala (Sharks Women), Lithalethu Nombakuse (EP Queens), Neidene Solomons (Free State Women), Emihle Mayitshe, Lilitha Vakalisa, Sindiswe Mbonja (all Border Ladies), Anuchka Ekron, Anelisa Ndamase, Marli George, Sara Krone, Fatouma Yalcoue, Akhona Nkosi (all Western Province), Karabo Lebotsa, Robyn Strydom, Lidene Kruger (all Bulls Daisies).
*Additional source: SA Rugby
