WATCH: Springbok Women get extra help from Duane Vermeulen
Springbok World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen shares his knowledge with the Bok Women as preparations ramp up for a busy international season.
The Springbok Women are currently in camp in Stellenbosch for their first alignment gathering of the year, running from April 12 to 24.
A total of 34 players have been assembled, including 10 uncapped talents, as the coaching staff begins shaping the squad for the upcoming international calendar.
In recent days, Springbok assistant coach Vermeulen – affectionately known as “Thor” – has been working closely with the squad, particularly the forwards.
Known for his incredible physicality and widely regarded as one of the best No.8s of his generation, Vermeulen has been sharing technical insight and on-field experience with the players.
His involvement highlights a growing commitment to elevating the women’s game in South Africa, with knowledge transfer from elite-level players playing a key role in development.
Meanwhile, Springbok Women No. 8 Aseza Hele has undergone surgery following the Women’s Super League 1.
The Boland forward played four matches with a broken finger, including the WSL final against the Bulls Daisies, where the Pretoria side was crowned champions at Loftus Versfeld.
Hele might miss the start of the Bok Women’s Test season.
The Springbok Women are set to compete in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the end of May, before hosting the USA in two Test matches in July. They will then face New Zealand’s Black Ferns in September – a major benchmark fixture against one of the leading women’s rugby teams.
Springbok Women alignment camp squad: Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Logan Welman*, Abigail Smit*, Thandile Mazwi*, Anothando Khatshwa*, Babalwa Latsha, Anushka Groenewald, Insaaf Levy*, Alichia Arries (all Western Province), Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Ntsako Mbombi* (both Golden Lions Women), Mary Zulu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Lindelwa Gwala (all Sharks Women), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Zethu Gcaza* (all Border Ladies), Siphenathi Yeko*, Anacadia Minnaar (both EP Queens), Felicia Jacobs (Boland Dames), Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Vainah Ubisi, Dineo Ndhlovu, Anathi Qolo, Faith Tshauke, Sinelitha Noxeke, Unam Tose, Jakkie Cilliers, Naima Hlatshwayo*, Chuma Qawe, Shaunique Alexander* (all Bulls Daisies).
*Denotes uncapped
