SA Rugby unveils U16 girls EPD squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: SA Rugby has unveiled the 2026 Under-16 Girls Elite Player Development (EPD) squad, with an extended group of the country’s most promising young female players selected following a comprehensive national talent identification process conducted throughout the season.

The players were identified through the Youth Training Centres (YTCs), FNB U16 Girls Week, and other recognised talent identification platforms, highlighting the rapid growth of the female rugby pathway across South Africa.

The squad will assemble at La Rochelle Girls’ High School in Paarl from September 26 to October 2, where players will be exposed to a high-performance environment and work closely with national coaching, medical and support personnel as part of SA Rugby’s long-term player development strategy.

The selection of the squad marks another significant step in the continued expansion of girls’ rugby in South Africa. Following the introduction of a dedicated U16 Girls EPD programme in recent years, SA Rugby has strengthened its talent identification structures to ensure promising players receive meaningful development opportunities at an earlier age.

The EPD system forms a critical component of the national pathway, allowing coaches and administrators to track, assess and support players as they progress towards higher representative honours.

The diversity of the squad reflects the flourishing state of girls’ rugby across the country, with representation from 14 provincial unions.

Cebisa Kula, SA Rugby’s EPD Manager: Girls, Participation & Development, said they are excited about the announcement and acknowledged the role played by unions, schools, clubs, and coaches in nurturing the next generation of players.

“This group represents some of the most talented young female rugby players in South Africa,” said Kula, a former Springbok Women’s international.

“Their selection is the result of hard work, dedication and the commitment shown by the schools, clubs, coaches, and provincial structures that continue to support the development of girls’ rugby.”

According to Kula, the EPD camp provides an important opportunity to accelerate the young girls’ growth and introduce them to the standards required at elite level, and she paid tribute to all stakeholders who continue to invest in the women’s game: “Their collective efforts are helping to build a sustainable pipeline of talent that will support future national women’s and age-group teams.”

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “This year’s camp marks another significant step in a journey that began with the first Girls U16 EPD camp in 2025. While the true impact of this investment may only be seen in the years ahead, the future of women’s rugby is already taking shape.

“By bringing together talented young players from across South Africa and exposing them to high-performance coaching, education and specialist support, we are laying the foundations for the next generation of Springbok Women. The seeds we plant today will help shape the success stories of tomorrow.”

SA Rugby U16 EPD Girls squad:

Boland: Loren Meyer (Klein Nederburg), Lyra-Jean Esau (Hawston),Sophia de Witt (Dirkie Uys)

Border: Lunje Mdluli (Ngangelizwe), Ahlume Mgidi (Khanyisa), Emihle Pongolo (Ngangelizwe), Mihlali Nqgameni (Eyabantu)

Blue Bulls: Karabo Mokale (Phateng), Mabel Sesoko (Thuto Bohlale), Chemike Visser (Waterkloof), Mariette Botha (Piet Potgieter), Juhne van den Heever (Waterkloof),Isabel Esterhuizen (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool), Chante Badenhorst (Waterkloof), Micaylin Barnard (Tuks Youth Club)

Eastern Province: Sanga Makalane (Port Alfred), Amahle Tole (Motherwell), Sisamkele Njikelana (Mfesane), Aphelele Nzenze (Msengeni)

Free State: Jessica Benbrook (Fichardtpark)

Griffons: Bokamoso Moahloli (Welkom), Rethabile Molatela (Welkom), Yanela Dlamini (Welkom), Oratile Molakeng (Phehello)

Griquas: Geraldine Bok (AJ Ferreira)

Golden Lions: Sibongiseni Gumede (Vorentoe), Olebogeng Mampe (Bracken), Sisipho Mwelase (Prudens), Ntandokazi Bhengu (Queens), Nicole Ogbu (Sir John Adamson)

KwaZulu-Natal: Shy-Hannah Nichols (Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High), Christi van Wyk (Durban Girls’ High), Siphindile Mshengu (Mowat Park), Talia Steele (Reddam House Umhlanga), Hero Fortunate Sikhakhane (Ohlange), Heroes Fortune Sikhakhane (Ohlange), Faith Khoza (James Nxumalo Agricultural)

Limpopo Blue Bulls: Fiona Sehlangu (Magoza), Xilaveko Makhubele (Magoza), Mashudu Netshishivhe (Capricorn), Tokollo Rasekele (All Saints College)

Mpumalanga: Precious Koloto (Patriot), Reitumetse Mokoena (Patriot), Gabriella Rabie (Steelcrest)

Southwestern Districts: Bionich Baadjies (George)

Valke: Siseko Sogani (Elspark), Phoebe Hartman (Boksburg)

Western Province: Tamara Keenan (Manenberg), Lofani Zingce (Isilimela Comprehensive), Mbali Bongela (Curro Delft), Megan Abrahams (DF Akademie), Azra Jordan (Manenberg), Madiniyah Joseph (Manenberg), Laghan de Jongh (Fairbairn College), Nangamso Mshweshwe (Khulani), Lwenzoluhle Tutu (Isilimela Comprehensive)