Rugby Africa President to Springbok Women Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup: “You Are Carrying the Pride of a Continent”

South Africa's Springbok Women receive a message of support ahead of their opening match against Brazil at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, taking place on Sunday, 24 August 2025 at 15:45 (SAST) / 14:45 (BST).

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – As South Africa prepares for their opening game on Sunday August 24 against Brazil at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, (www. RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a letter addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union:

Dear Springboks,

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is here and there is only one team on my mind: the Springbok Women.

I’ve watched your preparation games, I’ve seen the way you have developed, and I can tell you this, you make the whole of Africa proud. We see the evolution of the women’s game, and you, the Springbok Women, personify rugby on this beautiful continent.

My elder brother, Mark Alexander, has spoken with pride about this team, and I share that pride deeply. You carry not just the dreams of South Africa, but the weight and support of 1.4 billion Africans. From east to west, north to south, every corner of this continent is behind you. You may be at the southern tip of Africa, but you lift all of us above you as you step into this World Cup.

Coach Swys de Bruin, congratulations on building such a formidable squad. The Springbok Women are preparing themselves for greatness, not just in this World Cup, but in the future too.

To Captain Nolusindiso Booi, to the Vice Captain Babalwa Latsha, and to32 gladiators ready for battle, I say good luck. You are carrying the pride of a continent. We are with you, we believe in you, and I will be cheering you on every step of the way.

Springbok Women 2025 Rugby World Cup Squad:

Props

Sanelisiwe Charlie

Xoliswa Khuzwayo

Yonela Ngxingolo

Babalwa Latsha (Vice-Captain)

Nombuyekezo Mdliki

Hookers

Micke Gunter

Lindelwa Gwala

Luchell Hanekom

Locks

Nolusindiso Booi (Captain)

Danelle Lochner

Nomsa Mokwai

Anathi Qolo

Vainah Ubisi

Utility & Loose Forwards

Aseza Hele

Catha Jacobs

Lerato Makua

Sinazo Mcatshulwa

Sizophila Solontsi

Faith Tshauke

Scrumhalves

Unam Tose

Tayla Kinsey

Flyhalves

Libbie Janse van Rensburg

Mary Zulu

Centres

Zintle Mpupha

Aphiwe Ngwevu

Chumisa Qawe

Eloise Webb

Outside Backs

Jakkie Cilliers

Ayanda Malinga

Maceala Samboya

Utility Backs

Byrhandré Dolf

Nadine Roos

Access Official Letter: Click Here