Springbok Women Step Boldly Into Africa Cup Title Defence With an Eye on 2025

Eyes on the Trophy, Hearts Set on 2025

There’s something different in the air this time. When the Springbok Women land in Madagascar to defend their Rugby Africa Cup title, they’ll be doing more than just chasing silverware. They’ll be shaping the very core of their team for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Assistant coach Franzel September made that clear earlier this week, emphasizing that the Rugby Africa Cup tournament is not just about winning, it’s about building and reshaping the South African women’s rugby team.

“We want to defend the championship, yes,” September told SABC Sport. “But it’s also about giving every player a fair shot to prove themselves. This is part of a much bigger picture.”

A New Chapter with Familiar Roots

The Springbok Women’s squad for 2025 is an intriguing mix: 12 fresh faces stepping onto the continental stage for the first time, alongside eight seasoned players who know what it means to wear green and gold at the World Cup level.

It’s a deliberate strategy. The coaching staff isn’t just rolling the dice — they’re laying the groundwork for a balanced, battle-ready squad. Youth brings energy and unpredictability; experience offers composure and tactical clarity. Together, it’s a recipe for something potentially powerful.

Enter: Anathi Qolo, a Lock with Leadership

Among the new pillars of this evolving team is Anathi Qolo, the Blue Daisies lock who’s been handed the captain’s armband. For many, that might seem like a surprise move. But for the coaching team, it’s a logical next step.

“Anathi impressed us on the European tour,” said coach Franzel September. “We’ve got other locks in the World Cup pipeline, but this is about giving fair opportunities. And she’s earned this one.”

In a sport that doesn’t always rush to hand young players leadership roles, Qolo’s elevation sends a strong message: This team believes in growing leaders, not just selecting them.

Beyond the Field: Changing the Face of Coaching

It’s not just the players who are making moves. There’s a quiet but significant shift happening behind the scenes, too. More female rugby coaches are being integrated into the Bok Women’s setup a change that’s been welcomed by September and the wider rugby community.

It’s a long-overdue move in a sport that’s still catching up with the times. And for a team that’s working toward 2025 with focus and ambition, having diverse voices in leadership is not just nice to have — it’s essential.

What’s at Stake in Madagascar?

South Africa’s campaign kicks off against Uganda at Stade Makis in Antananarivo a city where rugby passion runs deep. Madagascar, often more known for its love of football, has seen a rapid rise in local support for the women’s game in recent years, and is an exciting emerging rugby nation. Expect a vocal crowd and a charged atmosphere.

The Springbok Women will need to hold their nerve. But judging by the tone from the camp, they’re not just ready, they’re quietly confident.

The Bigger Picture: Rugby, Redefined

The Rugby Africa Cup 2025 is more than just a title defence. It’s a bold step in a larger story: one of a national team reshaping its future by investing in the present. From giving young players a platform, to redefining leadership, to opening doors for female coaches, South Africa’s women’s rugby team is doing things differently.

And that difference might just be what takes them to the next level in 2025.

{Source:Sabc Sport}

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