South Africa’s Women’s Rugby World Cup squad, announced yesterday by coach Swys de Bruin, is headlined by a powerful contingent from the dominant Isuzu Bulls Daisies, with 14 players from the Pretoria-based side named among the 32 selected for the tournament in England later this month.
The squad assembled in Johannesburg this week ahead of their official unveiling at FNB Stadium, before departing for England on 14 August.
The heavy Isuzu Bulls Daisies presence is a testament to their domestic supremacy and the impact of their professional programme, which has rapidly elevated player performance and national depth.
“We’re immensely proud of our players selected to represent South Africa on the world stage,” said Thando Manana, Executive for Strategic Projects, Isuzu Bulls Daisies. “This is not just a testament to their individual talent and hard work, but also to the strength of our professional programnme and the vision behind it. Our mission has always been to help raise the standard of women’s rugby in South Africa, and this moment is a powerful validation of that commitment.”
Among the standout inclusions from the Daisies are Zintle Mpupha, the versatile playmaker and former national sevens star; Sizophila Solontsi, a combative flanker with dynamic ball-carrying skills; Ayanda Malinga, the electric outside back with finishing flair; and Yonela Ngxingolo, a seasoned campaigner in the front row.
The Daisies’ backbone gives the squad continuity, cohesion and experience as they head into the showpiece event, set to run from August 22 to September 28 in England.
The selected players will now shift focus to final preparations, as South Africa looks to build on their growing momentum in the women’s game and make a mark on the global stage.
The Isuzu Bulls Daisies in the SA squad for RWC 2025:
Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Elizabetha Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Chumisa Qawe, Zintle Mpupha, Jacomina Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf, Lerato Makua, Unam Tose, Vainah Ubisi, Ntsako Tshauke, Anathi Qolo.
