Springbok Women: Five players to watch in the Women's Rugby World Cup

As the Springbok Women gear up for the Women's Rugby World Cup campaign in England, all eyes will be on a squad looking to make the knockout rounds for the very first time.

From experienced veterans to rising stars, this team has the potential to shake things up over the next month in England. Here are five standout players who could play a major role in South Africa’s journey — and who fans should definitely keep a close eye on.

Babalwa Latsha

The experienced tighthead prop is known as a powerful operator in the scrum, anchoring the Bok Women’s potent weapon in the front row. Latsha, who became the first woman from Africa to sign a professional rugby contract, is also an explosive ball-carrier who gets over the advantage line with powerful bursts. She also has a massive work rate for a front-row forward, as she hits a lot of rucks and makes big hits on defence.

Vainah Ubisi

The “Queen of the Skies” recovered from a serious knee injury to book her place in the Bok Women’s World Cup squad. The 22-year-old Bulls Daisies player was nominated for the SA Women’s Rugby Player of the Year award following a stellar 2024. She got her nickname for being a top lineout forward, while she is also a bruising runner with an underrated skillset in the tight-loose. Ubisi is definitely one to watch.

Aseza Hele

The bulldozing Hele has become one of the best players in the world, with her strong and powerful runs leaving a pile of destruction in her wake. Hele has scored 12 tries in 28 Test matches — a great record for a No. 8. She is almost unstoppable close to the opposition’s line, and it’s guaranteed that a lot of the Women Boks’ strike plays in the red zone will be centred around her.

Byrhandré Dolf

The fullback grew up in Uitenhage — now Kariega — playing touch rugby in the streets with the boys, and sending them for the proverbial “hotdog” with her dangerous side-stepping. Dolf, who is also part of the Women’s Sevens set-up, is quick and has the vision to boot. But she will also be key in the back area to try and help control the game for the Women Boks, especially against the Brazilians in their opening match.

Nadine Roos

The SA Women’s Player of the Year is one of the most important members of the Women Boks’ team, with her versatility in the back division key to their hopes of making the playoffs. Roos’ decision-making is why the coaches decided to play her closer to the ball. She has run out at scrumhalf over the last few months, but she can also play at flyhalf, fullback, and on the wing.