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Afrika backs Roos to drive Springbok Women’s at Rugby Africa Sevens
By Joe Harvey
Stand-in Springbok Women’s Sevens head coach Cecil Afrika believes Nadine Roos’ captaincy can help drive his team to Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup success.
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The reigning SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year has been named captain of a 12-player squad that departs for Kenya today in the aim of winning this weekend’s tournament for a 10th time.
Roos most recently starred for the Springbok Women at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England as the side made the quarter-final stages in England. Now the 29-year-old is expected to be a leading light for her country yet again.
This tournament is the first step for South Africa in their quest to claim HSBC SVNS qualification.
The Springbok Women have been named in Pool A along with Zambia, Ghana and Egypt, and need a top two finish to further their case for a place on the 2026 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series.
“It was a great effort by all the players, something that is always pleasing to any coach,” Afrika said.
“The players selected have played in big tournaments before and with the high standards she set, Nadine will push them to be at their best on the field of play as well.”
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Roos is joined by fellow Rugby World Cup stars Zintle Mpupha, Byrhandre Dolf and Ayanda Malinga on the plane to Nairobi.
Recent big game experience could well be vital to the Springboks’ hopes.
Ahead of the tournament Afrika, who is filling in for head coach Renfred Dazel, does not underestimate the importance of the task at hand, but believes success this weekend can contribute to a prosperous 2025/26.
“There is massive pressure on us, and we all know what is at stake, but we are all in in to make it to the next stage, which will be Challenger 3 in January,” said Afrika.
“This tournament will also be an ideal opportunity to get our systems going again after a break in tournament play. We hope to lay a solid foundation, so when we do get the desired result, we will be ready for the next challenge.”
Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup
1. Leigh Fortuin
2. Asisipho Plaatjies
3. Patience Mokone
4. Zintle Mpupha
5. Vianca Boer
6. Siniqwa Lamprecht
7. Maria Tshiremba
8. Simamkele Namba
9. Nadine Roos (c)
10. Byrhandrè Dolf
11. Ayanda Malinga
12. Liske Lategan
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