De Bruin also had to quit his role as television pundit. “I loved every second and I’m really thankful for the opportunity,” said De Bruin who proved a popular analyst on SuperSport. “But I’m a guy of seasons and an opportunity arrived at SA Rugby to be the Performance Coach under the Boks with the Women’s team and the U20s. I’ll be mainly working with the coaches.”
The Springbok Women team will play a warm-up match against the Barbarians Women on September 7 and a Test against Spain on September 19 before WXV 2, where they face Japan (September 27), Australia (October 5) and Italy (October 12).
Four uncapped players were named in the training squad of 44 who will attend a national training camp for the first time, while the rest of the group all featured in the last two seasons, as well as nine regulars from the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.
Springbok Women training squad:
Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions), Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Nombuyekezo Mdliki (all Border Ladies), Roseline Botes, Luchell Hanekom, Nolusindiso Booi, Shaunique Hess, Azisa Mkiva, Sinazo Mcatshuwa, Nomsa Mokwai (all Western Province), Mary Zulu, Tayla Kinsey, Amanda Ndlovu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Vanessa Holmes (all Sharks), Maceala Samboya, Felicia Jacobs, Chuma Qawe, Nompumelelo Mathe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Aseza Hele, Veroeshka Grain (all Boland Dames), Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner (Harlequins), Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Traifinders), Sinelitha Noxeke, Sizophila Solontsi, Byrhandre Dolf, Yonela Ngxingolo, Micke Gunter, Chumisa Qawe, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Maria Tshiremba, Zintle Mpupha, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Jakkie Cilliers, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Unam Tose, Rumandi Potgieter (all Bulls Daisies), Nadine Roos (unattached).