Vianca Boer will captain the Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’ at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens, where South Africa face Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in Pool A at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, 7 November and Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Boer is one of only four squad members with HSBC SVNS experience, as head coach Cecil Afrika opted for a relatively inexperienced group of players as preparations for the 2027 season ramp up.
Boer, Jané Mulder, Shanidiné Bezuidenhout and Owami Mohuli were all part of the squad that qualified for the HSBC SVNS World Championship series in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux last season and will guide a squad that includes four players who recently represented the Junior Springbok Women.
Isabella Nel came to rugby from hockey and Kiera Bowker from water polo and mountain biking, while Voice Ndou returns to the national set-up. The Western Province wing played for the SA Students Sevens before making herself available for Zimbabwe’s Lady Cheetahs, who played in the Rugby Africa tournament a few seasons back. She then sat out international rugby for the required number of seasons and is eligible to play for South Africa again.
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Only one HSBC SVNS 3 qualifying place is on offer in Nairobi, going to the best-placed team outside South Africa. With the Springbok Women’s Sevens already assured of their place in the HSBC SVNS 2 series starting in January, the weekend gives the coaching staff the opportunity to expose a young squad to international competition.
Afrika said settling on his final squad was challenging. “The final selection of this squad was not easy, so congratulations to those who were selected to represent us in Kenya,” said Afrika.
Afrika said talent was only one selection criterion. “This is part of our pathway plan. Those who excelled in training, had the right attitude, dedication and discipline all got the nod and now have the opportunity to go and play.”
“We are not going there to lose, we want to deliver performances that will make us proud”
Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’ Head Coach, Cecil Afrika
South Africa are the defending champions, having beaten hosts Kenya 22-0 in the 2025 final at the same venue. The squad departed Cape Town on Wednesday, 4 November.
South Africa’s Matches at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens, RFUEA Grounds, from Sat 7 Nov to Sun 8 Nov 2026
Sat 7 Nov 09h28: South Africa vs. Rwanda
Sat 7 Nov 12h12: South Africa vs. Zimbabwe
Sat 7 Nov 14h56: South Africa vs. Zambia
Sun 8 Nov: Knockout rounds (Times TBC)
Sun 8 Nov 15h32: Final (Times TBC)
Rugby Africa Africa Sevens Series Kenya 2026 Pools
Pool A: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda
Pool B: Kenya, Tunisia, Ghana
Pool C: Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius, Burkina Faso
The Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’ Squad at the Rugby Africa Africa Sevens Series Kenya 2026
1 Shanidiné Bezuidenhout (Western Province)
2 Jané Mulder (Blue Bulls)
3 Owami Mohuli (Free State)
4 Voice Ndou (Western Province)
7 Vianca Boer (captain, SA Rugby contracted)
9 Isabella Nel (Western Province)
10 Hayley Hardneck (Boland)
12 Kiera Bowker (Western Province)
14 Lilitha Vakalisa (Border)
15 Siphumelele Mdlalose (Golden Lions)
16 Marli George (Western Province)
23 Tereské Kabuika-Ilunga (Boland)
Management
Cecil Afrika (Head Coach)
Obakeng Molopyane (Strength And Conditioning Coach)
Reagan Cele (Physiotherapist)
Thandiswa Nxomani (Team Manager)
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’ squad will face Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in Pool A of the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Kenya 2026, with head coach Cecil Afrika backing a young group to build towards the 2027 season, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, 7 November and Sunday, 8 November 2026. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images
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