The 2023 and 2024 SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division champions, the Bulls Daisies travel to the Eastern Cape to begin their 2025 campaign against the EP Queens. The Daisies and the Queens meet at the Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 25 January; with kick-off set for 13h00.

Hayden Groepes (head coach) and Lusanda Dumke (captain) lead a spirited Daisies side that is determined to do well during a year where good performances contribute to South Africa’s bigger picture with the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Spring.

The Centane-born skipper says the energy and motivation amongst the team is higher than ever before.

“We are so excited to get going and begin a new campaign, especially because this is such an important year for Women’s Rugby with the World Cup. We are all becoming adaptable players because the season has changed and so our year becomes longer which is exciting, we get to test our athletic ability and depth,”

“Everything starts behind the scenes, the amount of work we have all put in during the holidays, when we got back into the camp, everyone has been energetic and hungry for more success. That is always good to see because it means we all want the positive results as bad as we did when we started.”

Dumke adds: “The Emerging Daisies have become an important part of what we do. Their level of commitment and improvement in skills has been so important for us, especially last season when the team had International calls, they are a vital part of this team and the depth they give us, puts us at a good advantage.”

Dumke will turn up at her usual loose forward role alongside Ntsako Tshauke and the bulldozing Sizophila Solontsi, who slots in at eight. Ahead is a lock combination featuring Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Springbok Anathi Qolo. In front will be Sanelisiwe Charlie, Micke Gunter and Yonela Ngxingolo.

At the back, scrumhalf Unam Tose and flyhalf Byrhandre Dolf link up at halfback. The Springbok utility back, Dolf, makes a shift from her usual run at fullback to fly half which sees Zintle Nonkasana at the back with new recruit Shaunique Alexander starting at left wing and 2024 Players Player of the Year, Patience Mokone at right wing. The tried and tested pairing of Chumisa Qhawe and Jakkie Cilliers combines once more at inside and outside centre, respectively.

Groepes has opted for a five-three split impact squad that features both experience and explosive energy in Karabo Lebotsa, Doreen Mkhabela, Rachelle du Plessis, Busisiwe Crafford, Sophy Mashapa, Camelitha Malone, Zintle Mpupha and Ayanda Malinga.

BULLS DAISIES vs EP QUEENS STARTING XV: 1. Sanelisiwe Charlie, 2. Micke Gunter, 3. Yonela Ngxingolo, 4. Ziyanda Ngohlekana, 5. Anathi Qolo, 6. Lusanda Dumke (c), 7. Ntsako Tshauke, 8. Sizophila Solontsi, 9. Unam Tose, 10. Byrhandre Dolf (vc), 11. Shaunique Alexander, 12. Chumisa Qhawe, 13. Jakkie Cilliers, 14. Patience Mokone, 15. Zintle Nonkasana

BULLS DAISIES IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Karabo Lebotsa, 17. Doreen Mkhabela, 18. Rachelle du Plessis, 19. Busisiwe Crafford, 20. Sophy Mashapa, 21. Camelitha Malone, 22. Zintle Mpupha, 23. Ayanda Malinga

BULLS DAISIES MANAGEMENT: Hayden Groepes – Head Coach, Bongiwe Nhleko – Assistant Coach, Zenay Jordaan – Assistant Coach, Nokuthula Nene – Technical Analyst, Dr. Sbu Ntuli – Team Doctor, Lenel Allison & Monyaduwe Motsele – Physiotherapists, Owethu Sityatha – Strength & Conditioning, Luyolo Tandani – Logistics Manager, Obriel Maposa – Social Media Officer, Akusenani Khumalo – Team Manager