IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women have kicked off their preparations for a momentous year with a week-long camp in Stellenbosch.

The 38-player squad, which consists of 21 forwards and 17 backs, assembled last week Sunday and has been hard work as they kick-start their World Cup preparations.

The national squad were last in action at the WXV 2 in October, where they secured a win over Japan before narrow defeats to Australia and Italy.

The team concluded the WXV 2 in fourth place, level on league points with Italy and above Wales, who both play in the Six Nations.

But despite the long break, the players came back refreshed and keen to get the season going, Springbok assistant coach Franzel September told Rugby365.

“Everyone came back stronger and fitter, so we are actually very excited,” September told Rugby365.

“We sent the players home with programs and they came back in very good shape – it excites us as coaches for the World Cup year.”

He added: “We are currently in Stellenbosch and the ladies enjoy it.

“They have coped really well with the heat [on the first two days].

“The first is always tough, it takes a lot of energy but the excitement beats everything and we have adapted well.”

The Bok Women will open their World Cup campaign against Brazil at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday, August 24 before taking on Italy (August 31) and France (September 7).

Ahead of the tournament, the Bok Women will take a trip to Europe in April followed by the Africa Women’s Cup.

September said the planning for the campaign is in full swing as they will take a trip to Europe in April followed by the Africa Women’s Cup.

However, they are yet to confirm who will be the Bok Women’s opponents in the warm-up games.

“We told ourselves we would take it one match at a time. We want to start off well against Brazil and then move over to Italy. The last one is France,” September revealed.

“But we will it one match at a time. It is important for us to not get carried away but we really want to do good.

“Ultimately you do want to go out there and win, but one step at a time to get to the play-offs and after that, we take it from there.”

He added: “We have lined up some international matches and in due course, the teams will confirm it.

“But we are excited about what’s ahead.

“The Tests will be announced soon by the away teams.”

September also revealed that Bok management will keep a close eye on the upcoming Women Premier Division which kicks off on January 25.

The first round will see the Bulls Daisies, champions in 2023 and 2024, travel to Nelson Mandela Bay for their opening-round clash against the EP Queens. The Border Ladies will host the Sharks Women, Boland Dames will take on the Golden Lions Women, and Western Province, runners-up in the last two seasons, Will face off against the Free State Women.

“We are keen to see how the players perform,” September said, adding: “We had good engagements with the provincial coaches.

“We will look at habits and behaviour from a national point of view.

“The squad have not been selected so it’s still wide open.”

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