Nolusindiso Booi will captain the Springbok Women at the 2025 Women’s World Cup in England.

Bok Women coach Swys de Bruin named his 32-player squad at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Nineteen players have previous World Cup experience, with South Africa drawn in Pool D alongside Brazil, Italy and France.

Booi, the Bok Women’s most-capped player (52 Tests) and most experienced captain (23 Tests), led the team at the 2022 tournament in New Zealand.  She will be supported by vice-captain Babalwa Latsha, who has captained South Africa in 14 Tests, including the recent Black Ferns XV series.

Booi (2010, 2014, 2022) and Tayla Kinsey (2014, 2022) are the most experienced players in a squad boasting a combined 689 Test caps.

Eight of the 19 forwards will be making their World Cup debuts: hooker Luchell Hanekom; props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki; locks Anathi Qolo, Danelle Lochner and Vainah Ubisi; and flank Faith Tshauke.

Four of the 13 backs are also newcomers at this level: wings Maceala Samboya and Ayanda Malinga, flyhalf Mary Zulu and utility back Byrhandré Dolf.

All 32 players featured in at least one of this year’s fixtures against Spain, Canada or the Black Ferns XV, or in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, which De Bruin said was a key factor in selection.

“We used 49 players this season across six Tests and four friendlies, and I know we got the balance right,” said De Bruin. “There will always be players who miss out, but as a coaching staff we’re happy with the group we have.

“The combinations we can select for each opponent give us plenty of options, and that will boost our chances of reaching the playoffs. This selection is the culmination of hard work and sacrifice, and I want to congratulate every player.”

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images