Rights Mkhari joins Bok Women’s alignment camp after passing sevens ‘test’

Dual international Rights Mkhari will join the Springbok Women's training squad at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport this week for their fourth alignment camp of the year, after a successful return to international rugby via the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

The versatile Mkhari was a prominent member of the SA team at the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournaments in Cape Town over the past two weekends, where South Africa finished third and second, respectively.

“I am pleased to have finished these two tournaments, as I needed that confirmation mentally and physically,” Mkhari said after the Challenger Series.

“We had a disappointing end to the weekend, but now my focus will move to the training camp. I have a lot to catch up on, but I am grateful for the opportunity presented to me by the coaching staff.”

Mkhari represented her country at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2022, and played the last of her 13 Test matches in the 33-7 win over Samoa at WXV 2 in Cape Town in October 2023. She then moved back to sevens, but she injured her knee at the HSBC SVNS in Cape Town in December 2023 and was out of rugby for the entire 2024 season.

The alignment camps are a key part of Swys de Bruin's preparations for the World Cup in England later this year. A number of regulars at earlier camps this year will be absent from the week-long gathering, which kicked off in Stellenbosch on Monday.

Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Nobuhle Mjwara and Lusanda Dumke are all out injured. Vainah Ubisi, who is recovering from knee surgery, will attend the camp for the first time this year.

Four of the five overseas-based Boks are back with their teammates. Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers Women), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders Women), Babalwa Latsha and Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) have completed their club commitments abroad, with only Sinazo Mcatshulwa still playing in France.

Springbok Women's training squad: Ayanda Malinga, Chumisa Qawe, Byrhandre Dolf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Jakkie Cilliers, Zintle Mpupha, Unam Tose, Anathi Qolo, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua, Sizophila Solontsi, Vainah Ubisi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Micke Gunter, Xolelwa Diliza (all Bulls Daisies); Mary Zulu, Tayla Kinsey (both Sharks Women); Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Nombuyekezo Mdliki (all Border Ladies); Aseza Hele, Veroeshka Grain, Nomawethu Mabenge, Maceala Samboya (all Sanlam Boland Dames); Azisa Mkiva, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Alicia Willemse (all DHL Western Province); Rights Mkhari, Nadine Roos (both Sevens); Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers Women), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders Women), Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner (both Harlequins Women).