2026 Northern Region Squads Announced - A Girls Rugby pathway in action

The Northern Region programme continues to move forward with purpose. What began as a structured development vision is now unfolding in real time — visible in the growth of the players, the depth of competition, and the quality of preparation behind this year’s squad selections.

Since our previous update on the Northern Region Development Plan, the players have expanded their exposure and training environments. A session at City Park introduced a new performance setting, while integration opportunities with the Western Province U20 Development structures elevated intensity, sharpened standards, and gave our players a clearer picture of what the next level requires.

From there, the programme progressed into Phase 2 and Phase 3 — focused match preparation, positional clarity, tactical cohesion, and building combinations ahead of competition. The foundation has been laid. Now the squads step into the competitive phase.

A Region Represented

This year’s Northern Region squads reflect genuine regional collaboration. Players have been selected from 15+ different schools and development structures such as: DF Akademie, Parow HS, Edgemead HS, Fairbairn College, Bellville HS, Bellville THS, Bosmansdam HS, President HS, Elsies River HS, Curro Durbanville, Hottentots-Holland HS, Kasselsvlei CHS, The Settlers HS, Stellenberg HS, Protea Heights, Rustenburg Girls High, Vox Vixtor, and Ivy Hill Academy.

Beyond the schools, the programme also draws from key development structures such as Up and Under Rugby Club, Offside Sports and VC Development and various primary school and community club pathways that continue to strengthen the base of girls’ rugby in the Northern Suburbs.

The diversity of representation matters. It reflects the purpose of the Northern Region initiative — not to compete against one another, but to unify talent under one regional banner.

U14 Northern Region Selection

The Under-14 squad represents the next generation of Northern Region talent. Selected players come from a strong spread of primary and high school programmes, reflecting the increasing reach of structured girls’ rugby in the region.

The full U14 squad list can be viewed here:

U16 Northern Region Selection

The Under-16 group blends developing talent with valuable provincial experience. Within this squad, Megan Abrahams and Laghan de Jongh both represented Western Province U16 at last year’s SARU National Girls Week — experience that now adds leadership and composure within the regional structure.

The full U16 squad list can be viewed here:

U18 Northern Region Selection

The Under-18 squad showcases the strongest concentration of provincial pathway experience within the region. Monrica van der Horst, Zoë Antonie, Nommah Sandifolo, Eyam Mgwebile, Amy Barnes and Charlize Langeveldt have all previously earned Western Province selection for national competitions.

In addition, Shanelia Heugh, Mia Kanka and Jessie Schoeman were selected for SARU Elite Player Development camps last year. Jessie went on to represent the first-ever Springbok U18 Girls team against the Netherlands — a historic milestone for girls’ rugby in South Africa.

The full U18 squad list can be viewed here:

Northern Region vs Kraaifontein Region

Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Parow HS

The Northern Region squads are scheduled to face Kraaifontein Region on Saturday, 28 February 2026 at Parow HS. Kick-off times are as follows: U14 at 10:45, U16 at 11:45, and U18 at 12:45.

This fixture represents the competitive culmination of the current training phase and an opportunity for the players to apply months of preparation in a structured regional contest.

Senior Match Feature

Headlining the day at 14:15 will be the second-ever home friendly for Up and Under Rugby Club Women as they take on Elsies River United RFC. The senior fixture symbolically connects the full pathway — from youth regional structures through to senior women’s rugby within the club environment.

Looking Ahead

The Northern Region programme continues to strengthen because it is built on collaboration, consistency, and long-term vision. Selection is a milestone, not a destination. The pathway remains open, and the standards continue to rise.

On 28 February, the region gathers again — not just to compete, but to witness the continued growth of girls’ rugby in action.