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Golden Generation: Up and Under Players Shine for Western Province and Make History for South African Rugby

Up and Under's player development pathway reaches another milestone as ten players represent Western Province and seven earn historic SA Schools selection.


A Milestone Year for Girls' Rugby


The 2026 SARU Youth Weeks will long be remembered as a landmark moment for South African girls' rugby.


Not only did Western Province dominate both the U16 and U18 FNB Girls Weeks by finishing unbeaten to claim national titles, but South African Rugby also announced the country's first-ever SA Schools Girls and SA Schools Girls 'A' teams. Creating another significant milestone in the national player pathway.


For Up and Under Rugby Club and our partner schools, this historic occasion became even more special as ten players represented Western Province, while seven players earned selection for the inaugural SA Schools programme.


These achievements are a reflection of years of commitment from the players, their families, schools, coaches and the wider girls' rugby community.


Western Province U16 Girls Crowned National Champions


The 2026 FNB U16 Girls Week was hosted at Kearsney College in Botha's Hill, KwaZulu-Natal, from 29 June to 4 July, bringing together the country's best emerging female rugby players.

Western Province were outstanding throughout the tournament, producing three dominant performances to finish the week unbeaten.


Results


The convincing victory over the Blue Bulls secured the championship and completed a perfect tournament for the Cape side.


Up and Under's Provincial Representatives


Two Up and Under players proudly represented Western Province at the tournament.


Megan Abrahams

Scrumhalf

Megan represents both Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, where she attends school. Throughout the tournament she demonstrated excellent game management, composure under pressure and quick service from the base of the scrum as well as filling in on Fly Half.


Laghan de Jongh

Wing

Laghan plays for Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, while attending Fairbairn College. Her pace, finishing ability and work rate made her an important part of Western Province's unbeaten campaign, scoring 2 tries.



Western Province U18 Girls Continue Their Dominance


Only days after the U16 success, Western Province continued their remarkable run at the 2026 FNB U18 Girls Week, hosted at Grey High School in Gqeberha from 5–11 July.


Facing the strongest provincial teams in the country, Western Province once again finished undefeated to be crowned national champions.


Results


The final victory over hosts Eastern Province sealed another national title and highlighted the strength of Western Province's girls' rugby side.


eight Up and Under Players Represented Western Province


Up and Under was proudly represented by eight players selected for the provincial squad.


Alicia de Klerk

Wing

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, while attending Brackenfell High School.


Jessie Schoeman

Centre | Western Province Captain

Jessie represents Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie. She captained Western Province throughout the tournament, leading by example with outstanding leadership, composure and consistency.


Gabriella Sefoor

Utility Back

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, while attending Brackenfell High School.


Zoë Antonie

Scrumhalf

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, while attending Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High School.


Charlize Langeveldt

Scrumhalf

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, while attending Protea Heights Academy.


Mia Kanka

Flyhalf

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and DF Akademie, while attending Rustenhof Secondary School.


Shanelia Heugh

Hooker

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and attends Bellville Technical High School.


Nommah Sandifolo

Lock

Represents Up and Under Rugby Club and attends Bosmansdam High School.


History Made: First-Ever SA Schools Girls Teams Announced


Following the conclusion of the U18 Girls Week, SA Rugby announced the first-ever SA Schools Girls and SA Schools Girls 'A' squads.


The announcement marks one of the most significant developments in the history of girls' rugby in South Africa, creating a national schools pathway equivalent to the long-established boys' programme.


The two 26-player squads remained in Gqeberha to prepare for the inaugural SA Schools Girls fixture at Grey High School on 16 July 2026, broadcast live on SuperSport Schools.


Seven Up and Under Players Selected


The historic squads featured an incredible seven Up and Under players.


SA Schools

  • Jessie Schoeman

  • Mia Kanka

  • Nommah Sandifolo

  • Charlize Langeveldt*

  • Shanelia Heugh*

  • Zoë Antonie (late call-up)


SA Schools 'A'

  • Alicia de Klerk


Unfortunately, Charlize Langeveldt and Shanelia Heugh both sustained injuries during Western Province's final match and were withdrawn from the national training group.


Following Charlize's withdrawal, Zoë Antonie received a well-deserved call-up to the SA Schools squad, ensuring that Up and Under remained strongly represented in the historic team.


More Than Selections—A Pathway in Action


While provincial and national selections are significant individual achievements, they also demonstrate the value of a structured player development pathway.


Many of these players have progressed through multiple stages of the Up and Under system, from school rugby and club rugby to regional hub programmes, Western Province representation and now national recognition.


The fact that players from several different schools have reached this level reflects the collaborative work being done between Up and Under Rugby Club, our partner schools, families and the wider Western Province girls' rugby community.


These achievements are not the finish line, they are another step in building sustainable opportunities for young female rugby players across the Western Cape.


Congratulations


We congratulate every player who wore the blue and white jersey with pride, as well as those selected to make history in South African rugby.


Your dedication, resilience and commitment continue to inspire the next generation of girls entering the game.


Congratulations to our players, their families, schools, coaches and everyone who has contributed to this remarkable journey.


Western Province Champions. Historic SA Schools Representatives. The future of girls' rugby has never looked brighter.


Sources


SA Rugby

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