Springbok Women Suffer Double Injury Setback Ahead of Spain Clash
- The Springbok Women have been forced to make changes to their squad after two injury setbacks ahead of their crucial Spain clash
- The latest injuries have created fresh selection questions for the Springbok Women as preparations continue in Seville
- South Africa will head into the final WXV Global Series match with changes to the squad and another key availability decision still pending
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The Springbok Women have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their WXV Global Series clash against Spain, with two players returning to South Africa for further medical treatment and observation.
The setbacks come just days after South Africa's 41-29 victory over Italy on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The Springbok Women arrived in Seville on Sunday as preparations began for their final match of the three-week tour.
Two players ruled out after injuries
Libbie Janse van Rensburg sustained an ankle injury during the victory over Italy. Ayanda Malinga is also dealing with a knee injury suffered during the 50-19 defeat to Wales a week earlier.
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SA Rugby confirmed that both players returned home as the team moved on to Spain. The changes have also prompted a call-up, with Mary Zulu set to join the squad on Monday to provide cover at flyhalf. Zulu last played for the Springbok Women at the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Kenya in May.
The 23-year-old has 18 Test appearances and 45 points for South Africa. She also captained the South African Women's A side during their recent tour of Brazil.
Source: UGC
Another selection question for Springbok Women
South Africa’s preparations for Spain are not quite settled yet, with Byrhandré Dolf’s availability still to be determined following the Italy clash.
Dolf started at flyhalf and scored a try in the 41-29 victory, but her afternoon ended early when she was taken off for a head injury assessment. She is due to complete her HIA 3 protocols on Monday, after which the coaching staff will decide whether she can take part against Spain.
That uncertainty comes at a time when the backline is already being reshaped. Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Ayanda Malinga have returned to South Africa because of their respective injuries, while Mary Zulu has been called into the squad as additional flyhalf cover.
The Spain Test is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October at the Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja in Seville and will be the Springbok Women’s final fixture of their European WXV Global Series campaign. South Africa will then return home for a two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October.
With several players now facing changes in roles or availability, the coaching staff will have another important selection call to make before the team takes on Spain.
Springbok Women made major changes before Italy clash
Briefly News previously reported that the Springbok Women made sweeping changes for their WXV Global Series clash against Italy, with 2 players taking on Test captaincy duties for the first time.
The selection also saw several regular starters moved to the bench, while returning players and positional switches added another layer to the team picked for the Italy encounter.
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Source: Briefly News
