Four girls from Krugersdorp High School (KHS) and Hoërskool Monument (Monnas) have been selected to represent the Golden Lions Rugby Union at the U16 Girls Youth Week, which will be held at Kearsney College from June 29.

Monnas learners Chezel Slabbert and Annebella van Wyngaard, along with Brilliant Tsoeu and Vhugala Netshirembe from KHS, earned their places in the final 23-player squad after progressing through a rigorous selection process.

The trials took place primarily at St Stithians College, Marks Park in Emmarentia and the University of Johannesburg, where more than 100 players competed for places in the squad.

At school and club level, talent scouts and coaches monitor standout players during regular-season matches. The four girls first caught the attention of selectors during the Best of the West Easter Rugby Festival before advancing to regional and union trials.

During the trials, players were assessed on physical conditioning, technical skills and positional awareness.

Each player has built an impressive rugby résumé.

Annebella recently captained the Gauteng provincial girls’ rugby team and became the first girl to play at the Noord-Suid Tournament, one of the country’s premier early-season rugby festivals. Held annually at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), the tournament predominantly features boys’ teams, but Annebella’s performances earned her recognition as one of the event’s standout players.

Chezel was awarded the Victrix Ludorum title last year while attending Monument Primary School. She also played for and captained the school’s boys’ second rugby team.

Brilliant and Vhugala represent Krugersdorp High School’s senior rugby teams and were identified by selectors during the Best of the West Easter Rugby Festival. Both have previously represented the Lions and believe their achievements help challenge the perception that rugby is a sport reserved for boys.

Brilliant said rugby has helped her develop discipline and improve her social skills.

Before I started playing rugby, I was very reserved,” she said.

Despite attending different schools, the four players share a common goal: To raise awareness of and support for girls’ rugby while inspiring more young girls to take up the sport.