The Springbok Women’s Sevens side is currently in Potchefstroom where they are facing altitudes and putting in intensive training ahead of the important Africa qualifiers in Tunisia.

The squad arrived on Monday afternoon and will be in Potch until Sunday after some intensive training, psychology sessions from Dr. Kobus du Plooy as well as two friendly matches against Potch Dorp Women and the Leopards Women’s team on Friday and Saturday respectively.

The Springbok Sevens Women under head coach Renfred Dazel, have improved dramatically over the past few years and are looking at taking on some of the best Africa nations in September.

“The main goal is to go to Tunisia and to win the tournament in order for us to qualify for the World circuit. At this moment we our focused on the tournament in Tunisia,” said Dazel who started coaching the women’s team at the end of October 2013

“The facilities here are fantastic in Potch and much different than what we normally experience at our base in Stellenbosch. The altitude is also much higher, which really helps with our training. We are excited for the matches on Saturday and it’s all about taking a step closer to our goals in Tunisia,” added the Women’s Blitzbok captain Veroeshka Grain.

According to Dazel the Women’s Rugby culture still has to improve in the country but it has stepped up of late.

“The important thing will be to create exposure to women’s rugby at a young age. We need to start investing in the rural and disadvantaged communities. Going forward we will need to go to universities and expand the women’s game there as well. Targeting youngsters and players at Varsity level is one of main objectives in growing the game.”

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