Springbok Women stalwart Lindelwa Gwala is confident that her exposure to the world's leading players competing in the Allianz Premiership not only improved her as a player and person, but will also boost her ability to keep contributing to the squad as they prepare for Saturday's Test against Spain in Valladolid.
Six years ago, a bright-eyed Aphiwe Ngwevu travelled to England with the Springbok Women in what was the potential beginning of a long international career for the then 20-year-old.
There were smiles for miles in the Springbok Women camp in Edinburgh on Sunday evening when their four England-based professionals joined the squad, thus completing the 32 player tally for the important European tour.
Seven uncapped players have been included in the Springbok Women's squad of 32 players for a three-week tour of the United Kingdom and Spain Europe later this month, which was announced by head coach Louis Koen.
Springbok Women lock Danelle Lochner will join a growing number of her national team mates to ply their trade overseas after signing with Harlequins Women, who compete in the Rugby Football Union's elite competition for women, the Allianz Premiership.
The Springbok Women have shown glimpses of their ability against top-10-ranked teams in the world and according to head coach Louis Koen, that bodes well for the future of the team and future WXV competitions.
Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen tweaked the midfield and loose trio combinations of his match day squad for their final WXV 2 clash against Samoa at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, while also bringing in Rights Mkhari as replacement.
The Springbok Women will face Samoa in their final WXV 2 match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday without Tayla Kinsey, Luchell Hanekom and Aseza Hele.
Springbok Women coach Louis Koen applauded the fighting spirit shown by his players at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, although they were beaten by Italy in an epic match in the second round of WXV 2 on Friday.
Despite being a regular starter at scrumhalf and fairly injury free, it took Tayla Kinsey all of a decade to get to 30 Test caps for the Springbok Women, and on Friday, she and her teammates will face Italy for only the second time ever since South Africa started playing international rugby in 2004.