Shiniqwa Lamprecht: Bok Women Sevens Totally Committed to Challenger

This was the message from the 21-year-old Shiniqwa Lamprecht, who formerly played at inside centre for the Junior Springboks Women, and with distinction for the Bulls Daisies in the longer version of the game, after the teams checked into their hotel in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The hard-running player from Pretoria, who signed a national contract with a long sevens career in mind, said she dreamt of representing South Africa as a youngster, and has been working very hard since.

For Lamprecht, playing on the world stage was the main reason for accepting SA Rugby’s offer and her participation in all eight tournaments of the 2024 HSBC SVNS season seemed justified.

However, South Africa lost their spot as core team to China for this season, and they have to start over again, with that journey kicking off in Cape Town on Saturday. The loss of their core status is something Lamprecht and her teammates want to redeem.

“Dropping off of the circuit was a shock to all of us, so we need to get back at the next opportunity, which starts this weekend. That is why the home crowd can expect some real urgency from us from the start on Saturday.”

Bok Women’s Sevens Centre, Shiniqwa Lamprecht

“We may have some World Series experience and other teams not, but that is no guarantee for us. Every tournament has its unique flow and each game you play has unique challenges. We are certainly not going to take anything for granted.

“The team with the best skill levels, preparation and dedication to the job on hand will be successful come Sunday. We are in a fortunate position that our senior players, who form the majority of the squad, have good experience and maturity and I believe that is something that could count in our favour this weekend.”

Only three players in the SA squad did not feature in the world series last season and for Lamprecht, the second youngest member in the squad, that guarantees a good burst of energy.

“They were selected by the coaches because they have a skill set that will benefit the rest and they will also bring that extra energy, so we will be okay as a squad,” she said.

“We were competitive in every game we played on the circuit and since then we have spent many hours preparing for the Challenger, whether it was field sessions, gym or strategy sessions, we come well prepared.

“Obviously, a good crowd will be a bonus as ultimately, we also play for everyone who find meaning in the Springbok jersey.”

2025 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Pools

Pool A: South Africa, Czechia, Hong Kong China
Pool B Argentina, Thailand, Mexico
Pool C: Belgium, Uganda, Colombia
Pool D: Poland, Kenya, Samoa

SA Fixtures at the Challenger Series in Athlone, Cape Town, on Saturday, 1 March

15h55: Hong Kong China
19h36: Czechia

Springbok Women Sevens squad for the Opening Tournament of the Challenger Series

Leigh Fortuin
Zintle Mpupha
Felicia Jacobs
Maria Tshiremba
Kayla Swarts *
Nadine Roos
Mathrin Simmers (captain)
Kemisetso Baloyi
Shiniqwa Lamprecht
Ayanda Malinga
Alicia Willemse *
Rights Mkhari

* Uncapped

Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: The second youngest member of the squad, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, insists that Springbok Women’s Sevens realise the enormity and importance of the task at hand when they take the field in the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town this weekend. Photo: Gallo Images via SA Women’s Rugby on X

Photo 2 Caption: The 21-year-old Bulls Daisies’ Shiniqwa Lamprecht formerly played at inside centre for the Junior Springboks Women. Photo: Shiniqwa Lamprecht on IG