South Africa coach Denver Wannies has selected a squad of 31 players to attend a three-day training camp next week which will kick-start preparations for their participation at the Women’s Nations Cup in Canada from 2-13 August.

The squad will come together at the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth on Friday and will largely focus on fitness, conditioning and medical testing of the players.

Making a welcome return are former South Africa Women’s Player of the Year Natasha Hofmeester after missing the bulk of last season, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, with a foot injury, and flanker Izan Niewoudt, who played at the 2006 World Cup.

Wannies has also invited some new faces to train with the senior squad for the first time, including prop Dineo Rammutla, wing Nobele Sinazo, hooker Nwabisa Ngatu and centre Janine Felix.

“Dineo, Nobele, Nwabisa and Janine are all young players who will benefit from their involvement with the core group of players who played for us in World Cup last year,” explained Wannies, recently appointed for a second term as national coach.

“We will also add another four youngsters who are currently training with the U20 squad. There are some notable omissions, such as Cebisa Kula, Saloma Booysen and Lorinda Brown, but they will have enough chances to force their way back into contention.”

The South African Under 20 squad are currently in Port Elizabeth making their own preparations for their Women’s Nations Cup in Santa Barbara, USA, in July involving the same four teams – England, Canada, USA and South Africa – as the senior event.

South Africa Women’s training camp squad:

Izan Nieuwoudt, Pulane Motloung, Yolanda Meiring, Dineo Rammulta (all Blue Bulls); Mandisa Williams, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Ziyanda Tywaleni, Nolusindiswe Booi, Nwabisa Ngatu, Nobele Sinazo (all Border), Daphne Scheepers, Donna Sidumbu, Lamla Momoti, Zandile Nojoko, Phumeza Gadu, Zenay Jordaan, Charmaine Kayser, Nomathamsanqa Faleni (Eastern Province); Nombulelo Mayongo (all Griffons), Dolly Mavumengwana, Lusanda Mtiya (all KwaZulu-Natal), Natasha Hofmeester, Nosipho Poswa, Aimee Barrett, Cherne Roberts, Nedene Botha, Laurian Johannes, Janine Felix (all Western Province).