By Adnaan Mohamed
The balancing act between medicine and international rugby awaits newly qualified doctor Insaaf Levy after she was named in the Springbok Women squad for their two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town.
The DHL Western Province player was named in the Springbok Women squad for their two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town. Levy is among two additions to the squad announced by co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September for the encounters at Athlone Stadium on 24 and 31 October.
Anacadia Minnaar also returns after missing the recent European tour, with the EP Queens back replacing Felicia Jacobs. Levy comes in for the injured Ayanda Malinga.
For Levy, who has two Test caps, the call-up brings another opportunity to advance her rugby career while navigating the demands of life as a newly qualified medical doctor.
Her rugby résumé includes appearances in two of South Africa’s three Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Tests in Kenya in May, followed by a tour of Brazil with the SA Women A side in August.
The latest selection places her in the frame for the Springbok Women’s final assignments of the year, with Ireland providing a significant test of South Africa’s progress.
The hosts return from Europe after securing victories over Italy and Spain during a demanding tour that also included a match against Wales. Johannes-Haupt and September have opted for continuity, retaining the bulk of the group that finished the trip strongly.
“We opted for continuity as we have good momentum from the last couple of matches on tour, hence the call to stay with the same group of players,” Johannes-Haupt said.
She welcomed Minnaar’s return and explained the thinking behind Levy’s inclusion.
“Anacadia could unfortunately not travel to Europe, but we are happy to have her back, while we also want to bring Insaaf closer to the action and tap into her skill set,” she said.
Ireland, ranked fifth in the world, will offer a demanding examination as the Springbok Women look to build on their European results and close the season successfully on home soil.
“Ireland are not the fifth-ranked team in the world for nothing. They will really test us,” Johannes-Haupt said.
The two Tests will conclude the 2026 WXV Global Series for South Africa, with both matches scheduled to kick off at 15:00.
Johannes-Haupt believes Athlone Stadium provides an ideal setting for the team’s final international outings of the year.
“We are pleased on how the season progressed and want to finish it strong at home,” she said.
“Athlone Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years and it is a perfect setting for us to close out the season.”
Free State Women centre Aisha Camara and DHL Western Province prop Anothando Katshwa have also been invited to train with the squad throughout the camp.
For Levy, the immediate challenge is to make the most of her opportunity in a settled Springbok Women group while balancing the responsibilities of her medical profession with the demands of elite rugby.
Tickets for the matches on 24 and 31 October are sold separately and available exclusively through Ticketmaster: https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/Events.