Bulls Daisies target fourth consecutive title with new-look squad

Springbok Women’s utility back Byrhandrѐ Dolf could miss a chunk of the Bulls Daises’ Women’s Pick n Pay Super League 1 season, but new signing Yandisa Nobanda could fill her considerable shoes, The Bulls Daisies will begin their Women’s Pick n Pay Super League 1 campaign against the Border Ladies next weekend, with one obvious question dominating rugby conversations: can anyone stop the defending champions from claiming a fourth consecutive elite title? Last year, the dominant Daisies completed a hat-trick of Women’s Premier Division titles with a commanding victory over Western Province in the final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. They are already showing signs that they have no intention of surrendering their crown without a fight in the 2026 season of the rebranded Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 1.

The Pretoria-based side continues to form the backbone of both the Springbok Sevens and Fifteens squads, a testament to their depth and quality. To offset the impact of national call-ups on squad continuity, the Daisies have bolstered their ranks with the signing of seven new players ahead of the new season. They are joined by centre and utility back Jamy-Lee Hoffman, wing Robyn Strydom and flyhalf Yandisa Nobanda, who have all been recruited from other unions.

Nobanda, affectionately nicknamed “The General” by her teammates, could play a key role in the absence of dynamic playmaker Byhandre Dolf. The World Cup quarter-finalist is expected to miss a portion of the Super League season as she assists the Springbok Women’s Sevens in their push to return to the world series. Thando Manana, head of Women’s Rugby and Strategic Projects at the Blue Bulls Company, welcomed the new signings and highlighted the importance of strengthening the squad to face the demands of international windows.

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“I’m delighted to be able to watch local women’s rugby and identify these players in the BBRU league,” Manana said. They are some of the most exciting young talents in the local competitions and have already shown real composure and maturity in the Isuzu Bulls Daisies environment. With six players lost to the national sevens setup, we needed young, versatile and athletic players with significant potential for development. Our coaches are excited to work with them as we continue our pursuit of more trophies together.” The Daisies also unveiled their new jerseys for the season.

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