Erstwhile UWC netball, Danelle Lochner, will become a dual international when she makes her debut for the Springbok Women rugby team on Saturday, 25 March 2023 against Spain in Madrid.

Lochner, who is in her first year as a rugby player, said the experience of representing South Africa in netball has helped ease her nerves a bit.
 
“Yes, I know the feeling of going out there against teams from another country and what emotions singing the national anthem brings, but this will be a very different sporting code and hence, exciting experience for me,” said Lochner in an SA Rugby media release.
 

“I dare to say that rugby is more about teamwork than netball as fifteen players need to be on the same page. I cannot for one moment think about myself, as I have a job to do on the field and that job is not about me, but about my contribution to the team.”
 
Lochner comes into Test rugby with no provincial experience, but she is confident that she will cope with the physical demands of the game.
 
“In netball catch and pass are very important, and the same applies in rugby, with the added advantage of running with the ball. Not only run with the ball, but the faster the better,” she explained with a smile.
 
“I am a huge Steven Kitshoff fan and the way he approaches the game is something I would love to emulate. He hardly makes mistakes and one can see his enjoyment of playing.
 
“And as a lock, what is there not to love about Eben Etzebeth. His team always come first, but he imposes himself personally into every contest. That is something I can relate to.”

[LISTEN] Lochner on her switch from netball to rugby ENGLISH | AFRIKAANS

Springbok Women image and audio courtesy SA Rugby