One of the most anticipated years in the history of the Springbok Women is upon us

Now almost a month into 2026, there is plenty to be excited about as one of the most anticipated years in the history of the Springbok Women is upon us.

After the excitement of the Rugby World Cup dies down, despite the campaign ending without silverware, the win over Italy in the pool stages and the performance in the quarter-final against New Zealand left a mark on the rugby watching public, especially in South Africa.

Since the tournament the Boks Women (or SA Rugby) have stepped up both on and off the field with some mouth watering fixtures lined up for the women in dark green on home turf in 2026.

For the first time ever, both the USA and New Zealand will tour South Africa. The Bok Women meet the USA in a historic two-Test series in July, played in Johannesburg and Pretoria as part of double headers, with the Springboks Men hosting England and Scotland, respectively.

Later in the year, the Springbok Women will face the Black Ferns in another landmark occasion – a double header on September 4th during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test.

Yonela Ngxingolo who was part of the match day squad for the historic 2025 World Cup knock-out match against New Zealand in Exeter, spoke to Leezil Hendricks at Rugby 365, and believes the squad is more than ready to rise to the challenge of playing better opposition and having more eyes on their performances.

“We want to face the best so that we can be the best. They always say iron sharpens iron, so I do think and believe that we’re going to do well,” said Ngxingolo who has represented South Africa at two World Cups.

“They’re (New Zealand) going to be quite a challenge, but we’re definitely up for it because that’s where we want to see ourselves. We can’t say we’re fine with playing lower-ranked teams – the only way to get better is to play the best. For us, it’s a good challenge, and we’d like to see more of that going forward in terms of game time and matches.”

Originally a flanker, Ngxingolo transitioned to prop after catching the eye of her coaches – and chasing down a future Springbok great, Lusanda Dumke.

“I started playing at seven. My first game was against a school called Second Seaswell High School, and that was my first time playing against Lusanda Dumke – she was playing eighthman (number eight).

“My coach said that if I wanted to play for the national team, I’d be competing against her. I laughed and said I didn’t think I was ready to compete with someone so fast and skilful. So I decided to try prop. I didn’t want to play hooker because there’s a lot of pressure. I just wanted to lift someone in the lineout and be done. That’s when I transitioned to prop, and that’s been my position ever since.”

The 27-year-old spoke with fondness as she looked back on the 2025 World Cup campaign which has changed the lives of the Springbok Women’s players.

“The feeling of being at the World Cup was phenomenal – playing against the best teams in the world literally grows you as a player. You get to have more experience. The coaches were phenomenal, the staff, the organisation, the sponsors that came through – it was amazing.

“Seeing people support women’s rugby like that even opened our eyes as South Africans, that actually people really do support women’s rugby outside.

“I think the more game time we got, the more confidence we gained in the World Cup. That build-up towards the World Cup happened at the right time. Everything felt like it was meant to happen the way it happened, so credit to everyone who supported us. We really saw – and we still see – your support, and we do believe there’s more to come.”

If Ngxingolo has it her way, the World Cup will not only be the start of a new era in South African rugby but also the perfect springboard into another historic year ahead.