South Africa and Ireland to play for first time in 20 years at WXV Global Series

The Springbok Women have confirmed they will host a first-ever Test series against Ireland in October as part of the WXV Global Series.

Fixtures will take place on the 24 and 31 October at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. It will be the first time that the teams have met in 20 years.

To date Ireland and South Africa have only ever met once before. Ireland won that fixture 37-0 in Edmonton at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2006. At this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations, Ireland finished third in the tournament.

Swys de Bruin, Springbok Women head coach, said: “It is hard to believe we have never played in a Test series, something that also reminds us on how important it was for the Springbok Women to break into the top tier of the women’s world game.”

“To have Ireland come to our shores after their recent solid performances in the World Cup and Women’s Six Nations, where they finished third, will demand some special performances from our team.

“They are ranked fifth in the world and those are the teams we need to compete against as we start building towards the next World Cup in 2029.”

These two fixtures add to a rich home schedule, which includes Tests against the USA Women’s Eagles in July and a clash this September against the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium at the start of September.

Scott Bemand, Ireland coach, said: “We’re excited to travel to Cape Town for a two-match series against South Africa, who are a strong and developing team and will provide an excellent challenge in a demanding environment.

“The opportunity to travel away from home for a Test series is why the addition of the WXV Global Series is invaluable for us as a team we continue to build and grow as a group.”

Swys de Bruin also confirmed the South Africa squad that will start preparation for those Eagles matches. The core of this squad competed at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, although Nolusindiso Booi is not involved after her retirement, while Nadine Roos and Sinazo Mcatshulwa are not considered due to injury.

There is also a place for Maria Tshiremba, who scored 36 tries for Cecil Afrika’s Springbok Women’s Sevens this season, while Felicia Jacobs and Donelle Snyders have been recalled after absences from the squad.

Springbok Women’s training squad

Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua, Sinelitha Noxeke, Unam Tose, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Naima Hlatshwayo, Shaunique Alexander, Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandré Dolf, Maria Tshiremba, Patience Mokone, Zintle Mpupha [all Isuzu Bulls Daisies], Roseline Botes, Babalwa Latsha, Thandile Mazwi, Nomsa Mokwai, Logan Welman, Alichia Arries, Donelle Snyders, Anushka Groenewald [all DHL Western Province], Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Catha Jacobs [both Golden Lions Women], Felicia Jacobs, Eloise Webb, Maceala Samboya, Shiniqwa Lamprecht [all Sanlam Boland Dames], Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Aphiwe Ngwevu [both Border Ladies], Nobuhle Mjwara [Sharks Women], Anacadia Minnaar [EP Queens], Micke Gunter [Leicester Tigers], Danelle Lochner [Harlequins]