The Springbok Women will make history this October when they host Ireland in the first-ever Test series between the two nations at Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium. The two match series, part of the WXV Global Series, represents a statement of intent from a programme determined to cement their place among the world’s elite.
SA Rugby confirmed the Tests will take place on 24 and 31 October with 15h00 kick-offs. For a Springbok Women’s side building momentum, the opportunity to face the world’s fifth-ranked team provides exactly the calibre of opposition required ahead of the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
Twenty years in the making
The nations last met on 8 September 2006 in Edmonton, Canada, with Ireland claiming a 37-0 victory at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Two decades later, the Bok Women have broken into the top tier and established themselves as genuine competitors on the global stage.
Ireland coach Scott Bemand acknowledged the challenge ahead: “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 WXV Global Series is invaluable for us.”
Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin welcomed the historic fixtures: “It is hard to believe we have never played in a Test series. 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 build towards 2029.”
Star studded home season
The WXV Global Series brings together the world’s top 12 ranked teams in a home and away cross-regional touring model. The full Springbok Women home fixture list for 2026:
4 July (13h30): USA – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
11 July (13h30): USA – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
5 September (13h30): Black Ferns – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
24 October (15h00): Ireland – Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
31 October (15h00): Ireland – Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
“The WXV Global Series came at just the right time for us and to play four sides in the top eight in one calendar year will not only force us to make a step up but also add valuable experience to our playing squad,” De Bruin explained.
World Cup core returns
De Bruin has named an experienced squad to begin preparations in Stellenbosch from Wednesday. The core from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup returns, though veteran Nolusindiso Booi has retired whilst Nadine Roos and Sinazo Mcatshulwa are ruled out with long-term injuries.
Exciting additions include uncapped Maria Tshiremba, who scored 36 tries for the Springbok Women’s Sevens during their 2026 campaign. Experience returns through Felicia Jacobs and Donelle Snyders.
Tshiremba, Byrhandré Dolf, Ayanda Malinga and Felicia Jacobs will join on 21 June following HSBC SVNS World Championship commitments, whilst Patience Mokone, Zintle Mpupha and Shiniqwa Lamprecht will arrive after the HSBC Rugby Premier League tournament in India.
Twenty years ago, a 37-0 defeat told the story of a team finding their feet. This October in Cape Town, the Springbok Women have the chance to write a very different narrative, one of a team that belongs, competes, and threatens anyone who crosses their path.
History awaits at Athlone Stadium. The Springbok Women are ready to seize it.
