Target set The Springbok women will host a historic Test series against the USA in July, serving as a curtain-raiser for the men’s Nations Championship and marking a significant step in their World Cup ambitions. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix
Such is the rise of Springbok women’s rugby that they will set the stage for the men’s side in the Nations Championship in July, when they host the USA in a historic Test series.
The Bok women will host the USA in two Tests on July 4 at Ellis Park and then on July 11 at Loftus Versfeld. These matches will serve as the curtain-raiser to the men’s fixtures against England and Scotland, respectively.
The Bok women are ranked 10th in the world, while the USA are two spots ahead at number eight.
Springboks women’s coach Swys de Bruin said the series against the USA would be something of a landmark occasion.
“Not only will we play two double headers with the Springboks, which is already massive for us, but it falls in line with our objective to play as many top-10 teams as possible in the new World Cup cycle,” said De Bruin.
“Our ambitions for the next Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia are well documented by now, and these two Tests will be a brilliant start towards that goal.
“The USA play in the Pacific Four Series every year, exposing them to the high-intensity rugby of opponents Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, a luxury we did not have in previous years. But thanks to World Rugby’s new format of the top-12 ranked sides playing each other and SA Rugby’s commitment to make these happen, these objectives can now become a reality.”