The Springbok Women will host Ireland in a historic first Test series between the two countries on consecutive weekends in Cape Town in October as part of the WXV Global Series that was announced at the end of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
SA Rugby confirmed the two Tests will take place at Athlone Stadium on 24 and 31 October, with 15:00 kick-off times perfect for late spring afternoon rugby.
The two teams only ever met once before – 20 years ago – on 8 September 2006 in Edmonton, Canada during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with Ireland winning 37-0.
Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin welcomed the confirmation of the matches – part of the WXV Global Series – and said it is the perfect way to conclude a jam-packed 2026 international season.
“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,” said De Bruin.
“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.”
De Bruin said the exposure the Bok Women will get from playing Ireland, as well as the USA and New Zealand’s Black Ferns at home in South Africa, will benefit the women's programme immensely.
“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,” he said.
Ireland coach Scott Bemand 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, as we continue to build and grow as a group.”
The WXV Global Series brings the top 12 teams on the world ranking (Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, USA and Wales) together in a home and away cross-regional touring model, which takes place across the September and October window.
Springbok Women home fixtures 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