Springbok Women To Make History As Black Ferns Arrive For First Test On South African Soil

Women’s rugby in South Africa is about to step into one of its biggest stages ever. SA Rugby has confirmed that the Springbok Women will face New Zealand’s Black Ferns for the first time on home soil next year, forming part of a massive Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry double-header at FNB Stadium.

The historic encounter is set for 5 September 2026, just before the Springboks and All Blacks meet in the final Test of their three match series. For the women’s national team, it is more than just a fixture. It is a long awaited moment of recognition as their rapid rise finally intersects with one of the sport’s most dominant teams.

A Rivalry That Could Redefine Women’s Rugby

Although the Springbok Women and the Black Ferns have met only twice before, both matches left their mark. Their most recent showdown in the 2025 Rugby World Cup quarter-final was one of the tournament’s standout contests. The scores were locked at 10 10 at halftime before New Zealand pulled away to reach the semifinals.

Fans still talk about that match for how fearless and composed South Africa were on a global stage. Facing the Black Ferns again, this time in front of more than 90 000 people at FNB Stadium, brings a new opportunity for the team to show how far they have come since breaking into the world top ten this year.

A Turning Point For Women’s Rugby In South Africa

The domestic women’s game has grown quickly, helped along by increased visibility, improved structures and the rising popularity of youth rugby among young girls. This match could accelerate that growth even further.

For many fans, especially young players who now see themselves represented more often on broadcast platforms and in stadiums, this fixture is a milestone. Johannesburg has hosted unforgettable Springbok moments before, but seeing the national women’s team run out ahead of the Boks and All Blacks adds a new chapter to local sporting history.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer called the occasion a reward for years of investment in the women’s game, noting that 2025 saw major progress across all national teams. Breaking into the top ten rankings and achieving a best ever World Cup performance are signs of a team on a steep upward trajectory.

New Zealand Welcomes A New Layer To A Famous Tour

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson praised the decision to include the women’s teams in the rivalry tour, saying it brings depth and freshness to what is already seen as a premier rugby event. For rugby traditionalists, the chance to see two rival nations compete across both the men’s and women’s programmes in one stadium is unprecedented.

Robinson’s comments highlight how the global rugby landscape is shifting. Women’s matches are no longer treated as supporting acts but as essential fixtures that can stand alongside the sport’s biggest institutions.

A Moment The Players Have Been Waiting For

Head coach Swys de Bruin summed up what the match means on a personal level. Facing the best is the only way to become the best, he said, and stepping onto the FNB Stadium turf for such a high profile Test is a dream moment for his players.

It also marks the start of the next World Cup cycle, giving the team a powerful measuring stick for their development.

Fans Already Celebrating A Historic Day

On South African rugby social spaces, the hype is undeniable. Supporters are calling the fixture overdue, while others say it could become one of the biggest crowd gatherings ever for a women’s Test match. Some are already rallying friends, families and supporters’ clubs for a full day at FNB Stadium.

Many are also praising SA Rugby for finally giving the Springbok Women a headline stage equal to the occasion of the men’s rivalry, with some fans calling this a symbolic shift in how women’s rugby is valued across the country.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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