Springbok Women Prepare For A Historic July Test Series Against USA

South African women’s rugby is gearing up for one of its biggest years yet, with the Springbok Women set to take on the USA in a groundbreaking two-Test series this July. Not only is it a first-ever meeting between the two nations on South African soil, but the matches will also feature as double headers alongside the Springboks’ Nations Championship fixtures. For local fans, it means entire Saturdays dedicated to world-class rugby in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

A First-Ever Clash On Home Ground

The series begins at Ellis Park on Saturday, 4 July, before shifting to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 11 July. Both stadiums are steeped in history, and hosting the women’s fixtures as part of major double headers signals a shift in how women’s rugby is being positioned in South Africa.

The last time the Springbok Women met the USA was in London in March 2024, where the Americans won 38-17. This time the contest comes with new energy. The Boks are riding high after finishing a historic quarter-final run at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, reaching an all-time high ranking of 10th in the world. The USA, ranked eighth, also made the quarter-finals before falling to Canada.

Building Toward A Bigger Future

For head coach Swys de Bruin, the USA fixtures mark more than just two big Test matches. They symbolise a deliberate strategy to expose the squad to top-tier international opponents as early as possible in the new World Cup cycle.

He welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, calling the double headers “a massive opportunity” and a perfect launchpad for their campaign toward the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. With the USA regularly competing in the Pacific Four Series against rugby giants like New Zealand, Canada and Australia, the experience will be crucial for South Africa’s growth.

The timing also aligns with another major announcement. On 4 September, the Springbok Women will face the Black Ferns in Johannesburg in yet another first-time meeting on home soil. For local fans, it means women’s rugby is finally getting the big-stadium, big-crowd treatment it deserves.

A Warm Welcome From The USA Camp

USA Women Eagles General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard, said the team sees the tour as a vital step in developing their expanding squad. She emphasised that playing in South Africa, home to some of the world’s most passionate rugby supporters, will be a powerful challenge for the up-and-coming Eagles group.

The USA will also bring their U20 side, who will face the Junior Springbok Women in Cape Town on 18 and 25 July. The American squads will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, a world-class facility that has hosted numerous international teams.

Why Fans Are Excited

South African supporters have already begun celebrating the announcement online. On social media, many praised the double-header format, calling it “long overdue” recognition for women’s rugby. Others highlighted what this means for young players who finally get to watch their heroes take the field at iconic venues like Ellis Park and Loftus.

Women’s rugby has been gaining momentum nationwide since the Springbok Women’s World Cup breakthrough in 2025, and the upcoming series is being hailed as another turning point for the sport.

A New Era For Women’s Rugby In South Africa

The July Test series is more than a fixture list. It marks a shift in visibility, investment and national pride around the women’s game. Playing at two of South Africa’s most storied stadiums, sharing matchdays with the Springboks, and hosting one of the world’s top ten teams signals a new era for the Springbok Women.

For young girls in the stands, for families wearing green and gold, and for players dreaming of the next World Cup, July will be a reminder that South African women’s rugby is no longer playing in the shadows. It is stepping into the spotlight, one historic Test at a time.

Read more on SA Rugby Mag

{Source:SABC Sport}

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