SPRINGBOK WOMEN WORLD CUP PREP IN CAPE TOWN
The Springbok Women’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup make their way into Cape Town this month.
The Women Boks will face New Zealand in a two-match series at Athlone Stadium ahead of the global rugby spectacle in England next month.
The first match is scheduled for Saturday 26 July and the second will be on 2 August.
The 32-player squad arrives in the Mother City following a two-Test series against Canada in Pretoria and Gqeberha, as part of their final build-up to the tournament.
Cape Town has become a second home for the Springbok Women over the past few seasons, with several training camps and fixtures held in the city.
Athlone Stadium has played host to key matches — including clashes against Spain, Italy, and Australia in recent years — cementing the stadium as a vital venue in the team’s development.
The series against the Black Ferns XV presents the perfect challenge at just the right time, as Performance coach Swys de Bruin is fine-tuning his squad.
“They have the whole bag of tricks in their squad,” says De Bruin.
“There are Black Ferns players who will be on the standby list for Rugby World Cup selection, a strong group of players with experience from the Super Rugby Aupiki tournament, and some very promising youngsters coming through the ranks.
“We need to be tested in all areas of our game, so we welcome that. Canada gave us clarity on some of our work-ons, and this Black Ferns XV team will hopefully do the same.”
This will be the first time a national New Zealand women’s team has played on South African soil.
Back the Women Boks
When the Springbok Women run out at Athlone this month, they’ll be just weeks away from representing South Africa at the country’s fifth Rugby World Cup.
They’ll need every bit of support on their journey to the biggest stage in women’s rugby.
SA Rugby has launched the #PlusOne campaign — a national rallying call to back the Springbok Women. It’s a movement that celebrates their growth, sparks pride and unites South Africans behind the team.
The campaign calls on South Africans to be more than just fans — to be a daily source of belief and encouragement through the rallying cry: Follow Our Journey. Be Our Plus One.
Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi knows the challenge ahead.
“We’re not new to a challenge,” says Booi.
“For a long time, we fought for visibility and opportunity. Now we have that — and with the country backing us, we know we step onto the field with the full weight of the nation behind us.
“Whether you’re a young girl dreaming big on a dusty pitch like I did, a proud father watching from the couch, or a first-time supporter, you are part of this movement. We’d love for you to become our #PlusOne.”
Tickets to the two-match series against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium are available on Quicket from just R20.
