MBDA
The Springbok Women’s team will play Canada in two curtain raisers when the Springboks take on Italy in Nelson Mandela Bay and Loftus Versveld.
SA Rugby said the ‘double-headers’ will be played in Pretoria on 5 July, and Nelson Mandela Bay on 12 July.
CEO, Rian Oberholzer, said the two tests would not only showcase the growth and status of the Springbok Women, but also women’s rugby in general.
“It is a momentous year for the Springbok Women, as they will try and deliver their best ever result at the Rugby World Cup in England in August and these two encounters, against one of the best teams in the world, will be a very important part of their preparations,” he said.
"The fact that they will share the field with the Springboks, will be another bonus for our supporters, especially those in Pretoria and Gqeberha, where the Springbok Women have not played in a while.”
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin said that confirmation of the Canadian Tests was great news.
“We are only ranked 12th in the world and Canada are second, and for us to be in the best shape possible for the Rugby World Cup, we need to play the best teams in the world,” said De Bruin.
Kevin Rouet, head coach of the Canadian women’s team, said: “These matches in South Africa will play an important role in our preparation ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Playing the Springbok Women will give us with two very physical and exciting matches that will give us a good indication as to where we stand in our preparation as we get closer to our first Rugby World Cup match in August.”
SA Rugby said that following the series against Canada, the Bok Women will also play two matches against a New Zealand Black Ferns XV in South Africa, with dates and venues to be confirmed.
