SA Rugby
The Springboks will make their much-anticipated return to international action in July when the world champions host Georgia in a historic two-match series, which is part of a bumper World Rugby midyear Test schedule.
The series mark the first time Georgia will tour South Africa, while the two Tests are also the first time the two countries will meet since their only previous clash, at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
It means Jacques Nienaber will make his debut as Springbok head coach on the weekend of 2/3 July, with the second clash set for one week later on the weekend of 9/10 July.
SA Rugby will confirm the exact dates, venues and kick-off times in due course.
Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby, welcomed the World Rugby July Test schedule and said the two-Test series against Georgia offered the Springboks a very good opportunity to prepare for the much-anticipated Castle Lager Lions Series.
Lasha Khurtsidze, the Georgian vice-president for High Performance and Development, described the forthcoming series as a result of the growing friendship and cooperation between the rugby authorities in Georgia and South Africa.
“Playing against them is a great honour for us,” said Khurtsidze.
A revised programme of men’s Test matches – headlined by the Castle Lager Lions Series – is set to take place in July after all unions and World Rugby agreed a revised schedule within the existing window.
Issued by SA Rugby & World Rugby
