Exclusive: SA Rugby Confirm High-Profile USA Series to Accelerate Growth of Women’s Game

SA Rugby has taken a significant step in strengthening international relations and growing the women’s game after confirming a series of high-profile fixtures with USA Rugby.

In what has been described as a relationship-building initiative, SA Rugby announced that the Springbok Women will face the USA in a two-Test series in July. 

Last week, SA Rugby also revealed that the fourth and final Test match in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand will be played in Baltimore, Maryland, a historic occasion for rugby in the United States.

Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin welcomed the opportunity to face one of the world’s top teams, highlighting the importance of elite competition in the development of women’s rugby in South Africa.

“For us to play against the USA is a massive breakthrough, since we are now ranked 10th and they are a top-four side,” de Bruin told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“Additionally, we are already playing the Black Ferns, who are second in the World Rugby rankings.”

De Bruin also expressed his gratitude to the governing bodies that helped make the fixtures possible.

“I would like to thank World Rugby for this, and especially SA Rugby for making this happen for us in the women’s game.”

A Full and Promising 2026 Season

With series against both New Zealand and the USA secured, the Springbok Women are shaping up for one of their most comprehensive international seasons to date.

Reflecting on the team’s recent achievements, de Bruin believes South Africa’s strong showing at the last Women’s Rugby World Cup has played a key role in attracting global attention.

“After our success at the World Cup last year, making it to the quarterfinals, we definitely have the attention of World Rugby,” he said. 

“To have these fixtures and a full schedule is definitely a step in the right direction.”

He also praised SA Rugby’s High Performance General Manager, Dave Wessels, for his efforts behind the scenes.

“Dave Wessels has done a great job to ensure that these fixtures take place.”

Calls for Consistency from World Rugby

Despite recent progress, there have been ongoing calls for World Rugby to provide more consistent international fixtures for women’s teams outside of World Cup years. 

Historically, opportunities have been limited, slowing the global growth of the women’s game.

“All parties are busy negotiating with the stakeholders, but again, this is clearly another step in the right direction,” said de Bruin. 

“We want to ensure we have the best players playing against the best players.”

Women’s Rugby Goes Professional in South Africa

In another major boost, SA Rugby announced late last year that it will introduce a fully professional domestic women’s rugby competition following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup.

De Bruin believes the move will be transformative.

“For women to play professional rugby and get paid is such a positive thing and again a step in the right direction,” he said. 

“We will see player rosters increase for all franchises and ultimately more women playing rugby. It is exciting, and I’m really looking forward to it.”