(SATSports) – South Africa’s women’s rugby team is set to play Tests outside the country for the first time in three years when they embark on a tour of Europe later this year.
The Springbok Women are scheduled to play France at the Stade de la Rabine in Vannes on November 6 as well as the Barbarians Women at Twickenham on November 27.
The last time the Springbok Women played outside their borders was in 2018 when they faced the UK Armed Forces, Wales, Spain and Italy.
A statement from SA Rugby, the sport’s governing body in the country, said more matches on the tour will be confirmed in due course. The matches are geared to help South Africa prepare for the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.
Springbok Women head coach Stanley Raubenheimer said the team was really looking forward to going out on tour after an extended period of time out.
“We are really excited about this opportunity to go on tour and face quality opposition, and hopefully we can make a success of this trip to Europe,” Raubenheimer said.
“The match against France is very significant as they are our opponents in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year, and it will be good to test us against them.”
“One of our main aims on this tour will be to get an idea of what we can expect next year in New Zealand, and to tune our planning to be as well-prepared as possible when we get there.”
Earlier this month, the Springbok Women made a return to international competition for the first time in close to two years defeating Kenya in a two-match Test series in Stellenbosch.
