In a much-anticipated announcement, World Rugby has revealed the fixtures for the upcoming WXV 2 tournament, and the Springbok Women's Rugby team is ready to make their mark on the international stage. Scheduled in the picturesque Western Cape in October, this event promises to be a thrilling display of women's rugby talent.
The Springbok Women will begin their campaign by facing formidable opponents - Scotland and Italy, ranked in the top 10 of women's rugby. This challenging start underscores the tournament's prestige and the Springbok Women's commitment to take on the world's best. Additionally, the tournament will feature a historic first Test match between South Africa and Samoa, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
WXV 2 will kick off on October 13th at Stellenbosch's Danie Craven Stadium with an enticing double-header: Italy vs. Japan, followed by South Africa vs. Scotland. Fans can look forward to another thrilling clash between the USA and Samoa the following day. As the tournament progresses, the action will shift to Cape Town's Athlone Stadium for the second and third rounds of WXV 2.
South Africa's encounter with Italy on October 20th promises to be a standout fixture, while the competition will culminate with a weekend of action-packed matches on October 27th and 28th, featuring Scotland vs Japan, South Africa vs. Samoa, and USA vs. Italy. An exciting aspect of this tournament is that it will run concurrently with the men's Rugby World Cup 2023, ensuring that rugby enthusiasts can savour an extended period of elite Men's and Women's Rugby.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, expressed his delight at hosting the WXV 2 tournament, emphasizing its significance for women's rugby development in South Africa. He stated, "We are delighted to be hosting the first WXV 2 event, a tournament set to deliver top-class women's rugby, including our ever-improving Springbok Women." This tournament represents a significant opportunity for Springbok Women's interim head coach, Louis Koen. Despite being ranked just above Samoa, Koen and his team are determined to make their presence felt globally.
The success of the Springbok Women's Rugby team is a testament to the growth and transformation of women's rugby in South Africa. Since the decision to rebuild the team from scratch in 2014, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, and more players are now receiving professional contracts. This growth has resulted in the Springbok Women steadily climbing the ranks of World Rugby.
The WXV tournament, featuring three tiers of competition, has provided a structured platform for Women’s Rugby to flourish. As the Springbok Women gear up to host WXV 2 in Cape Town, they have a golden opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for the sport, inspiring future generations of female rugby stars in South Africa.
Rugby fans worldwide eagerly await the tournament's kick-off, which promises to celebrate women's rugby excellence and a new chapter in the Springbok Women’s remarkable journey.
