The Springbok Women fought bravely to draw the recent series against the USA Women's Eagles, and their junior counterparts are gearing up for a similarly tough challenge against the USA juniors later this month.
The Junior Springbok Women will return to international action for the first time since 2024 later this month with a squad that blends proven Test experience with the country's most exciting emerging talent.
New head coach Hayden Groepes on Tuesday named a 31-player squad for a two-match series against the USA Under-20 Women in Stellenbosch, with Springbok Women Abigail Smit and Zethu Gcaza headlining the group.
Both players earned their senior Test debuts during South Africa's triumphant Rugby Africa Women's Cup campaign in Kenya earlier this year, providing valuable experience to a youthful squad as SA Rugby continues to strengthen the pathway to the senior national side.
The two fixtures, to be played at Markötter Stadium on 17 and 24 July, mark an important step in the continued growth of the women's game after the Springbok Women reached the quarter-finals of last year's Rugby World Cup and recently shared a competitive Test series with the USA.
