The planning and preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup are already underway for the Springboks, after World Rugby announced the full schedule for the global showpiece, which will be played out in eight different venues across Australia
next year.
This will be a big year for the Boks, as they will be on a mission to make history and become the first team to lift the Webb Ellis trophy three times in a row.
South Africa is currently the defending champions, following their World Cup glory in 2023, when they beat the All Blacks in the final in France.
Former Springbok Odwa Ndungane got in touch with Sunday World regarding the crucial season ahead, as it will set the tone for the team building up to the World Cup next year.
“Like every Springbok fan, I am excited and looking forward to the new season, especially if you look at the past performances, how good they were, how well they rotated the team, and how strong the competition within the squad was.
“So, I am excited. There is also the new Nations Championship, where we will have three good tough games, building up to the All Blacks tour [in July]. So, I think that’s quite exciting.”
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said it was pleasing that they finally knew where and when they would be playing. “We are fortunate that we have played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney in the last few years in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
“We can now go full steam ahead with our planning and preparation for the tournament, and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we are as fresh and well prepared as possible for the competition.
“Our operations and logistics team will start getting into the finer details of the travel in the coming weeks, with our pool matches being hosted in different cities, while the coaches and high-performance staff will start having in-depth discussions about how to manage the players during the tournament to get the best out of them on the field,” he added.
Springbok RWC 2027 fixtures:
Pool stages:
Sunday, October 3 – 14h15 (05h45 SA time): SA v Italy (Adelaide Oval)
Sunday, October 10 – 16h45 (08h45 SA time): SA v Georgia (Brisbane Stadium)
Sunday, October 17 – 19h15 (13h15 SA time): SA v Romania (Perth Stadium)
Proteas Women team full of confidence, says coach
Proteas Women assembled in Potchefstroom this week ahead of the three-match T20I series starting on Tuesday until February 16. Focus will then shift to the ODI leg, which includes two ICC Women’s Championship fixtures on February 22 and 25, followed by the fifth edition of the Black Day ODI in Durban on March 1.
“We are very pleased to be able to select two competitive squads ahead of what will be a demanding period for the team, with tours against New Zealand and India still to come before the T20 World Cup,” Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi told SACricketmag.
“The team is full of confidence after the way we ended 2025, but now we have to go again.
“It will be up to each individual to ensure we maintain and improve on our performances,” he said.
“We are not settling for anything less, and this tour against Pakistan – a side we know very well and who can be tricky on their day – will play a big role in helping us execute our plans and review where we need to improve.”
All-rounder Kayla Reyneke has been named in the Proteas Women’s T20I squad for the series against Pakistan.
The 20-year-old former SA Under-19 Women’s captain will join an experienced core led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, alongside senior all-rounders Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Marizanne Kapp following their recent exploits in the Women’s Premier League in India.
Proteas Women’s T20I squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (c, Titans), Tazmin Brits (Lions), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Marizanne Kapp (Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Masabata Klaas (Titans), Suné Luus (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (Western Province), Chloé Tryon (Lions), Dané van Niekerk (Western Province).
