Springbok Women Name New Captain Ahead of Historic Ireland Tests
- The Springbok Women have made a leadership change ahead of two important home Tests, with an experienced player stepping into the spotlight
- An ankle injury has forced a change to the captaincy, while another squad member remains unavailable after picking up an injury earlier this month
- South Africa have also confirmed a vice-captain for the upcoming Ireland series, with further squad announcements expected
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Source: UGC
Sizophila Solontsi will captain the Springbok Women in their final two WXV Global Series Tests against Ireland after regular skipper Babalwa Latsha was ruled out with an ankle injury. The matches will take place in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October 2026.
The change comes after the team completed its training camp in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 17 October. Unam Tose has been appointed vice-captain as South Africa prepares for the historic home series.
Sizophila Solontsi takes over Springbok Women captaincy
Solontsi is familiar with the leadership role. She shared the captaincy with Tose when the Springbok Women faced Italy in September.
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According to SA Rugby Magazine, the experienced forward will lead the team in both encounters against Ireland. Tose will support her as vice-captain.
The two matches will be the first women's internationals between South Africa and Ireland played on South African soil. Both Tests are scheduled for Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki ruled out
Latsha was withdrawn from the squad after the Stellenbosch training camp. Her ankle injury means she will miss both Tests.
The Springbok Women have also lost Nombuyekezo Mdliki, who has not recovered from a rib injury sustained against Spain earlier in October.
The two absences mean the coaching staff must make further adjustments before the Ireland series.
Source: Twitter
Springbok Women prepare for historic Ireland series
South Africa will enter the final two fixtures of its 2026 WXV Global Series campaign with Solontsi leading the side.
The back-to-back Tests give the Springbok Women a chance to finish their international season on home soil. Ireland will provide the opposition in a series that marks a new chapter in the two countries' women's rugby history.
The focus now shifts to final preparations and the confirmed replacements for the injured players.
Springbok Women’s Spain victory sets up Ireland double-header
Briefly News previously reported that the Springbok Women finished their European WXV Global Series tour with a 20-0 victory over Spain in Seville on 4 October 2026. The result followed a 41-29 win over Italy and an opening 50-19 defeat to Wales.
Co-head coach Franzel September praised the team’s discipline and determination in difficult conditions. However, injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki have complicated preparations for South Africa’s upcoming home series against Ireland.
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Source: Briefly News
