The Springbok Women were drawn with two teams ranked in the top 10 for the 2025 World Cup when the draw for next year’s showpiece was made in London.
Currently ranked 12th in the world, the Bok Women will face two teams ranked in the top 10 – France (fourth) and Italy eighth – as well as Brazil , who are ranked 42nd.
The Springbok Women played France in the opening game of the last Rugby World Cup, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand and Italy last weekend in the final match of WXV 2, but are yet to face Brazil in a Test match.
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin said the draw was yet another step closer to the actual tournament to be played across eight cities from 22 August to 27 September 2025, and brings another rush of energy to the group, already boosted by some commendable performances in the recent WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town.
“The puzzle is getting closer and closer to completion and the only thing remaining is the announcement next Tuesday of the playing schedule and team venues,” said De Bruyn.
“That means that we can start to focus and prepare with a clear picture in mind and that is always an exciting part of any campaign.”
The pools are:
A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa
B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil
Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
