The Springbok Women host Ireland at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on October 24 and 31, with both WXV Global Series Tests kicking off at 15:00. It marks Ireland's first tour to South Africa and only the second meeting between the sides — the first came at the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup in Canada, where Ireland won 37-0.
Ireland arrive ranked fifth in the world and in decent form, having beaten Japan twice before a narrow defeat to the USA in the WXV Global Series. They also finished third in this year's Women's Six Nations.
The Bok Women head into the series off the back of a mixed WXV campaign: a loss to Wales, followed by wins over Italy and Spain. Earlier in the year they claimed the Rugby Africa Women's Cup, drew a two-Test home series with the USA, and lost a once-off clash against the Black Ferns.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer acknowledged the size of the challenge while expressing confidence in the squad. "After a wobbly start against Wales, the Springbok Women really made a step up with good victories over Italy and Spain, and we are confident they will hit the ground running when they face Ireland," he said, adding that the Irish would rank alongside the Black Ferns as the Bok Women's toughest opposition of the season.
Australian referee Jess Ling has been appointed for both Tests, with Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe) and Giana Viljoen (South Africa) as assistant referees, Matteo Liperini (Italy) as TMO, and South Africa's Quinton Immelman as Foul Play Review Officer. Tickets for each match are available separately through Ticketmaster.