Micke Gunter frames the Springbok Women's 2026 campaign as a step beyond the World Cup quarter-final achievement — not just consolidating a top-10 ranking, but pushing deeper into the single digits. Speaking from the squad's Stellenbosch camp ahead of next weekend's home test against the USA at Ellis Park, Gunter is direct about the standard being set: the jersey was left in a good place after the World Cup, but the expectation now is to lift it further. The USA test is no soft opener — eighth-ranked, PWR-hardened, and built for a running game — but Gunter sees the match-up as a genuine barometer. Her observations about the growth of women's rugby in England, where she's been playing for Leicester Tigers, add useful context to what the Boks are trying to build domestically, particularly around the double-header format with the Springboks as a vehicle for growing crowds and culture around the women's game.
Springbok Women targeting top-10 climb after World Cup breakthrough
Gunter sets the tone for the Springbok Women's 2026 ambitions — not just holding a top-10 ranking but pushing higher — with the USA test at Ellis Park next weekend serving as the first real measure of where this squad stands.
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban that rules him out of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been suspended for 18 months following doping violations involving Anastrozole and DHEA, with the ban running until 13 November 2027 — the day of the Rugby World Cup final — ruling him out of the tournament.
Rassie Erasmus to receive Order of Ikhamanga — South Africa's highest national honour
Rassie Erasmus will receive the Order of Ikhamanga — South Africa's highest national honour — from President Cyril Ramaphosa at an investiture ceremony on 19 May, recognising his role in the Springboks' back-to-back World Cup titles and his contribution to national unity.
SA Rugby revenues hit R2bn as half a billion flows to national teams
SA Rugby's revenues rose 29 per cent to R2bn in 2025, with R500m spent on national teams and record sponsorship income of R739m, though the group still recorded a R40m pre-tax loss.