The South African Rhinos will host the USA Hawks for a historic two-Test rugby series on December 4 and 7, marking the USA’s first match on African soil. Both teams aim to showcase local talent while preparing for the 2025 IRL World Series qualification. Tickets are available, and matches will be streamed live, illustrating the progress of rugby league in South Africa.
The South African Rhinos are gearing up to host the USA Hawks for an unprecedented two-Test series, marking the first time that the United States has played on African soil. The series, which is scheduled to commence on December 4 at Centurion Rugby Club, showcases emerging rugby league talent without heritage players, emphasizing local development. This series is particularly significant as it comes almost 12 years after their last encounter, which the USA won decisively by a score of 40-4 in Philadelphia. With South Africa positioned 28th and the USA 31st in the IRL World Rankings, both teams are keen to make a strong impression ahead of the upcoming 2025 IRL World Series, crucial for qualifying for the 2026 Rugby World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Billy Neilson and Sean Rutgerson lead the USA Hawks, with Rutgerson bringing extensive experience from his playing days in the 2000 World Cup. Likewise, the Rhinos are managed by Andre Coetzer and coached by Fanie Bredenhann. “We are excited to welcome the USA Hawks and look forward to what promises to be a competitive and high-quality series of matches,” stated Coetzer, emphasizing the series’ competitive nature and its importance as a platform for the players.
Moreover, the Rhinos are in the process of bidding to host the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup. Tickets for the matches are available at the venues, and for the first time, both games will be streamed live through the South African Rugby League’s new streaming platform, expanding access for fans.
The upcoming Test series between the USA Hawks and South African Rhinos marks a pivotal moment for rugby league in South Africa, as it signifies the country’s increasing engagement with the international rugby league community. This event aims to bolster the domestic game by allowing both teams to field non-heritage players, thereby emphasizing the development of local talent. Previous encounters, such as the last match between the two teams in 2011, serve as a benchmark for growth and competitive spirit as both squads aspire to elevate their standings in the IRL World Rankings. The significance of this series is also heightened by South Africa’s ambition to bid for the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup, showcasing the country’s commitment to rugby league and its future potential on the world stage.
In conclusion, the upcoming Test series between the South African Rhinos and USA Hawks represents an exciting opportunity for both teams to enhance their skills and showcase domestic talent. With the series set to be a competitive platform for player development, it also serves as a stepping stone toward future international engagements, including the potential for hosting the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup. The anticipation surrounding this series highlights the growing prominence of rugby league in South Africa and the USA.
Original Source: www.intrl.sport
