# WXV Global Series women's rugby preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wxv-global-series-womens-rugby-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-17T06:54:35.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Preparations for the WXV Global Series international rugby tournament have progressed with squad announcements from participating nations.

Ireland’s head coach Scott Bemand named a 36-player training squad, which includes seven uncapped players selected following domestic championship performances. Ireland is set to host the USA and Japan before traveling to South Africa in October.

The Springbok Women are preparing to begin their WXV Global Series campaign with an opening match against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Following a summer of test series against the USA, Fiji, and New Zealand, the squad is seeking its first victory in Cardiff since 2010. Co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have been leading training sessions focused on match simulation and adapting to wet weather conditions.

The South African team continues to manage roster changes; while centre Zintle Mpupha remains sidelined by an ankle injury, Felicia Jacobs has been called up to the squad. The team, led by captain Babalwa Latsha, also faces the absence of Anacadia Minnaar. 

Ahead of the Wales fixture, co-coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt announced a revised starting lineup following a recent match against the Black Ferns. The selection includes Logan Welman starting at No 8, with Aseza Hele moving to the bench. Felicia Jacobs and Maria Tshiremba return to the starting XV, while Maceala Samboya will partner Aphiwe Ngwevu in the midfield. The coaching staff stated these selections aim to “build squad depth and provide high-level experience” as part of long-term preparation for the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Following the match in Wales, South Africa is scheduled to play Italy in Fontanafredda on 26 September, Spain in Seville on 4 October, and two matches against Ireland in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Springbok Women face Wales in WXV Global Series opener

The Springbok Women will face Wales in their WXV Global Series opener at Cardiff Arms Park, featuring a revised lineup intended to build squad depth for the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/springbok-women-face-wales-in-wxv-global-series-opener

### 2026-09-13: Springbok Women prepare for WXV Global Series opener against Wales

The Springbok Women begin their WXV Global Series campaign against Wales in Cardiff, seeking their first win in the venue since 2010 after a rigorous summer of international tests.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/springbok-women-announce-squad-for-wxv-global-series-tour

### 2026-08-24: Ireland women's rugby names WXV training squad with seven uncapped players

Ireland women's rugby head coach Scott Bemand has named a 36-player training squad for the WXV Global Series, featuring seven uncapped players following strong interprovincial performances.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ireland-womens-rugby-names-wxv-training-squad-with-seven-uncapped-players

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Cite as: WXV Global Series women's rugby preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wxv-global-series-womens-rugby-preparations