Ireland's Erin King leads team in historic South Africa Tests
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 7:07 PM
Last updated Oct 22, 2026
Ireland's women's rugby team, captained by Erin King, prepares for two historic Tests in South Africa, starting Saturday at 14:00 BST. This marks their first matches on Springbok soil. King, celebrating her 23rd birthday during the tour, emphasizes the significance of the occasion while reflecting on Ireland's mixed WXV Series results so far. With both teams seeking redemption after past performances, Ireland looks to establish a strong connection on and off the pitch ahead of future competitions.
- •Ireland plays their first Tests in South Africa on Saturday.
- •Captain Erin King celebrates her 23rd birthday during the tour.
- •Ireland aims to build team chemistry ahead of future World Cup cycles.
- •Both teams have inconsistent records in the WXV Series so far.
- •Neve Jones will earn her 50th cap in the upcoming match.
- 7:07 PMBBC Sport — From safari to Springboks - King ready for history
"In the middle of safaris, birthday celebrations and games of the Traitors, Ireland captain Erin King knows they are in South Africa to do a job.
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