The USA Hawks will face the South African Rhinos in a historic rugby league series on South African soil, featuring two Test matches aimed at showcasing local talent. The matches will take place in December 2023, alongside the hosting bid for the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup. Both games will be streamed live, enhancing accessibility to rugby league in the region.
The USA Hawks will arrive at Oliver Tambo International Airport on Monday, December 2, marking the beginning of an unprecedented rugby league series against the South African Rhinos. This series will feature two Test matches, providing an opportunity for local players to showcase their talents, as both teams will field non-heritage players to help promote the sport locally. The last encounter between these teams occurred in October 2011 in Philadelphia, where the USA secured a decisive victory with a score of 40-4. This event represents the inaugural occasion that South Africa will host the USA on its territory.
Team manager Billy Neilson and coach Sean Rutgerson, who have significant experience, lead the Hawks. Rutgerson was part of the South African squad during the 2000 World Cup and had stints with notable teams such as North Sydney Bears, Canberra Raiders, and Salford Reds. Meanwhile, the Rhinos are guided by the coaching staff of Fanie Bredenhann and team manager Andre Coetzer, as South Africa, currently ranked 28th, aims to enhance its stature in the sport ahead of the 2025 IRL World Series.
“We are excited to welcome the USA Hawks and look forward to what promises to be a competitive and high-quality series of matches,” remarked Andre Coetzer, demonstrating the Rhinos’ commitment to showcasing their capabilities on this international platform. Furthermore, South Africa’s intentions to bid for the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup further emphasize the nation’s dedication to advancing rugby league.
The matches will be held at Centurion Rugby Club in Pretoria, on December 4, with a kickoff at 18:00, followed by the second Test at Grizzlies Rugby Club on December 7, commencing at 16:00. Both matches will also be streamed live through www.sarugbyleague.co.za, marking a significant milestone for the rugby league community in South Africa. Tickets for the matches are available at the venues.
This article discusses the upcoming historic rugby league series between the USA Hawks and the South African Rhinos. The series is significant not only due to its competitive nature but also as a step towards developing rugby league in South Africa. By featuring local talent and non-heritage players, the matches aim to strengthen the domestic rugby league scene ahead of international competitions. The article highlights the players, coaches, and the importance of this series in the context of upcoming world events in rugby.
In conclusion, the forthcoming series between the USA Hawks and the South African Rhinos is anticipated to bring forth competitive rugby and highlight emerging talent in South Africa. With both teams eager to prove themselves on an international platform, the series also serves to promote rugby league domestically as South Africa eyes potential involvement in future world tournaments. The streaming of matches further broadens access to the sport, encouraging increased participation and viewership.
Original Source: www.intrl.sport
