The South African Rhinos will host the USA Hawks in a historic two-match rugby league series starting December 4, 2023. This event marks the first appearance of the USA team on African soil since their last match in 2011. With both teams aiming to enhance local development through non-heritage players, the series is pivotal for the future of rugby league in South Africa.
The South African Rhinos are poised to welcome the USA Hawks for a groundbreaking rugby league series, commencing with the arrival of the Hawks at Oliver Tambo International Airport on December 2. This historic contest marks the first time the USA will compete on African soil against South African teams. The series consists of two Test matches, aimed at showcasing exceptional domestic talent as both teams compete with non-heritage players to enhance local development.
The last encounter between the two teams occurred in October 2011, where the USA triumphed decisively with a score of 40-4. With the anticipation building, the Rhinos, under the guidance of Coach Fanie Bredenhann and Manager Andre Coetzer, are motivated to make a significant impact ahead of the upcoming 2025 IRL World Series. Currently, South Africa is ranked 28th, while the USA Hawks sit at 31st in the International Rugby League (IRL) World Rankings.
Manager Andre Coetzer expressed excitement regarding the series, noting it as a pivotal moment for team growth. He stated, “This is an incredible opportunity to test ourselves on the international stage.” The series serves not only as an athletic challenge but also as a platform to cultivate interest in rugby league within South Africa, which is also preparing a bid to host the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup.
The two matches will take place at Centurion Rugby Club on December 4, starting at 18:00, and Grizzlies Rugby Club on December 7, at 16:00. Both encounters promise thrilling competition and will be streamed live, marking a significant advancement for the sport in the region. Tickets for the matches are available at the venues, further inviting local supporters to witness this remarkable event.
The upcoming rugby league series between the South African Rhinos and the USA Hawks represents a significant milestone in the sport, as it provides both teams with a platform to compete at an international level. The choice to utilize non-heritage players indicates a commitment to developing local talent, enhancing the competitive landscape of rugby league in South Africa. Furthermore, South Africa’s aspirations to host future World Cup events reflect its growing involvement in the international rugby league scene.
The series between the Rhinos and the USA Hawks is an exciting opportunity for both teams to elevate their standards and showcase their talents. With the matches set to be streamed live, this event not only promotes rugby league in South Africa but also serves to heighten the competitiveness of the game in both nations. The anticipation surrounding the matches suggests a promising future for rugby league in this region and contributes positively to the sport’s development.
Original Source: www.intrl.sport
