Springbok Women reach new heights with historic world ranking
NEWS: The Springbok Women have climbed to ninth in the World Rugby rankings, their highest position ever, marking another milestone in a standout 2026 season.
The achievement was confirmed in a World Rugby update on Monday, a year after South Africa first broke into the world’s top 10.
Although the team was not mentioned directly in two significant World Rugby announcements, the rankings update provided a reason for quiet celebration at their Cape Town training base.
The Bok Women have won eight of their 12 Tests in 2026, underlining their progress on the international stage. They have one more match to play, against Ireland, after suffering a 40-27 defeat to the Irish at Athlone Stadium last weekend.
In the other category the Springbok Women again didn’t feature, however, Alichia Arries’s try in the 79th minute effort against Ireland at Athlone Stadium on Saturday was one to mention.
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The 24-year-old scored after fielding a cross kick from Mary Zulu and dotted down in front of her daughter, four-year-old Tatum, and the rest of her family to give the Springbok Women their fifth try of the match, a moment Arries will never forget.
“That was pretty special – it was also the first time I played for the Springbok Women in front of her, so it was really great finishing off the good work on the inside from our team,” Arries recalled her sixth try her 13th Test.
“We identified that open space as the match progressed and when the ball was kicked in my direction, I just had to get hold of it and get it over the line.”
Arries scored a brilliant try against the USA at Loftus Versfeld earlier in the season, but she said dotting down in front of her daughter was the best feeling ever.
“Also, there is something about playing at Athlone, the crowds are just amazing and so, so supportive of the Springbok Women,” she said.
“That is one of the reasons why all of us want to go out there this weekend and redeem ourselves by overturning the result against Ireland. We can only hope and ask that they come out again this weekend. We are determined to dish up a proper performance this weekend.”
Happy to give the Irish the credit they are due for the win, Arries said the squad had a good review and reflection on where they came up short: “We were poor at times, our handling let us down and even first-time tackling was not great at crucial times. Ireland also had a very good kicking game that left us scrambling a bit at times. But that was last weekend, come Saturday we promise a better showing.”
Arries made a strong comeback to international rugby in 2026 and was involved in 11 of the 12 Tests played this season.
“The year was productive – the coaches are showing faith in me, and I try to reward them for that,” the DHL Western Province player said.
“Every team we play against have something different and now that we have played Ireland, I believe we can adapt for the second Test. And with my daughter and the rest of the family amongst all those amazing supporters that come to Athlone Stadium, we hope to finish the year on the best possible note.”
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