The Springbok Women have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their home WXV Global Series fixtures against Ireland, with captain Babalwa Latsha ruled out of the two-match series.

The matches against Scott Bemand’s side will take place at Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium, with back-row forward Sizophila Solontsi appointed captain by co-head coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September.

Latsha sustained an ankle injury during South Africa’s 20-0 victory over Spain in Seville at the start of October.

The tighthead prop was withdrawn from the squad at the conclusion of the team’s training camp in Stellenbosch last week.

Solontsi has already shared the captaincy duties during the WXV Global Series when she co-captained South Africa alongside scrum-half Unam Tose in their 41-29 win over Italy in Pordenone.

The 2024 Olympian will now take on sole responsibility for the upcoming home fixtures against Ireland.

South Africa will also be without Nombuyekezo Mdliki, who has been ruled out of the home Tests after a rib injury sustained against Spain.

The latest setbacks add to the Springbok Women’s growing injury concerns ahead of Ireland’s visit.

Ayanda Malinga was also ruled out of the fixtures when the squad for the home leg of the WXV Global Series was announced.

In response, Johannes-Haupt and September have included Anacadia Minnaar and Insaaf Levy in the squad.

Minnaar narrowly missed out on South Africa’s European tour after being ruled out at the last minute, with Felicia Jacobs called up as her replacement.

Jacobs started in the Springbok Women’s 50-19 defeat to Wales before she featured off the bench in matches against Italy and Spain.

Levy featured in two Rugby Africa Women’s Cup matches in May before touring Brazil with South Africa Women ‘A’ two months ago.

South Africa home WXV Global Series 2026 fixtures

• Saturday 24 October, South Africa v Ireland, 14:00 (GMT+1)