Wales to face South Africa at Twickenham as part of Australia Test preparations

Wales will face world champions South Africa at Twickenham in June as part of preparations for their summer tour to Australia.

The Springboks’ first game since their World Cup triumph in France earlier this season will take place on June 22, the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed.

And the Qatar Airways Cup clash will be followed later the same afternoon by the Barbarians tackling Fiji at English rugby headquarters.

World Cup

Twickenham last staged a Wales versus South Africa fixture during the 2015 World Cup, when the Springboks won a tense quarter-final 23-19.

After playing the Springboks, Wales then have two Tests against Australia, meeting the Wallabies in Sydney on July 6 and then Melbourne seven days later.

Were a Welsh region to reach this season’s United Rugby Championship final, then Wales would be without those players as it is scheduled to take place on the same day as the Springboks encounter.

Ospreys are the highest-placed Welsh region in seventh spot, with the top eight of 16 teams reaching the play-offs. Cardiff, Scarlets and Dragons are further adrift.

And the same situation would apply to South Africa in the event of securing a URC finalist. Bulls and Stormers are currently second and sixth, respectively.

Opportunity

“I am incredibly excited about the fixture list for Wales this summer,” Wales head coach Warren Gatland said.

“To have the opportunity for our young squad to test itself against the world champions at a neutral venue is an extremely important experience, and something that we will relish.

“We are also excited for the opportunity we have with our two Tests in Australia in July.

“We know the Wallabies will be hurting after the Rugby World Cup (Australia made a pool stage exit), but we are expecting a fired-up side led by new head coach Joe Schmidt.”