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Yonela Ngxingolo becomes the second Springbok woman to reach 50-Test milestone

Springbok Women prop Yonela Ngxingolo is set to reach a significant milestone this week when South Africa face Ireland in the opening Test of their WXV Global Series clash at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 24 October. Ngxingolo will earn her 50th Test cap for the Springbok Women, marking another important chapter in a career built on consistency, commitment and a strong team-first mentality.


Nolusindiso "Cindy" Booi made history on 19 April 2025 as the first-ever Springbok Women's player to reach 50 Test caps, achieving the milestone during a match against Spain in Elche. Yonela Ngxingolo will become the second player in Springbok Women's history and the first prop to reach 50 Test caps on 24 October 2026


Her milestone comes at a time of change for the Springbok Women, with Sizophila Solontsi taking over the captaincy for the two-Test series against Ireland. Solontsi previously co-captained the side with Unam Tose against Italy, while Tose has been named vice-captain for the Ireland Tests. The Springbok Women will enter the series without regular captain Babalwa Latsha, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Nombuyekezo Mdliki will also miss the series after failing to recover from a rib injury sustained against Spain.


Despite the changes, attention will be firmly on Ngxingolo as she prepares to celebrate five decades of Test rugby in the green and gold. The 50-cap achievement is particularly significant given her willingness to put the team ahead of individual recognition. As highlighted by Her Fifteen, Ngxingolo has often been called upon from the bench but has consistently maintained a positive attitude and remained committed to contributing whenever her opportunity arrives. That attitude has made her an important member of the Springbok Women squad and a player whose contribution extends beyond simply the number of minutes she spends on the field.


With Ireland ranked fifth in the world, South Africa face a major challenge in Cape Town. However, home support could provide the Springbok Women with an important boost as they look to make the most of playing in front of their supporters. The first Test takes place at Athlone Stadium on 24 October, with the second encounter scheduled for 31 October.

Writer: Jabulile Mabena

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