South Africa and USA have named their squads for a two game senior international series in Pretoria this week.

The first clash takes place at Centurion Rugby Club on Wednesday December 4 (kick off 18:00 local time), with the second Test on Saturday December 7 at Grizzlies Rugby Club (kick off 16:00). Both matches will be for world ranking points, the new listing of which will be issued in the aftermath.

This will be the first time the Rhinos have hosted the Hawks, with their last meeting, in October 2011 in Philadelphia, seeing USA win 40-4.

Both nations have picked domestic only players in a further attempt to develop the game in their respective nations, with South Africa building up to the 2025 World Series against France, Jamaica and Cook Islands looking for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa have also announced their intention to bid to host the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup tournament.

“We are excited to welcome USA Hawks and look forward to what promises to be a competitive and high-quality series of matches,” said Andre Coetzer, Rhinos’ team manager. “This is an incredible opportunity to test ourselves on the international stage.”

The Rhinos could have nine players making their international debut.

“This venture will prove to our lads the level of preparation needed, mental and body wise, to compete at this level," South Africa coach, Fanie Bredenhann, said, 

USA coach Sean Rutgerson gained three caps for the Rhinos in 2000 World Cup.

“We look forward to this opportunity, two games in South Africa is a real challenge to the players,” Rutgerson said. “It's a great chance for them to grow as we continue to build the programme.”

Veteran Hawks captain Peter Lupton, the Boston 13s playmaker, played for a number of British clubs - notably London, Hull, Castleford and Workington, as well as gaining caps for Wales.

“This tour is a great test for the USARL to show the intent of being a strong nation for the next World Cup cycle,” Lupton said.

It is intended that the matches will be live streamed, with details to follow.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD

Allan Kasselman, Brandan Le Sar, Chrisjan Meyer, CP Louw, Dylan Venter, Franco van Deventer, Heinrich Rademeyer, Jason Makari, Jean Coetzer, Marcelle Corneelsen, Simba Janga, Wessel Cronje, Wynand de Sousa (Harlequins RL), James Cambell, Junaide Seedat, C-Jay Strauss, Frikkie Jansen, Graig Pienaar, Rourke Lyte-Mason (Nigel Rabbitohs)

USA SQUAD

Anson Jiang, Peter Lupton (Boston 13s) Tevita Bryce, Kyle Granby, Derek Lipscomb, Dom Sofe, Anthony Russo (Brooklyn Kings) Ryan Burroughs, Max Dacey, Ethan Ferrick, Daniel Vidot (DC Cavalry) Ryan Bannerot, Mason McCrory, David Washington (Jacksonville Axemen) Ulice Gillard, Wes Piggins, Andre Williams (Southwest Florida Copperheads) Joe Eichner, Gunnar Johnson (Tampa Mayhem)