RFU confirm Saxons tour of South Africa

The RFU have confirmed that the England Saxons will go on a two-match tour of South Africa this summer,
The tour, which is still subject to approval by World Rugby, will see the England’s second string team take on the Emerging Springboks in Bloemfontein June 10 and the following week in George.
It will be the first time since 2003 that the Springboks ‘A’ team will be in action in South Africa. On that occasion they drew 30-30 against Argentina in Wellington.
RFU CEO Ian Ritchie said: “We would like to thank SA Rugby for inviting the Saxons to tour South Africa this June. The two-match series will provide a fantastic experience for the squad to play against very strong opposition who will be extremely well prepared having worked alongside the SA senior side ahead of the matches.”
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said the decision to invite the Saxons to South Africa would provide the opportunity for a larger group of players than normal to line up against elite international opposition.
“The Saxons’ tour will coincide with Ireland’s three Test series against the Springboks and all players not involved with the Boks, will get the opportunity to take on top-ranked opposition during the same time, thereby exposing even more of our top players to international rugby,” said Roux.
“Providing international opposition for a bigger group of our players is important as we aim to improve the experience and depth of our player base. The Saxons’ tour will do just that.
“Looking at their results in recent years, it’s clear the two matches against the Saxons will be very tough for the SA ‘A’ team. Many of the current crop of England players, who dominated the RBS 6 Nations, came through the Saxons, so we can expect to face their next generation of Test stars.”
“The SA ‘A’ team and the Springboks will work closely together in the build-up to their matches in June,” said Roux.
“Under the guidance of the Rugby Department we will be able to select two very strong squads for these series and it will be great to welcome our friends from Ireland and England to South Africa.”
England Saxons tour to South Africa:
Friday, 10 June: SA A v England Saxons – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Friday, 17 June: SA A v England Saxons – Outeniqua Park, George