Weekend Sports Wrap: 4 South African Teams to Keep an Eye On

Photo Credit: Various | Supersport

While the FIFA World Cup final dominates the global stage, South African athletes and teams have a massive weekend of their own ahead

Global (17 July 2026)- It’s another massive weekend of sport. The eyes of the football world will be on the FIFA World Cup final, where defending champions Argentina take on Spain in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown. But while that grabs the global spotlight, South African athletes and teams will also be chasing big moments across rugby and mixed martial arts.

It’s another massive weekend of sport. The eyes of the football world will be on the FIFA World Cup final, where defending champions Argentina take on Spain in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown. But while that grabs the global spotlight, South African athletes and teams will also be chasing big moments across rugby and mixed martial arts.

Dricus du Plessis Returns to the UFC Spotlight

Nearly a year after his last UFC appearance, Dricus du Plessis is back in action. The former middleweight champion returns to the Octagon next weekend when he faces former welterweight king Kamaru Usman in Oklahoma City. After losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev last year, “Stillknocks” will be looking to remind the world why he’s one of South Africa’s biggest combat sports stars and kick-start another run towards UFC gold.

It’s Finals Time for the Junior Springboks and the Junior Bok Women are Back Too

South Africa’s next generation of rugby talent has a huge week ahead.

Junior Springbok men:

The Junior Boks take on France in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Tbilisi on Saturday. Coach Kevin Foote has made three changes to the side that beat England in the semi-finals as South Africa looks to lift the world title in a first-ever U20 final against France.

Junior Springbok Women:

The Junior Bok Women return to action for the first time since 2024 when they host the USA Under-20 side in Stellenbosch on 17 and 24 July. The squad features Springbok Women debutants Abigail Smit and Zethu Gcaza, while several players also bring experience from this year’s Women’s Super League campaign.

Ruben van Heerden Ready for His Long-Awaited Springbok Debut

Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Wales in Durban will be extra special for Ruben van Heerden, who is set to make his Test debut. The former Junior Springbok lock described the opportunity as a dream come true after years of hard work, saying he’s grateful to finally pull on the green and gold alongside several Rugby World Cup winners.