South Africa will face the Philippines on Saturday 22 July, at Tugan RLFC Stadium in Queensland, Australia (kick off 3pm local time).

The Rhinos were the Tamaraws first-ever Test opponents in 2015 and will play them again for the inaugural Felix Florenz Cup, named after the first Filipino settler in Kalk Bay, South Africa, who arrived on the ship CSS Alabama in 1863.

Secretary general of SARLSA, Krappie Eloff, said: “The Rhinos will be facing Ghana and Nigeria in the forthcoming Middle East Africa Cup in October. Playing the Philippines in July, will be perfect preparation and serve as greater motivation to reach the play offs for the World Cup 2025.”

“This has taken quite a lot of planning, and with the support of the governing bodies I’m sure it will be a success,” added Reynaldo Nery, president of the Pambansang Ragbi Liga Ng Pilipinas. “We thank the SARLSA for accepting our invitation and look forward to playing our first men’s international for 2023. International games continue to bring more supporters, exposure and help develop and grow the game domestically.”