World champions South Africa want to play Ireland in a one-off Test in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The Springboks plan to launch their northern hemisphere tour in the Middle East in November, before heading to the UK for matches against Wales, Scotland and England.

If the event proves a success, South Africa will seek to play more fixtures in the region, with a Tri-Nations match against Australia on the agenda for 2009.

The Mandela Challenge match against the Irish is awaiting final approval from the International Rugby Board.