Springboks Congested 2026 Season Confirmed

 

Rugby Australia confirmed that it will host the Springboks on 27 September 2026 at Optus Stadium in Perth. This match, which will contest the Mandela Challenge Plate, serves as a crucial replacement for the traditional Rugby Championship, which has been shelved for 2026 to accommodate the historic All Blacks tour of South Africa.

Additionally, the Boks are planning a warm-up match against the Barbarians on 27 June 2026. While the fixture is still to be officially confirmed, SA Rugby is in advanced discussions to host the game at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Springboks Match Schedule For 2026

Incoming Series & Nations Championship (July)

27 June: vs Barbarians – Gqeberha (TBC)
4 July: vs England – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
11 July: vs Scotland – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
18 July: vs Wales – Kings Park, Durban

"Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" vs All Blacks (Aug/Sept)

22 August: vs New Zealand (1st Test) – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
29 August: vs New Zealand (2nd Test) – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
5 September: vs New Zealand (3rd Test) – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
12 September: vs New Zealand (4th Test) – M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA

Autumn Tour & Nations Championship (Sept/Nov)

27 September: vs Australia (Friendly) – Perth, Australia
7 November: vs Italy – Venue TBC
14 November: vs France – Paris
21 November: vs Ireland – Dublin
26–29 November: Nations Championship Finals Weekend – Allianz Stadium, London