It was announced on Thursday that an alternating quadrennial tour between the Springboks and All Blacks will start next year with New Zealand visiting South Africa for four Tests and four games against domestic teams.
In the tour’s maiden year, South Africa will host New Zealand in August and September 2026. The All Blacks kick off the tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday, 7 August and take on the Sharks, Bulls and Lions, to complement a four Test series against the Springboks.
Ellis Park (Johannesburg), DHL Stadium (Cape Town), and FNB Stadium (Johannesburg) are confirmed as South African Test venues, preceding a landmark fourth Test hosted at a neutral international venue. Details of the fourth Test will be confirmed in the coming months.
All Blacks excited by prospect of blockbuster tour
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said it was only the fact that South African teams had moved into the United Rugby Championship that made this tour concept possible.
“Honestly, if the South African teams had stayed in Super Rugby, this tour probably wouldn’t have happened. Their move north created the opportunity. The URC sides are strong now – full of Springboks and depth – so those midweek matches will be proper contests, not just warm-ups.
“This tour has a real place in the global rugby calendar. It’s a chance to test ourselves physically and mentally in the toughest environment there is. The timing – just before a World Cup [in 2027] – gives us a perfect opportunity to build depth and find out more about ourselves,” Robertson added.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures 2026:
Friday 7 August: Stormers v New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday 11 August: Sharks v New Zealand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Saturday 15 August: Bulls v New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday 22 August: First Test – South Africa v New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday 25 August: Lions v New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday 29 August: Second Test – South Africa v New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday 5 September: Third Test – South Africa v New Zealand at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September: Fourth Test – South Africa v New Zealand (venue to be announced)
