The Springboks will play only their fourth-ever Test in the United States when the 2026 edition of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry – the touring series between the Springboks and the All Blacks held every four years – concludes with the historic fourth and final Test in Baltimore, Maryland.
Rugby’s most iconic international rivalry is going to the United States for the first time, with the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens welcoming the two teams on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Double header
The Test at the 71 000-seater M&T Bank Stadium concludes the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, which includes games between New Zealand and South Africa’s four franchise teams, and three Tests between the Springboks and the All Blacks on South African soil.
Fans will also get to witness a double header in Johannesburg between the Black Ferns and Springbok Women before the tour heads to the US.
The announcement reflects the collective ambition of SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to grow the game in the United States.
As the region builds toward hosting Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s), World Rugby and member unions are partnering to strategically position premium international rugby in key US markets.
Bringing two of the sport’s most storied teams to Baltimore, a Rugby World Cup 2031 applicant city, highlights this collaborative approach to developing new audiences, accelerating fan engagement and inspiring the next generation of rugby supporters.
Fans can register for pre-sale access to all matches via www.greatest-rivalry.com. Pre-sale tickets for every fixture, including the fourth Test, will be available from Thursday, 29 January, with general sale opening Monday, 2 February.
Springboks’ record in United States
The Springboks have won two and lost one of their three previous matches on United States soil.
25 September 1981 vs USA, Owl Creek Polo ground, Glenville, New York: Won 38-7
1 December 2001 vs USA, Robertson Stadium, UH, Houston: Won 43-20
2 June 2018 vs Wales, RFK Stadium, Washington DC: Lost 22-20
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures 2026:
- Friday, 7 August: Stormers v All Blacks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
- Tuesday, 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v All Blacks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
- Saturday, 15 August: Bulls v All Blacks, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- Saturday, 22 August: Springboks v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first Test)
- Tuesday, 25 August: Lions v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- Saturday, 29 August: Springboks v All Blacks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town (second Test)
- Saturday, 5 September: Springbok Women v Black Ferns, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- Saturday, 5 September: Springboks v All Blacks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (third Test)
- Saturday, 12 September: Springboks v All Blacks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA (fourth Test)
