The Springboks have confirmed a 10-Test international schedule for 2026, headlined by a four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks and a demanding Nations Championship campaign across two hemispheres.
South Africa’s season will begin in July with three home Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, before the focus shifts to a marquee August-September showdown with New Zealand. The year concludes with a three-match Nations Championship tour of Europe in November against Italy, France and Ireland.
England will open the Bok season at Ellis Park on 4 July. The tourists last faced South Africa in 2024, losing 29–20 in Johannesburg. Scotland follow on 11 July at Loftus Versfeld, returning after a 32–15 defeat in their most recent meeting.
Wales round off the July window with a Test at Kings Park on 18 July. The visitors were comprehensively beaten 73–0 by the Springboks in 2025, one of the heaviest defeats in their history.
The centrepiece of the 2026 calendar is a four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks, reigniting rugby’s most storied rivalry. The opening clash takes place at Ellis Park on 22 August, followed by Tests at Cape Town Stadium on 29 August and FNB Stadium on 5 September. A fourth Test is scheduled for 12 September, with the venue still to be confirmed.
History. Pride. Legacy 🔥
Thirty years in the making – this is a tour like no other 🌍
Sign up for presale access to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, coming to South Africa August–September 2026, at https://t.co/QgfIb3Oo0b 🔗#RGR26 #RugbysGreatestRivalry #Springboks
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 16, 2025
South Africa dominated the most recent meeting between the sides in 2024, securing a 43–10 victory, but a four-Test series presents a sustained examination of squad depth, tactical adaptability and physical durability. With three confirmed home fixtures and a potential neutral or away venue for the fourth Test, the series is expected to be a major commercial and competitive highlight of the global rugby calendar.
The Springboks will end their season with three Nations Championship matches in November. Italy (6–8 November), France (13–15 November) and Ireland (21 November) all await, with venues yet to be announced. The Boks defeated all three teams in 2025, but European tours traditionally pose logistical and tactical challenges late in the season.
With heavyweight opposition, iconic venues and minimal margin for error, the 2026 schedule represents a comprehensive test of South Africa’s standing at the top of the international game.
Springboks 2026 Fixtures
July – Home Tests (Nations Championship)
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4 July: vs England – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
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11 July: vs Scotland – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
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18 July: vs Wales – Kings Park, Durban
August–September – All Blacks Series
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22 August: vs New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
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29 August: vs New Zealand – Cape Town Stadium
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5 September: vs New Zealand – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
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12 September: vs New Zealand – Venue TBC
November – Nations Championship (Away)
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6–8 November: vs Italy – Venue TBC
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13–15 November: vs France – Venue TBC
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21 November: vs Ireland – Venue TBC
