Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, an alternating quadrennial tour between South Africa and New Zealand, was confirmed on Thursday, marking a defining new chapter for the intense rivalry between the sport’s most successful and storied nations.
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 DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Friday, 7 August and will also take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, and Lions, alongside 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, culminating in a landmark fourth Test hosted at a neutral international venue, to be announced in the coming months.
By reigniting rugby’s traditional roots, the tour aims to renew the legacy of a rivalry known for its fierce competition and societal significance over the last century.
Next year marks 30 years since New Zealand's last major tour of South Africa, which featured an eight-match schedule and concluded with a historic 2-1 Test series victory for the visitors. In the reciprocal 2030 tour, South Africa will conduct their first professional era tour to New Zealand.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer stated, “This fierce competition between two very proud nations has delivered more than a century of drama on rugby fields around the world, including two Rugby World Cup finals. We saw last year how much it means for Springbok supporters to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa, and we can’t wait to see them tour our country next year, as we rekindle our friendship with our greatest adversaries.”
Oberholzer added, “Today’s announcement promises more drama, physicality, strategy, and unpredictability in a rivalry regarded as one of the most intense in world sport. This tour will also mean so much for our four franchises and their players – facing one of the best teams in the history of the game – as well as their fans, who will have the opportunity to see their team play against international competition for the first time since 2009. We know next year’s tour will be nothing short of epic.”
Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, noted, “The rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks is fierce, steeped in history and respect. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry encapsulates the essence of traditional rugby tours while offering fresh experiences for fans to enjoy and engage with. All eight matches during this tour will showcase our sport to audiences in New Zealand, South Africa, and around the world.”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed excitement, saying, “This is going to be something huge that this generation will never forget. These are the tours we’ve only heard about. To experience this for the first time, similar to a Lions tour, is unbelievable for us. I have no doubt the Springbok fans will be ready to welcome All Blacks supporters to South Africa. Let’s get excited and show the world once again who we are.”
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett remarked, “This rivalry is built on mutual respect, but when it comes to the game, everything is on the line. The intensity is at an all-time high, and we anticipate a fantastic tour. Our fans, whether traveling with us or watching from home, will be in for an exciting experience.”
Tickets for the tour, including match bundles, will go on general sale early next year. Fans can sign up for priority access to pre-sales at greatest-rivalry.com.
The launch of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has introduced a bold new visual identity for the tour, featuring a logo that combines the iconic Springbok and All Black emblems within a ‘V’ shape, emphasizing the competitive spirit. Its earthy color palette reflects the landscapes of both nations.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures 2026:
Friday 7 August: DHL Stormers v New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Saturday 15 August: Vodacom 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)
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