The Springboks were a dominant force once again this year, having won 13 out of 15 games, while finishing the season comfortably ensconced at the top of the World Rugby rankings.
Although the players now head back to their respective clubs, it won’t be too long before consideration turns to the significant challenges that lie in store next year, which will be a crucial season to lay the foundation for the 2027 World Cup title defence.
For the mid-year Tests in 2026, the Springboks will tackle England (4 July), Scotland (11 July) and Wales (18 July) as these teams head to South Africa for the mid-year Tests that will form part of a new Nations Championship – a landmark joint venture between SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby.
Then, as part of the so-called ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’, 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.
Springboks have three more confirmed Tests for 2026
It has also been confirmed that the Springboks will face Italy (weekend of 6-8 November), France (weekend of 13-15 November) and Ireland (21 November) at the end of next year to complete fixtures against all Six Nations teams.
All fixtures so far for 2026:
- Saturday 4 July | England | Venue TBC
- Saturday 11 July | Scotland | Venue TBC
- Saturday 18 July | Wales | Venue TBC
- Saturday 22 August | First Test – 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 TBC
- Weekend of 6-8 November | Italy | Venue TBC
- Weekend of 13-15 November | France | Venue TBC
- Saturday 21 November | Ireland | Venue TBC
