Rugby Union Enthusiasts Rejoice: Springboks-All Blacks Tours To Return in 2026
Rugby fans can look forward to the revival of the traditional tours between the Springboks and the All Blacks, with SA Rugby and NZ Rugby reportedly agreeing on terms for a four-year cycle starting in 2026.
According to a report by South African newspaper Rapport, the two unions have finalized the arrangements for the much-anticipated tours, which will see the All Blacks travel to South Africa for a three-Test series in 2026. This will be accompanied by five midweek matches against the four United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers – as well as a clash with South Africa A.
Neutral Venue for Fourth Test
Interestingly, the 2026 tour will also feature a fourth Test match between the two sides, to be hosted at a neutral venue. The Springboks will then return the favor and tour New Zealand in 2030.
“The revival of these tours marks a significant milestone, as it has been 30 years since the last traditional tour between the two nations, which saw the All Blacks defeat the Springboks 2-1 in South Africa in 1996.”
Financial Benefits and World Rugby’s Nations Cup
The report suggests that the tours will replace the Rugby Championship in 2026, with Argentina and Australia making alternative plans for that international window. The financial benefits of these tours are expected to be on par with, or even greater than, a British and Irish Lions series, providing a much-needed cash injection for SA Rugby after the 2021 tour was played behind closed doors.
Notably, the All Blacks tour to South Africa will not count towards World Rugby’s Nations Cup in 2026.
Expanded Participation
The agreement between the two unions also includes the possibility of the Maori All Blacks and the women’s national teams participating in the respective tours. Both nations will continue to host a Northern Hemisphere team during the July Test window and travel north for the November internationals, which will count towards the Nations Cup.
This exciting news will undoubtedly ignite the passion of rugby enthusiasts around the world, who eagerly anticipate the return of these iconic clashes between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
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