Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Returns: Springboks and All Blacks to Revive Historic Tours
Rugby’s oldest and fiercest rivalry is set to reignite in spectacular fashion. On Thursday, SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby confirmed the launch of “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry”, a quadrennial home-and-away tour that will see the Springboks and All Blacks face off in a series steeped in history, pride, and passion.
The inaugural tour kicks off in August 2026, when the All Blacks head to South Africa for an eight-match schedule, featuring four Tests against the Springboks and four fixtures against leading local franchises.
The All Blacks will open their tour against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August, before taking on the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, and Lions. The series will culminate in a four-Test showdown against the Springboks, three hosted on home soil at Ellis Park, DHL Stadium, and FNB Stadium, followed by a fourth international Test at a yet-to-be-announced neutral venue.
The announcement rekindles rugby’s traditional touring roots, bringing back the kind of long-form, high-stakes rivalry that has defined the sport for more than a century.
Next year also marks 30 years since the All Blacks’ last major tour of South Africa, which ended with a memorable 2–1 Test series win. In return, the Springboks will embark on their first professional-era tour of New Zealand in 2030, completing the home-and-away legacy.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said:
“This fierce competition between two very proud nations has delivered more than a century of drama on rugby fields across 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 said the tour would capture everything that makes the rivalry legendary.
“Today's announcement promises more drama, physicality, strategy, and unpredictability in a rivalry regarded as one of the most intense in world sport,” he added.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson echoed the sentiment, highlighting the tradition and respect between the teams.
“The rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks is fierce, but it’s also steeped in history and respect. Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is everything that is great about traditional rugby tours whilst finding new ways to offer more for fans to see and engage with.”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi described the announcement as a “dream come true.”
“This is going to be something huge and something this generation will never forget. These are the tours we’ve only heard of. To experience this for the first time, where it’s like a Lions tour, is unbelievable for us as a group.”
Kolisi called on South African fans to bring their trademark energy:
“I have no doubt the Springbok fans will be there waiting to welcome the All Blacks fans to South Africa. Let’s get excited; let’s get behind it and, people of South Africa, it’s an opportunity for us to show the world once again who we are and what we are about – we certainly can’t wait for it.”
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said the intensity of the rivalry makes it unlike any other in world sport.
“This is a huge rivalry, and one that is founded off mutual respect, but for 80 minutes these are two teams that every time they play there’s everything on the line. The intensity is right up there, and it is shaping up to be a heck of a tour.”
Tickets, including special match bundles, go on sale early next year. Fans can sign up for early access and pre-sales at greatest-rivalry.com.
The tour will also debut a new visual identity, blending the iconic Springbok and All Black emblems inside a “V” shape, symbolising their head-to-head history. Its earthy tones draw inspiration from both nations’ natural landscapes, reflecting heritage and respect.
2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry – Tour Fixtures
Friday 7 August: DHL Stormers v New Zealand – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Saturday 15 August: Vodacom Bulls v New Zealand – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday 22 August: First Test – South Africa v New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday 25 August: Lions v New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday 29 August: Second Test – South Africa v New Zealand – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday 5 September: Third Test – South Africa v New Zealand – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September: Fourth Test – South Africa v New Zealand – International Venue (TBA)