The four-time World Champions, the Springboks will be making a welcome return to Bloemfontein in 2024.

It has been confirmed that the City of Roses will play host to the historic Test between South Africa and Portugal in July.

Georgia was the team fancied to tour South Africa, however, following their outstanding display at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Portugal, overtook the Georgians in the world rankings.

It will be the first time that the minnows travel to South Africa and this will also be something very special for Bloemfontein and the Free State’s large Portuguese community as well.

The Springbok Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said that they are delighted to be able to bring the Test to Bloemfontein.

“We are delighted that we will be returning to Bloemfontein for this historic match, and we are determined to continue to make our passionate supporters proud,” said the former Free State captain and coach, Erasmus.

“With the venue now confirmed we can go full steam ahead with our planning for the home Tests from an operational perspective.

“There’s no doubt it has added to the excitement for the season ahead, especially after capping off the 2023 season by defending the Rugby World Cup title.”

The Test between the Springboks and the Os Lobos will be played on 20 July at the Toyota Stadium.

Springboks home fixtures for 2024:

Saturday, 6 July - Springboks vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday, 13 July - Springboks vs. Ireland (Kings Park, Durban)

Saturday, 20 July - Springboks vs. Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Saturday, 31 August - Springboks vs. New Zealand (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday, 7 September - Springboks vs. New Zealand (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday, 28 September - Springboks vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek