This historic occasion marks the first time the prestigious international invitational side will play in South Africa.

The match, organised by London-based sports marketing agency Pitch International, breaks with tradition – Barbarians fixtures aren’t usually staged abroad, most often in London. Pitch International played a key role in bringing this historic clash to local shores as part of the Springboks’ crucial preparations for their Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria the following week.

Jean-Luc du Preez. Photo: X

The Barbarians squad, featuring top talent from leading competitions such as the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and Japan's League One, will be coached by the vastly experienced Robbie Deans. A former All Black and ex-head coach of both the Wallabies and the Crusaders. Deans brings nearly 30 years of coaching know-how to the team.

This encounter will be the ninth meeting between the Springboks and the iconic black-and-white-clad Barbarians. Their last showdown ended in a thrilling 31-all draw at Wembley Stadium in London on 5 November 2016. Reflecting on the occasion, SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer shared his excitement, saying it would be “very special to welcome the Barbarians to South Africa for the first time”. He also expressed gratitude to both the Barbarians and Pitch International for making this important warm-up fixture a reality.

Barbarians vs. Boks. Photo: X

Looking at the teams’ history since their first meeting in 1952, the Barbarians currently hold the edge with four wins to the Springboks’ three, along with that memorable draw in 2016. The Boks’ most recent win against the Barbarians came on 10 December 2000 in Cardiff, where they secured a 41-31 victory.

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus sees the fixture as the perfect springboard into the international season, which includes two Tests against Italy on 5 and 12 July, followed by a clash with Georgia on 19 July. Erasmus highlighted the unique value of facing the Barbarians – especially at home for the first time – as an opportunity to simulate real Test-match conditions. “You can’t replicate the intensity and pressure of an international game in training,” he noted. Given the Barbarians’ diverse and experienced squad, the Springboks will use the match to fine-tune their systems and sharpen their focus.

Robbie Deans. Photo: X

Robbie Deans, supported by coaches Patrice Collazo, Atsushi Kanazawa and former All Black lock Sam Whitelock, echoed the fixture’s anticipation. He described the Springboks and Barbarians as “two of the biggest brands in rugby” and promised a match to remember in Cape Town, especially after the draw in London nearly a decade ago. Deans is determined to assemble a side to deliver a true rugby spectacle.

Erasmus concluded by acknowledging the new challenges that lie ahead in 2025. With a busy international calendar that includes the Rugby Championship and the traditional end-of-year tour, he stressed the importance of starting strong. He believes the Barbarians – renowned for their flair and packed with seasoned internationals – will provide the perfect test to kick off the Springboks’ international campaign. 

The historic match in the Mother City will be played on 28 June.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg