Next year, the All Blacks will tour South Africa for a four-Test series against the Springboks, including four midweek games against United Rugby Championship teams. This setup will occur every four years, with the two most successful nations in Rugby World Cup history facing off, rather than participating in the Rugby Championship. 

South Africa will host next year, and in 2030, the series will move to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

It’s believed that Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is pushing for the Championship to still take place, possibly in February when the home nations, France, and Italy contest the annual Six Nations.

Damian Willemse. Photo: Johan Orton

However, this is not confirmed, and logistical challenges could arise since it could clash with Super Rugby fixtures.

The first three Tests will be held at Ellis Park, the Cape Town Stadium, and FNB Stadium, while the venue for the fourth Test is yet to be confirmed.

These old-school tours are unfamiliar territory for the current Springbok generation, but excitement is already building. A four-Test tour promises to be physically and mentally demanding.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said it’s going to be a massive series. As back-to-back World Cup champions, the prospect of entertaining their greatest rivals in four Tests is thrilling.

“Yes, rugby’s greatest rivalry is coming to South Africa – it’s one of the biggest occasions in world rugby, and it’s really exciting to have New Zealand touring here for four Tests,” said the two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain.

“These are the kinds of tours we’ve only ever heard about – we’ve never experienced anything like this as a team. To have the chance to live it for the first time, similar to a British & Irish Lions tour, is really special for us as a group.

Handré Pollard. Photo: Johan Orton

“I think it’s exciting for New Zealand too, and hopefully this whole group will be part of it when it happens. I have no doubt that South African fans will be out in full force to welcome the All Blacks and create an incredible atmosphere.

“This rivalry has always been played in great spirit, and I have no doubt it’s going to be something huge – something this generation will never forget. 

“Then, four years later, it’ll be our turn to head to New Zealand.

Pieter-Steph du Toit. Photo: Johan Orton

“So let’s all get excited. Let’s get behind it. To the people of South Africa – this is another opportunity to show the world who we are and what we can do. I can’t wait for it.”

The tour will run from 7 August to 12 September 2026.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour Fixtures 2026:

• Friday 7 August: Stormers v All Blacks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

• Tuesday 11 August: Sharks v All Blacks, Kings Park, Durban

• Saturday 15 August: Bulls v All Blacks, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

• Saturday 22 August: 1st Test – Springboks v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

• Tuesday 25 August: Lions v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

• Saturday 29 August: 2nd Test – Springboks v All Blacks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

• Saturday 5 September: 3rd Test – Springboks v All Blacks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

• Saturday 12 September: 4th Test – Springboks v All Blacks (venue TBC)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs