Rugby’s most iconic battle is officially back. South Africa and New Zealand are set to reignite their legendary rivalry in 2026 with the launch of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry — a new alternating quadrennial tour that promises to deliver drama, intensity, and pure sporting theatre.
A Defining Chapter for World Rugby
In August and September 2026, the All Blacks will travel to South Africa for the tour’s maiden edition. The action begins in Cape Town as New Zealand take on the DHL Stormers on Friday, 7 August, followed by fixtures against the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, and Lions, before a four-Test series against the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks.
Confirmed Test venues include Ellis Park, DHL Stadium, and FNB Stadium, with a fourth Test set to take place at a neutral international venue to be revealed in the coming months.
“This fierce competition between two very proud nations has delivered more than a century of drama on rugby fields across the world,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. “Next year’s tour will be nothing short of epic.”
30 Years in the Making
The 2026 series marks three decades since New Zealand’s last major tour of South Africa, when the All Blacks clinched a historic 2-1 Test series win. In 2030, the Springboks will make the return trip, embarking on their first full professional-era tour of New Zealand.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson highlighted the significance of reviving such a storied tradition:
“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is everything that’s great about traditional rugby tours — while finding new ways to engage fans around the world.”
Kolisi and Barrett Ready for Battle
Back-to-back World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi described the series as a once-in-a-generation moment:
“These are the tours we’ve only heard of. To experience this, where it’s like a Lions tour, is unbelievable. It’s our chance to show the world who we are and what we’re about.”
All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett echoed the excitement:
“This rivalry is built on mutual respect, but for 80 minutes, everything is on the line. It’s shaping up to be a heck of a tour.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: 2026 Fixtures
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Friday 7 August: DHL Stormers v New Zealand – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
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Tuesday 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand – Kings Park, Durban
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Saturday 15 August: Vodacom Bulls v New Zealand – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
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Saturday 22 August: South Africa v New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
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Tuesday 25 August: Lions v New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
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Saturday 29 August: South Africa v New Zealand – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
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Saturday 5 September: South Africa v New Zealand – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
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Saturday 12 September: South Africa v New Zealand – Venue TBA
Fans can sign up for priority ticket access and updates at greatest-rivalry.com.
A New Visual Era
The tour also unveils a bold new identity, featuring a logo that merges the Springbok and All Black emblems within a striking “V” — symbolising the versus spirit that has defined rugby’s most passionate encounters. The earthy tones of the design pay homage to the natural landscapes of both nations.
