The South African rugby calendar for 2026 is taking shape, promising a compelling year for both the Springboks and the Springbok Women. Following a memorable 2025 that saw the Springboks claim the Rugby Championship title, despite some challenges, the upcoming season will feature a notable shift in the men’s schedule with the absence of that tournament. Instead, fans can look forward to a highly anticipated tour by the All Blacks to South African soil. The Springbok Women, buoyed by their successful 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign – reaching the quarter-finals for the first time – aim to build on that momentum as they prepare for a series of international fixtures.
The 2026 schedule presents a unique blend of familiar rivalries and new challenges for both teams. For the Springboks, the All Blacks tour will undoubtedly be a centerpiece of the year, reigniting one of rugby’s most celebrated contests. The Springbok Women will also face tough competition, including a two-test series against the USA and an international series against New Zealand’s Black Ferns. Understanding the confirmed dates and venues is crucial for fans planning to support their teams throughout the year. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Springboks and Springbok Women’s confirmed fixtures for 2026, offering a clear picture of the rugby action to come.
SOUTH AFRICA RUGBY FIXTURES: SPRINGBOKS
The Springboks will embark on a Nations Championship campaign in July, hosting England, Scotland and Wales in succession. This series will provide a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Later in the year, the Springboks will face New Zealand in a four-match series, split between Johannesburg and Cape Town, marking a significant portion of their international schedule. The November test window will see the Springboks travel to France for a highly anticipated match, adding another layer of complexity to their year.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is expected to lead the team through most of this season’s South Africa fixtures (Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Nations Championship 2026
All kick-off times are TBC
Saturday 4 July
- South Africa vs England
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday 11 July 2026
- South Africa vs Scotland
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday 18 July 2026
- South Africa vs Wales
Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
6-8 November 2026
- Scotland vs New Zealand
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
13-15 November 2026
- France vs South Africa
Venue TBC
Saturday 21 November 2026
- England vs New Zealand
Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
Saturday 22 August 2026
- South Africa v New Zealand
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday 29 August 2026
- South Africa v New Zealand
DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday 4 September 2026
- South Africa v New Zealand
FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September 2026
- South Africa v New Zealand
M&. T Bank Stadium, Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA RUGBY FIXTURES: SPRINGBOK WOMEN
The Springbok Women will begin their 2026 campaign with a two-test series against the USA in July, providing a valuable opportunity to test their skills against North American opposition. Following this, they will host New Zealand’s Black Ferns for an international series in September, a significant challenge against one of the world’s leading women’s rugby teams. This series will be a key indicator of the team’s progress following their encouraging performance at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time, as reported by Rugby World.
The Springbok Women had a memorable 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Can they carry that form into their 2026 South Africa rugby fixtures? (Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Two-test series
Saturday 4 July 2026
- South Africa v USA
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday 11 July 2026
- South Africa v USA
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Black Ferns International series
Saturday 5 September 2026
- South Africa v Black Ferns
FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: TBC
As the 2026 season progresses, further details regarding kick-off times and potential broadcast information will be released by SA Rugby. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through official channels for the latest news and announcements. The next confirmed event is the two-test series between the Springbok Women and the USA in July, offering an early glimpse into the exciting rugby action that awaits in 2026.
What are your thoughts on the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s schedules? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!
