In a groundbreaking move for international rugby, world champions South Africa will face arch-rivals New Zealand in the United States for the first time when the two giants clash at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, 12 September. The historic Test match, announced Thursday by SA Rugby, will conclude the ambitious “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour, a month-long spectacle featuring nine matches across two continents that promises to redefine international rugby competition.
The comprehensive tour kicks off in Cape Town on August 7, with the All Blacks facing South Africa’s four franchise teams, the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions, before three Tests between the Springboks and All Blacks on South African soil. The 5 September fixture at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium will feature a historic double-header, with the Springbok Women facing the Black Ferns before the men’s third Test. The Baltimore showdown will serve as the series decider, marking the fourth and final Test between the world’s two most dominant rugby nations.
“Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby, and the opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “With fans getting the opportunity to see the Boks in action against the All Blacks in three home Tests, the chance to share the excitement in the US is an exciting one, compounded by the fact that both the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup will be heading to the US in a few years’ time.”
The selection of Baltimore reflects a strategic partnership between SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to accelerate the sport’s growth in the United States ahead of the men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and women’s edition in 2033. Baltimore is one of 27 applicant cities for the 2031 tournament, making this match a crucial test run for the region’s hosting capabilities. Steve Lancaster, Interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby, emphasized that “the US is an important market for us and for rugby more broadly, as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031.”
The 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, will provide a dramatic backdrop for one of sport’s most intense rivalries. “The All Blacks–Springboks rivalry is one of the most iconic matchups in international rugby, and we’re thrilled to host these legendary teams,” said Ravens president Sashi Brown. The event is expected to attract fans from across North America and overseas, delivering significant economic impact to Baltimore while showcasing the city to a global audience.
Rugby fans can register for pre-sale access to all matches at www.greatest-rivalry.com, with pre-sale tickets available from Thursday, January 29, and general sale opening Monday,2 February. Don’t miss history in the making.
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