A world-first rugby trophy that splits into two halves – yet held together by magnetism – has been unveiled to capture the unique bond between the Springboks and All Blacks, ahead of their four-test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

The innovative trophy was publicly brought together for the first time by the captains of the 1996 series, Gary Teichmann and Sean Fitzpatrick, at an official unveiling in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The winners of the tour will receive both halves following the final test in Baltimore, USA, on 12 September. However, should the series be drawn, each nation will retain one half of the trophy.

“The brief to the agencies was to create a trophy that was really like no other, and one to capture the essence of the rivalry,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

A new approach to shared honours

Oberholzer explained that the concept arose from the need to acknowledge the closeness of the historic rivalry. The tour marks the eighth time in 12 tours that the series has included four tests.

“If each team has won two tests at the end of 320 minutes of intense rugby, it seemed inappropriate to decide a winner on an arbitrary metric,” he said.

Steve Lancaster, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, said the trophy was a fitting way to recognise what the rivalry represents.

“It’s something different and unique, and importantly, it tells the story of two teams and two countries that have been competing against each other for more than 100 years,” Lancaster said.

“If the series is drawn, the fact the trophy can be shared is something special to this tour and this concept. It’s a fitting reflection of just how closely matched these teams have been over the years.”

Design inspired by nature and culture

The trophy’s shape is inspired by a blade of grass, an element common to every player’s experience. It was developed by Strategy Creative of New Zealand alongside both unions.

Each blade stands independently, reflecting the unique identity, culture and history of its nation. Hidden magnets draw the blades together, symbolising how the rivalry continues to bring the two nations back together, generation after generation.

Each blade has been precision-machined from solid aluminium and features artwork from South African and New Zealand artists.

The South African blade features artwork by Bonolo Chepape, whose work explores the idea that greatness is never achieved alone. Through layered patterns inspired by community, culture and shared experience, her artwork celebrates the many people who shape sporting excellence in South Africa.

The New Zealand blade carries artwork by Kereama Taepa, inspired by the Māori creation story of Tāne and Whiro, two brothers whose rivalry sees them pursue the same goal by different paths.

Stones from both nations

The trophy base is made of two distinct stones: black Pakohe stone from Aotearoa New Zealand and green Verdite from South Africa.

Standing 65cm tall, each blade weighs 7kg, with the base weighing 9.5kg. The trophy took one year to develop and build.

As presenting partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, Castle Double Malt has backed the return of the traditional tour format.

“What makes this rivalry extraordinary is that neither side loses its identity,” said Vaughan Croeser, vice president of marketing at South African Breweries.

“This trophy captures that beautifully, and we are proud to help bring Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry to life for a new generation.”

The trophy will be seen by the general public for the first time on Saturday when the Springboks meet the All Blacks in the first test at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The first two tours between the teams, in 1921 and 1928, were shared.

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