GQEBERHA – The Springboks will kick off a novel 2026 season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June and so will the Springboks ‘A’ team; with SA Rugby announcing today, 14 April that the SA ‘A’ side will face Zimbabwe’s Sables as a curtain-raiser to the already scheduled Springbok clash, turning the occasion into a double-header for Eastern Cape rugby fans.
According to the statement, the addition of the SA ‘A’ team versus Zimbabwe match significantly enhances what was already set to be a special day for Gqeberha supporters, who will now witness two South African national teams in action at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium instead of just one.
This exciting development marks the return of the SA ‘A’ team to the rugby calendar for the first time since their 2022 Castle Lager Outgoing Tour against Munster and the Bristol Bears, adding substantial value to the day’s proceedings for local rugby enthusiasts.
The newly announced SA ‘A’ fixture, kicking off at 12:00 will serve as the perfect appetizer before the main course; the Springboks taking on the Barbarians at 15:00; giving Gqeberha fans an unprecedented opportunity to see both established world champions and rising stars on the same day, same field.
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who hails from Despatch, expressed his excitement about the enhanced programme. “Having back-to-back matches play out at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will make the occasion of playing our first match of the year even more special for the Eastern Cape’s passionate supporters,” he said.
The addition of the SA ‘A’ team creates a perfect storm of rugby entertainment for Gqeberha, offering fans exceptional value with two international-standard matches featuring South African national teams. The development transforms what was already an anticipated season opener into a comprehensive rugby showcase.
For Zimbabwe, the newly arranged fixture provides valuable preparation as the Sables, who qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia for the first time since 1991, test themselves against quality opposition with World Cup preparation in mind.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the world’s top rugby nations and a truly elite system,” said Zimbabwe coach Pieter Benade of the newly confirmed clash.
The SA ‘A’ addition means Gqeberha rugby fans will now witness potential future Springboks in action alongside current world champions, with previous SA ‘A’ graduates like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ruan Nortje, Grant Williams, Aphelele Fassi, and Elrigh Louw having graduated to become key Springbok players.
