The Springboks are gearing up for what promises to be one of their most anticipated seasons in recent memory, with SA Rugby confirming a stellar line-up of Test matches for 2026 that will see old rivals return to South African soil for the first time in years.
The newly established Nations Championship will kick off in spectacular fashion when England visit Ellis Park on Saturday, 4 July – marking the Red Rose’s first tour to South Africa since 2018. The Johannesburg encounter will be followed by Scotland’s long-awaited return to Loftus Versfeld on 11 July, before Wales round off the July window at Kings Park in Durban on 18 July.
The scheduling represents a significant homecoming for these traditional foes. While Wales were the most recent visitors in 2022, Scotland haven’t toured South Africa since 2014, and England’s absence stretches back six years to their dramatic 2018 series.
“We’re excited to announce the three venues for our home games in the Nations Championship,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “England are on a good winning run and will arrive in South Africa confident, facing the Boks at Ellis Park where the last Test between the sides, in 2018, went down to the wire.”
The England clash carries particular intrigue, given the venue’s intimidating atmosphere and the narrow margins that decided their previous encounter. Ellis Park has long been considered a fortress for the Springboks, making it the perfect stage for the Nations Championship opener.
Scotland’s visit to Loftus Versfeld will break new ground, with Oberholzer noting: “Amazingly enough, Scotland have never played the Boks at Loftus Versfeld, although they played two Rugby World Cup matches at the stadium in 1995.”
The Durban finale against Wales will complete a grueling July program that forms part of the expanded international calendar. “Wales’ last visit to Durban was in 2014 and we are looking forward to closing out our July roster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, and with every match counting towards the standings, no team can afford to rest on their laurels,” Oberholzer added.
The Nations Championship will continue during the November window, with the Springboks traveling to Europe to face Italy, France, and Ireland, completing their fixtures against all Six Nations teams. The tournament will culminate in a Finals Weekend at London’s Allianz Stadium on 27-29 November, featuring three days of double-headers.
Adding to the season’s appeal, the beloved Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand will return with three Tests scheduled for late August and early September. The All Blacks trilogy will see matches at Ellis Park (22 August), DHL Stadium in Cape Town (29 August), and FNB Stadium (5 September).
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This comprehensive schedule ensures South African rugby fans will witness world-class international rugby across the country’s premier venues, with each match carrying significant weight in the new global competition structure.
Ticket sales details and kick-off times for all home Tests will be announced in due course, with anticipation already building for what promises to be a landmark year for Springbok rugby.
2026 Springbok Home Test Schedule:
Nations Championship (July):
- 4 July: vs England – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- 11 July: vs Scotland – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- 18 July: vs Wales – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (August-September):
- August 22: vs New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- August 29: vs New Zealand – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- September 5: vs New Zealand – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
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