Thirty years on from one of the most iconic moments in rugby history, the All Blacks are heading back to South Africa for what’s being dubbed Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour - an eight-match epic that promises to reignite the fierce respect, intensity, and history between two of the sport’s greatest teams.
In August and September 2026, the All Blacks will spend five weeks on tour in South Africa.
A Rivalry Written in History
The All Blacks and Springboks rivalry is the stuff of rugby legend — built on decades of mutual respect, hard-fought battles, and unforgettable moments.
Back in 1996, captain Sean Fitzpatrick and coach John Hart led the All Blacks to their first-ever series win in South Africa, sealing victory at Loftus Versfeld after decades of near misses. That 2–1 series triumph came at the dawn of the professional era and remains one of the defining achievements in All Blacks history.
Now, in 2026, another generation gets its chance to etch their names alongside the greats.
The 2026 Tour: Eight Games of Pure Intensity
The tour kicks off on Friday, August 7, in Cape Town with a clash against the Stormers, before taking on the Sharks, Bulls, and Lions in midweek fixtures that will give fans across South Africa the chance to see the All Blacks up close.
In addition, there is the main event of four test matches that will have the rugby world watching:
It’s the first time in decades the All Blacks have played a full-length tour like this, with every match adding to the story of rugby’s most intense rivalry.
Voices of the Captains
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said:
“The intensity is right up there, and it is shaping up to be a heck of a tour. The format will be great, and there will be a whole lot of excited fans watching from home and travelling with us as well. We are looking forward to it.”
Dual Springboks Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi echoed that excitement:
“This is going to be something huge and something this generation will never forget. These are the tours we’ve only heard of. To experience this for the first time, where it’s like a Lions tour, is unbelievable for us as a group.”
What Lies Ahead
The 2026 season will be massive for the All Blacks, beginning with home tests against France, Ireland, and Italy in July as part of the new Nations Championship, before heading to South Africa for the Greatest Rivalry Tour.
The tour’s conclusion will roll into Bledisloe Cup clashes in October, and later an end-of-year tour to the UK is expected to feature England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Springboks will also return the favour in 2030, touring New Zealand in what will be their first full tour of the professional era - setting the stage for another chapter in rugby’s greatest story.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Returns
The All Blacks haven’t beaten the Springboks on South African soil since 2022, and this 2026 showdown promises to be one for the ages.
From Ellis Park to Newlands, from Durban to a European finale - the All Blacks’ 2026 tour will celebrate everything that makes rugby great: pride, passion, and respect forged in competition.
RYOS proudly backs the All Blacks - New Zealand’s most iconic team - with official adidas supporters gear ready for every match day.
Stay tuned for the release of the All Blacks 2026 range, and gear up for rugby’s greatest rivalry, wherever you watch from.
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