New Zealand’s South Africa tour to feature eight matches, including Stormers opener
A new five-year agreement between South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR) and Sky Sports will ensure live coverage of international rugby from 2026 to 2030. This extended deal, building on a partnership spanning over three decades, includes New Zealand‘s upcoming eight-match tour of South Africa.
The tour, which begins on Friday, August 7, will see New Zealand play four Test matches against the Springboks and four non-Test matches against club sides. The first match is scheduled against the Stormers in Cape Town.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour
The series, branded as ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry‘ (RGR), is described as a unique tour, marking the first of its kind for New Zealand since 1996. That earlier tour was the first time the All Blacks secured a win on South African soil.
The RGR tour is set against the backdrop of a legal dispute in South Africa concerning the commercial identity and unauthorised use of the series’ branding. Despite this, the series is anticipated to be a significant event in the rugby calendar, especially given the current lull in other major rugby competitions.
The tour also includes a one-off Test match between the women’s teams of South Africa and New Zealand. The first Test match between the men’s national teams is scheduled for August 22.
The commercial imperatives for the RGR are evident, with the fourth and final Test match taking place in the United States. This move is expected to boost revenue and enhance brand awareness for both teams in the US market, which is also seen as beneficial for World Rugby in promoting the 2031 World Cup.
Future Implications for International Rugby
The timing of the RGR tour, following the launch of the inaugural Nations Championship, highlights a potential shift in the landscape of international rugby. The Nations Championship has largely curtailed traditional tours, particularly those involving northern hemisphere teams travelling south.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African union, has suggested that the RGR could surpass the popularity and commercial success of the quadrennial British & Irish Lions tours. This is particularly relevant as the Lions are reportedly considering alternative destinations, including France, which could have financial implications for South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Lions are scheduled to tour New Zealand in 2029, with the second installment of the RGR tour featuring the Springboks arriving a year later. The commercial success of these events will likely influence the future global rugby calendar.
The RGR tour’s prominence has somewhat overshadowed the Nations Championship, with Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus reportedly prioritising the former. This focus on the RGR has also meant that the Rugby Championship will not take place this year, a decision that has been viewed by some as a self-serving move by South Africa and New Zealand, leaving Australia and Argentina in a difficult position.
Despite some challenges, such as provincial sides being without their Springboks players and slower ticket sales for the opening match, the tour offers benefits. It provides an opportunity for All Blacks coach Dave Rennie to expand his player pool and for South African provincial talent to gain experience against the touring All Blacks.
The extended SANZAAR and Sky Sports deal also includes coverage of the Rugby Championship in 2027, 2028, and 2029, along with the Bledisloe Cup and other SANZAAR international matches in both 2026 and 2030. Additionally, Sky Sports will broadcast South Africa‘s tour of New Zealand in 2030.
The tour of South Africa by New Zealand begins on Friday, August 7.
Source: skysports.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
