Boks to face Barbarians in historic first-ever clash on South African soil

The match at the DHL Stadium will officially usher in the Boks' 2025 season, with tickets going on sale from Tuesday, 6 May at 09h00 - exclusively available from Ticketmaster.

Historically such matches have been hosted overseas â- usually in London â- but organiser Pitch International agreed to bring the BaaBaas to South Africa in preparation for the Boks' Castle Lager Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria a week later.

The Barbarians - consisting of players who ply their trade in the United Rugby Championship, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and the Japanese League - will be coached by experienced former Wallabies and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans.

The match will be the ninth between the Boks and the famous black-and-white clad BaaBaas, and the first since 2016 when the teams played to a 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in London.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the clash will be the perfect vehicle to get his players into match mode for the busy season ahead.

"It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa," said Erasmus.

"For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later.

"With a big squad one can simulate a match situation, but there is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle-ready, so this is a great occasion for us.

"With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field."

Erasmus added: "We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge, and we'd like to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses.

"We have a tough year ahead, and the Barbarians, who are usually laden with seasoned internationals, will provide the perfect test before the Castle Lager Incoming Series."

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said: "This is a historic moment and it will be very special to welcome the Barbarians to South Africa for the first time.

"The Springboks wanted a match before the series against Italy to prepare and we're really grateful to our friends at the Barbarians and Pitch for assisting in bringing this encounter to life."

Deans, who will be assisted by Patrice Collazo (Racing 92, France), Atsushi Kanazawa (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan) and former All Black lock Sam Whitelock, said: "It is exciting news to have the iconic Barbarians announced to play against the World Champion Springboks in Cape Town in late June â- these are two of the biggest brands in the game.

"The last occasion these two teams met at Wembley resulted in a draw. The Springboks have achieved a lot since that day, this will be an altogether different challenge on-site in South Africa.

"We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves."

Springbok home fixtures 2025

28 June: Barbarians v SA â- DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Incoming Series

5 July: SA v Italy â- Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

12 July: SA v Italy â- Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha

19 July: SA v Georgia â- Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Rugby Championship

16 August: SA v Australia â- Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

23 August: SA v Australia â- DHL Stadium, Cape Town

27 September: SA v Argentina â- Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

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