Springboks to kick off new-look 2026 season with Barbarians clash in Gqeberha

The match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium comes just two weeks before South Africa's inaugural Nations Championship game against England at Ellis Park, and like last year's season-opening clash against the BaaBaas in Cape Town, it should provide an ideal platform to blow off the cobwebs before the intensity starts ramping up.

The Boks will play 13 Tests in 2026, two fewer than in 2025, with seven forming part of the new Nations Championship (three at home, three away, and a final clash during Finals weekend at Twickenham), four as part of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks (three on home soil and a historic clash in Baltimore, USA), and two one-off matches against the Barbarians and Wallabies in Gqeberha and Perth respectively.

It's a distinctly different season from previous years, with the introduction of the Nations Championship and Rugby's Greatest Rivalry presenting Rassie Erasmus and his charges with a fresh and unique set of challenges as they build towards next year's Rugby World Cup.

More details were also revealed about the season opener against the Barbarians, including that they will be led by former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi, with support from Racing 92's Patrice Collazo and Argentina assistant coach Kenny Lynn.

"It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and we are looking forward to hosting them in South Africa for the second year in a row - this time at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where we have traditionally enjoyed fantastic support," said Erasmus.

"With our opening Nations Championship encounter against England two weeks later, this will be an ideal opportunity to get the players match-ready against a side that always boasts top players from across the world.

"The key for us, however, will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field. This is a new season with two new exciting competitions, so the sooner we get into a Test match mindset, the better."

Contepomi was equally thrilled about the fixture and said: "It was a tremendous honour to play for the Barbarians, and now to be invited to coach the BaaBaas in a match against the back-to-back world champions in their own country is just as special.

"It's a recognition of the performance of Los Pumas in recent years, and it will be a great challenge to put a team together in a week to face South Africa. I eagerly await that opportunity."

Robertson added: "The Barbarians brings the rugby world together, so it's special to be a part of it and to honour the jersey."

The stage is set for what promises to be a jam-packed season of world-class rugby.

Springbok's full 2026 fixture list fixtures 2026

International

Saturday 20 June: Springboks v Barbarians (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha)

Nations Championship

Saturday 4 July: Springboks v England (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday 11 July: Springboks v Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday 18 July: Springboks v Wales (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

Saturday 22 August: Springboks v All Blacks (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday 29 August: Springboks v All Blacks (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday 5 September: Springboks v All Blacks (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)

Saturday 12 September: Springboks v All Blacks (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA)

One-off Test

Sunday 27 September: Wallabies v Springboks (Optus Stadium, Perth)

Nations Championship

Saturday 7 November: Italy v Springboks (Venue TBC)

Friday 13 November: France v Springboks (Stade de France, Paris)

Saturday 21 November: Ireland v Springboks (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November: Finals Weekend (Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London)

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