FAQs | Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

Question 1

What is Rugby's Greatest Rivalry?

Accepted Answer

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is a joint venture created by SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby. It is an alternating quadrennial tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks. In reigniting a traditional touring concept, travelling teams will play matches against provincial sides, before competing in a Test series. South Africa will host the first iteration in 2026, with New Zealand hosting in 2030. This will alternate every four years.

Question 2

Who came up with the concept?

Accepted Answer

The concept of touring in rugby is not new and the contest between South Africa’s Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks is rich in history. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry signals the next chapter in this story. This is a joint venture, created by SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby.

Question 3

Why are you doing this?

Accepted Answer

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry will be a defining new chapter for the sport’s most successful and storied nations. The tour will renew the legacy of a rivalry that transcends the sport and bring a compelling, new international rugby product to the fans.

Question 4

How does it work, what is the format for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is an alternating quadrennial tour. The first iteration will be hosted by South Africa across August and September 2026. New Zealand will tour and play eight matches; four provincial games against DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions, and four Test matches at Ellis Park, (Johannesburg), DHL Stadium (Cape Town), FNB Stadium (Johannesburg), preceding a landmark fourth Test hosted at a neutral international venue. Details of the fourth Test will be confirmed in coming months. In 2030, South Africa will tour New Zealand playing provincial sides in addition to a Test series. This format will alternate every four years.

Question 5

When will this happen? Do you have a confirmed fixture list?

Accepted Answer

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry will be played across August and September of 2026, and every four years after that. In 2026, the All Blacks will play four provincial games against the DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions, complementing a historic four Test series against the Springboks. The full confirmed schedule is as follows:

7 August 2026		DHL Stormers v New Zealand DHL Stadium, Cape Town

11 August 2026		Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand Kings Park Stadium, Durban

15 August 2026		Vodacom Bulls v New Zealand Loftus Versfield, Pretoria

First Test 22 August 2026		South Africa v New Zealand Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

25 August 2026		Lions v New Zealand Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Second Test 29 August 2026		South Africa v New Zealand DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Third Test 5 September 2026		South Africa v New Zealand FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Fourth Test 12 September 2026		South Africa v New Zealand M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

Question 6

When do tickets go on sale?

Accepted Answer

Tickets will go on general sale in early 2026. Fans can register for pre-sale priority access by visiting greatest-rivalry.com.

Question 7

How much will tickets be?

Accepted Answer

A variety of ticket categories will be available for the provincial and Test matches. Further details will be confirmed in coming months.

Question 8

Will there be ticket bundles to purchase for multiple games?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ticket bundles will be available, more information will be confirmed in coming months.

Question 9

Will there be travel packages for international fans outside South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Worldwide packages will be available through the authorised agent, All Blacks Travel and Hospitality. You can register for more information by visiting: allblackstravelandhospitality.com

Question 10

Will hospitality packages be available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hospitality packages will be available and will be announced in coming months. To sign up for information, please visit greatest-rivalry.com.