SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby have reportedly finalised agreements for the resumption of full tours between the Springboks and All Blacks, starting in 2026.
According to a report by Daily Maverick, these tours, marketed as ‘The Greatest Rugby Rivalry’, aim to reignite the historic battles between two of rugby’s most dominant nations.
It is understood that the All Blacks’ first full tour to the Republic in 30 years will feature eight matches: three Tests, four games against South Africa’s Vodacom URC teams, and a match against the SA ‘A’.
A fourth Test, outside of South Africa, is believed to also planned, likely in London or North America. The Boks will then embark on a similar tour to New Zealand in 2030.
Daily Maverick initially reported on the resumption of these tours, and the commercial groundwork has now been set.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer was quoted in the article, saying, “I just spent two days with the New Zealand leadership in what we are calling the Greatest Rugby Rivalry… We have signed a memorandum of understanding and we are in the planning phases now.”
Oberholzer also highlighted the commercial focus of the tour, noting, “We met with the commercial brokers on setting the commercial property, the sponsorship matrix… It is a collaboration of two unions that have agreed to work together off the field. We believe we have to be closer – and we have never been close.”
The tours will reportedly generate substantial revenue for both unions, with shared income from broadcasting rights and commercial deals. However, ticket and matchday revenues will favour the home unions.
Oberholzer emphasised that SARU and NZR are focusing on long-term sustainability: “We have such a challenge in rugby with funding, so we have to create our own opportunities.”
The tours will impact the Rugby Championship in 2026 and 2030, likely reducing the tournament to a single round.
Photo: @AllBlacks/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
