Weekday matches against South African URC franchises, a test between the Springbok women and the Black Ferns, three tests on home soil between the world’s two best rugby teams and a fourth test in America… and lots of beer, biltong and braaivleis.

That’s the prospect for fans of the Springboks when the All Blacks will visit South Africa in August and September on the first full-fledged tour in 30 years, officially dubbed ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’. This quadrennial rugby tours is a new initiative from rugby authorities and will be undertaken alternately by the Springboks and the All Blacks.

If the tour’s sponsors have their way, Castle Double Malt will be the beer enjoyed with the biltong and braai. In collaboration with this sponsor, ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ was officially launched in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The title partnership will bring supporters closer to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry than ever before through one of the biggest fan engagement programmes associated with the series, including nationwide watch parties and a host of experiences designed to celebrate one of rugby’s greatest contests and to be announced in due course.

At Johannesburg’s iconic FNB Stadium, the next chapter of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry unfolded before rugby legends, current Springboks, representatives from SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby, media and invited guests. Hosted by former Springbok and broadcaster Gcobani Bobo, the launch opened with an Impi Zulu warrior performance, whose rhythmic energy and unmistakable sense of national pride set the tone for the occasion.

Springbok legends Bakkies Botha and Bismarck du Plessis joined former All-Blacks captain, Sean Fitzpatrick to reflect on defining moments, unforgettable encounters and the enduring spirit that has shaped more than a century of rugby history.

The spotlight then shifted to the future as current Springboks Kwagga Smith and Lukhanyo Am looked ahead to the upcoming fixtures and the opportunity to add their own chapter to one of world sport’s greatest rivalries.

Since first meeting in 1921, the Springboks and All Blacks have contested more than 100 Test matches. Between them, they have won seven men’s Rugby World Cup titles and established a rivalry recognised around the world for the standard it continues to set.

While Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is forged not only through hard hitting tackles, but the qualities that shape greatness – extraordinary skill, composure, sportsmanship and the mutual respect earned between worthy opponents.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, welcomed the partnership with enthusiasm.

“Few rivalries in world sport have challenged generations of players to raise their standards quite like the Springboks and All Blacks. We’re delighted to welcome Castle Double Malt as Title Partner and look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for supporters throughout the series,” Oberholzer remarked.

Vaughan Croeser, Vice President of Marketing at South African Breweries said there new beer will also reach as milestone by becoming the Title Partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

“We’ve always believed extraordinary things happen when two greats come together, and there are few partnerships that embody that belief more naturally than the Springboks and All Blacks. For more than a century, these two great rugby nations have brought out the very best in one another through extraordinary skill, composure and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. We’re proud to celebrate that legacy while bringing supporters closer to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry than ever before.” he commented.

According to Gcobani Bobo, former Springbok centre and MC at the launch, in such rivalries people see the intensity on the field, but not always what happens afterwards – the conversations, the friendships and the admiration between opponents who understand exactly what they’ve been through.

“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry isn’t only about eighty minutes. It’s about the stories that live long after the final whistle,” he said.

For former All-Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick an unwritten code has always been what separates Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry from every other.

“There was never a tougher challenge than facing the Springboks. Every Test demanded everything you had. But that’s what made the rivalry so special. It pushed both teams to become better, and the regard that exists between those who’ve lived it is something you carry for life. It’s wonderful to see that spirit celebrated through this partnership,” Fitzpatrick emphasized.

– Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, a tour like no other, takes place every four years, hosted alternately between South Africa and New Zealand. The first tour takes place in South Africa in August-September 2026. New Zealand will play eight matches including four Test matches at Ellis Park (Johannesburg), DHL Stadium (Cape Town), FNB Stadium (Johannesburg) and a landmark fourth Test in America (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore).

They will also face four franchise teams including the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions.

In 2030, New Zealand plays host as South Africa embark on their first professional-era tour of the country, taking in provincial sides in addition to a Test series.

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