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The match will take place in Cape Town and be the first for the Springboks this season.
The Springboks will kick off their 2025 season with a match against the Barbarians. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Image
SA Rugby confirmed on Friday the Springboks will launch their 2025 season with a clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday 28 June.
It will be the first time the invitational side will play in South Africa.
Tickets for the match at the Cape Town Stadium will be priced from R250 and will go on sale on Tuesday 6 May at 9am from Ticketmaster.
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 the experienced Robbie Deans, a former All Black who was also in charge of the Wallabies and the Crusaders in a coaching career spanning almost three decades.
The match will be the ninth between the Boks and the famous black-and-white clad club, and the first since 5 November 2016, when the teams played to a 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in London.
“This is an historic moment and it will be very special to welcome the Barbarians to South Africa for the first time,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer.
“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 (the organisers) for assisting in bringing this encounter to life.”
Following the match against the Barbarians, the Boks will take on Italy in two Tests and the Georgia in a one-off game. They will then later turn their focus to the Rugby Championship.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the match would be the perfect preparation for the Test season.
“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.”
28 June: Barbarians v SA – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
July Tests:
5 July: SA v Italy – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: SA v Italy – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: SA v Georgia – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Rugby Championship:
16 August: SA v Australia – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: SA v Australia – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
27 September: SA v Argentina – Kings Park, Durban
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