South Africa to make Rugby Championship return in 2021 edition

South Africa will return to Rugby Championship later this year as SANZAAR unveiled the schedule for the 2021 edition.

The Springboks pulled out of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic coronavirus with the tournament played as a tri-nations tournament involving Australia, New Zealand and Argentina with the All Blacks going on to win their 17th title.

The tournament will kick-off on 14th August with South Africa hosting Argentina in the first two matches before the competition shifts to New Zealand and Australia, which will host the remainder of the campaign.

Defending champions All Blacks will kick-start their campaign with a Bledisloe Cup Test against the Wallabies in Perth on 21st August with the reverse fixture to be played in Wellington on 28th August.

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is looking forward to resume the rivalry with other Southern Hemisphere teams.

“Following the unfortunate Covid-related disruptions of last year, we are very much looking forward to resume playing against the Pumas, Wallabies and the All Blacks,” he revealed.

“There is a great rivalry between us, but we also have a lot of respect for each other and have built good friendships over many years of southern hemisphere competition.

“Playing the All Blacks in their backyard is a massive challenge, Argentina showed their growing stature last year while the Wallabies are always tough opponents, especially on their home turf.”

The schedule will also join already packed international calendar for the World Champions as they face Georgia in a two-game series followed by a three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions at home.

2021 Schedule of Rugby Championship:

Saturday 14 August
South Africa v Argentina: Venue: South Africa

Saturday 21 August
Australia v All Blacks: Venue: Perth
Argentina v South Africa: Venue: South Africa

Saturday 28 August
All Blacks v Australia: Venue: Wellington

Saturday 11 September
All Blacks v Argentina: Venue: Auckland
South Africa v Australia: Venue: Australia

Saturday 18 September
Argentina v All Blacks: Venue: Wellington
Australia v South Africa: Venue: Brisbane

Saturday 25 September
All Blacks v South Africa: Venue: Dunedin
Australia v Argentina: Venue: Australia

Saturday 2 October
South Africa v All Blacks: Venue: Auckland
Argentina v Australia: Venue: Australia