All Blacks to tour South Africa in 2026

New Zealand will embark on a historic tour of South Africa in 2026, with the All Blacks set to play four Tests against the Springboks in a series branded “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.”

Three of the fixtures will be staged in South Africa, while a fourth will take place at a yet-to-be-confirmed neutral venue.

The tour will revive the tradition of old-style multi-fixture series, last seen three decades ago. Alongside the Tests, New Zealand will also face four South African provincial teams, including a confirmed opening clash against the Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August.

The Rugby Championship will not take place in 2026, with the competition returning in 2027 ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia. A reciprocal tour will see South Africa travel to New Zealand in 2030.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi welcomed the announcement, describing it as “unbelievable” and comparable to a British & Irish Lions tour.

"This is going to be something huge and something this generation will never forget," Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said.

"These are the tours we’ve only heard of. To experience this for the first time, where it’s like a (British & Irish) Lions tour, is unbelievable for us as a group."

All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett echoed his excitement, saying the rivalry “is founded on mutual respect” but promises fierce competition.

"This is a huge rivalry, and one that is founded off mutual respect, but for 80 minutes these are two teams that every time they play there’s everything on the line," he said.

"The intensity is right up there, and it is shaping up to be a heck of a tour. The format will be great, and there will be a whole lot of excited fans watching from home, and travelling with us as well. We are looking forward to it."