Barbarians to tackle Boks in SA for first time

The Springboks will host the Barbarians in June when they line up on South African soil for the first time in the history of the famed, Britain-based invitational team.

The Boks will open the season against the Baabaas at Cape Town Stadium on 28 June, the ninth meeting between the teams and the first since November 2016, when the match at Wembley Stadium ended in a 31-31 draw.

The Barbarians will be coached by former All Blacks coach Robbie Deans.

“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 for assisting in bringing this encounter to life.”

Since the first clash between the sides in 1952, the Barbarians have won four games and the Springboks three, to add to the draw nine years ago. The Boks’ last victory over the Barbarians was on 10 December 2000 in Cardiff, by 41-31.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the match would be the perfect trigger to get his players into match-mode before the Test season commences with two Tests against Italy (5 and 12 July) and one against Georgia (19 July).

“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.

“With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field.”

Deans, who will be assisted by Patrice Collazo (Racing 92, France), Atsushi Kanazawa (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan) and former All Black lock Sam Whitelock, said: “It is exciting news to have the iconic Barbarians announced to play against the World Champion Springboks in Cape Town in late June – these are two of the biggest brands in the game.

“The last occasion these two teams met at Wembley resulted in a draw. The Springboks have achieved a lot since that day, this will be an altogether different challenge on-site in South Africa.

“We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves.”

Erasmus added: “We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge, and we’d like to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses.

“We have a tough year ahead, and the Barbarians, who are usually laden with seasoned internationals, will provide the perfect test.”

Springboks 2025 schedule

Photo: Christopher Lee/Getty Images for Barbarians