In a bold twist to rugby tradition, the Springboks will break new ground on 28 June when they face the storied Barbarians for the first time ever on South African soil.
This historic showdown, set for the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, will not only kick off the 2025 season for the reigning world champions but also bring a touch of global flair to local fans who rarely get to witness the magic of the BaaBaas in person.
It’s a fixture steeped in legacy but reborn in innovation — a deliberate pivot from the familiar European venues that have long hosted this classic matchup. The Barbarians, famous for their invitation-only squad and daring brand of rugby, will be entering uncharted territory as they take on the Boks in front of a home South African crowd.
This is an historic moment and it will be very special to welcome the Barbarians to South Africa for the first time.
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 [International] for assisting in bringing this encounter to life.
That sense of occasion is precisely what makes this match more than just a curtain-raiser. It’s a celebration of rugby’s past, present, and future — one that reconnects the Springboks with an adversary they haven’t faced since a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley in 2016, and one that challenges them in the most unpredictable of ways.
The Barbarians' squad, yet to be named, is expected to draw talent from across the globe, including players from Super Rugby, the English Premiership, the French Top 14, Japan’s League One, and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
The team will be led by veteran coach Robbie Deans — a man who has steered both the Crusaders and the Wallabies, and whose rugby resume stretches nearly three decades.
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.
He’ll be backed by an eclectic coaching crew: Patrice Collazo from France’s Racing 92, Saitama Wild Knights’ Atsushi Kanazawa from Japan, and recently retired All Black legend Sam Whitelock.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus views the match as a vital springboard ahead of a tough international calendar, which includes the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Italy and Georgia, the Rugby Championship, and a northern hemisphere tour.
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.
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.
The numbers tell their own story: In eight previous encounters, the Barbarians lead with four wins to the Springboks’ three, plus that memorable draw. But for Erasmus, this is about more than statistics — it’s about tone-setting.
We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge. We’d like to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses. The Barbarians, who are usually laden with seasoned internationals, will provide the perfect test.
For fans eager to be part of this rugby first, tickets go on sale Tuesday 6 May at 09:00, starting at R250, exclusively through Ticketmaster.
Rugby has always found ways to honour tradition while embracing evolution. On 28 June, Cape Town becomes the stage for a new chapter — one that bridges continents, unites generations, and reminds us why this sport remains one of the world’s most thrilling spectacles.
