Bloemfontein confirmed as host for historic Springbok clash against Portugal

By SABC Sport
26th January 2024

Bloemfontein has been confirmed as the venue when the Springboks face World Cup surprise package Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, 20 July.

The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions return to the Toyota Stadium for the first time since their narrow 13-12 defeat against Wales in the City of Roses in 2022, and will be expecting a competitive challenge against Portugal, who defeated RWC quarter-finalists Fiji in their final pool match in France last year.

The clash will be the final match of the Incoming Series which starts with a thrilling two-Test series against Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on 6 and 13 July respectively. This will be followed a week later by the Portugal Test.

The Springboks will then face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in two Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 31 August and 7 September respectively, before lining up against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday 28 September.

"We are delighted that we will be returning to Bloemfontein for this historic match, and we are determined to continue to make our passionate supporters proud," said SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

"With the venue now confirmed we can go full steam ahead with our planning for the home Tests from an operational perspective.

"There's no doubt it has added to the excitement for the season ahead, especially after capping off the 2023 season by defending the Rugby World Cup title."

Ticketing details for all six Tests are being finalised and will be announced soon, but supporters are warned to only buy from official ticketing outlets.

The Springboks' home Test schedule for 2024

Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)

Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)