Traditional tours between Springboks and All Blacks set for 2026 comeback

The two unions have been locked in talks about reviving the tours since last year with SA Rugby president Mark Alexander and NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson confirming the discussions.

While there has been no official confirmation as of yet, the two unions have reportedly agreed terms for the revival of traditional tours, which will take place every four years.

The All Blacks are set to tour South Africa for a three-Test series in 2026 with five midweek matches against the four URC franchises- the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers - and face off with South Africa A.

A fourth Test match between the two sides is also set to be hosted at a neutral venue, with the Springboks then touring New Zealand in 2030.

The 2026 tour will mark 30 years since the last traditional tour between the two nations, with the All Blacks defeating the Boks 2-1 in South Africa in 1996.

According to the report, the tours will replace the Rugby Championship in 2026, with Argentina and Australia making alternative plans for that international window.

It is believed that the financial benefits of the tours will be equal to or even greater to a British and Irish Lions series â- providing SA Rugby with a welcome cash injection after the 2021 tour was played behind closed doors.

The All Blacks tour to South Africa will not count towards World Rugbyâ™s Nations Cup in 2026.

The Springboks will tour New Zealand in 2030 and they will also tackle Super Rugby Pacific teams, with the report adding that the Maori All Blacks could also feature in the respective tours.

It is also reported that the Black Ferns and Springbok women could be included in the touring schedules.

Both nations will still host a Northern Hemisphere team during the July Test window and head north for the November internationals, which will count towards the Nations Cup.

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