Barbarians confirm blockbuster Summer clash with Springboks

The fixture in Gqeberha will be followed a week later by a Barbarians v Wales national rugby union team double header at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 27 June, with the men’s match kicking off at 2pm and the women’s at 5pm. The event promises a celebration of global rugby and the BaaBaas’ trademark attacking ethos.

To steer the tour, the famous invitational club have pulled together an elite international coaching quartet led by former New Zealand national rugby union team head coach Scott Robertson, alongside Felipe Contepomi, Patrice Collazo and Kenny Lynn.

Robertson is well versed in the Barbarians environment, having previously coached the side against New Zealand and Tonga in 2017, an All Blacks XV in 2022 and Wales in 2023.

“The Barbarians brings the rugby world together, so it's special to be a part of it and to honour the jersey,” Robertson said.

Contepomi — one of Argentina’s greatest ever players with 87 caps for Los Pumas — returns to the black-and-white in a leadership role after representing the Barbarians five times between 2003 and 2012. Appointed Argentina head coach in 2024, he has already overseen notable Rugby Championship victories over South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

“It was a tremendous honour to play for the Barbarians, and now to be invited to coach the BaaBaas in a match against the back-to-back world champions in their own country is just as special,” said Contepomi.

“It’s a recognition of the performance of Los Pumas in recent years, and it will be a great challenge to put a team together in a week to face South Africa. I eagerly await that opportunity.”

Collazo, a former French international prop, adds vast Top 14 and Premiership experience, while Lynn — previously of the Highlanders, Southland and Bay of Plenty — continues his coaching partnership with Contepomi after joining Argentina’s staff in 2024.

The Barbarians have faced the Springboks nine times since their first meeting in 1952, and South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus is relishing the encounter.

“It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and we are looking forward to hosting them in South Africa for the second year in a row — this time at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where we have traditionally enjoyed fantastic support,” said Erasmus.

“With our opening Nations Championship encounter against England two weeks later, this will be an ideal opportunity to get the players match-ready against a side that always boasts top players from across the world.

“The key for us, however, will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field. This is a new season with two new exciting competitions, so the sooner we get into a Test match mindset, the better.”