South Africa’s home fixtures revealed — three huge Six Nations games
Rugby NewsSunday, 28 September 2025 at 09:48
The Springboks will welcome a trio of northern hemisphere giants next year before the All Blacks touch down for their blockbuster South African tour next summer.
, the world champions will lock horns with England, Scotland and Wales in June 2026 as part of World Rugby’s new .
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Per Rapport
It’ll be the first time the Boks face England at home since 2018 – when Siya Kolisi’s men claimed series wins in Joburg and Bloem, before the tourists salvaged pride in Cape Town.
SA Rugby is still ironing out details around venues, with several cities in the mix to host the fixtures.
At the same time, officials are weighing up stadium options for the much-anticipated All Blacks series, with Ellis Park, Loftus Versfeld and Cape Town Stadium understood to be frontrunners to stage the “Greatest Rivalry” showdowns.
What is the Nations Cup?
Starting in 2026, World Rugby will launch the biennial Nations Championship, a global competition featuring 12 top national teams—Six Nations sides (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales), Rugby Championship teams (New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina), and two invited nations (likely Japan and Fiji).
The tournament is split into two conferences (Europe and Rest of World) and played across two windows—July (southern hemisphere) and November (northern hemisphere) in non-World Cup and non-Lions years. Each team plays all six teams from the opposite conference, with the top teams meeting in a Grand Final in November, alongside playoff matches for the remaining rankings.
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Four Springboks and one England star in 2025 World XV
The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous.
Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby.
South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.
2025 World XV
1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)
The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)
Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.
3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)
Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.
5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.
9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)
The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)
Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.
11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)
Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)
Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.
13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)
Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)
Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.
15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)
Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.
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