New Zealand and South Africa agree to quadrennial rugby tour

Traditional tours between the Springboks and All Blacks will return in 2026, with SA Rugby and NZ Rugby reportedly agreeing terms.

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

According to a report by South African newspaper Rapport, the two unions have now 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.