The Springboks are setting sights on a breezy coastal prep game, and it’s not just any venue they’re eyeing—it’s the scenic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. As the whispers through the rugby grapevine have it, SA Rugby is nearly done hashing out the details to bring the non-cap clash against the Barbarians to this familiar turf on June 27.
While the ink hasn’t dried on the contracts just yet, sources close to the matter are optimistic about the negotiations. This match isn't just a run-of-the-mill skirmish; it’s the ultimate warm-up before the Springboks lock horns with England on July 4 at Ellis Park, marking the thrilling opener of the new Nations Championship.
"Boks will be ready for ‘strong’ England"
Last year, the Boks demolished the Baa-Baas 54-7 in Cape Town, kicking off their 2025 campaign on a high note. There was a fleeting moment when this year’s game might have gone to Twickenham, but now it seems the Boks are keen on keeping their boots on home soil.
This game is particularly crucial for the Springbok players coming from stints in Japan. With the Japanese club season ending in May, Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind coach, is eager to get his squad back in peak form. “We need our players, especially those from Japan, to shake off any cobwebs and hit the ground running for the England match,” stated Erasmus, underscoring the importance of this fixture in their calendar.
So, mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for the final confirmation. If all goes as planned, the Springboks and the Barbarians will bring a storm of rugby prowess to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this June. It's more than just a game; it's a prelude to what promises to be an electrifying international season.
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The Springboks are setting sights on a breezy coastal prep game, and it’s not just any venue they’re eyeing—it’s the scenic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. As the whispers through the rugby grapevine have it, SA Rugby is nearly done hashing out the details to bring the non-cap clash against the Barbarians to this familiar turf on June 27.
While the ink hasn’t dried on the contracts just yet, sources close to the matter are optimistic about the negotiations. This match isn't just a run-of-the-mill skirmish; it’s the ultimate warm-up before the Springboks lock horns with England on July 4 at Ellis Park, marking the thrilling opener of the new Nations Championship.
"Boks will be ready for ‘strong’ England"
Last year, the Boks demolished the Baa-Baas 54-7 in Cape Town, kicking off their 2025 campaign on a high note. There was a fleeting moment when this year’s game might have gone to Twickenham, but now it seems the Boks are keen on keeping their boots on home soil.
This game is particularly crucial for the Springbok players coming from stints in Japan. With the Japanese club season ending in May, Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind coach, is eager to get his squad back in peak form. “We need our players, especially those from Japan, to shake off any cobwebs and hit the ground running for the England match,” stated Erasmus, underscoring the importance of this fixture in their calendar.
So, mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for the final confirmation. If all goes as planned, the Springboks and the Barbarians will bring a storm of rugby prowess to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this June. It's more than just a game; it's a prelude to what promises to be an electrifying international season.