With just 60 days on the countdown clock, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is bracing his squad for a rigorous challenge against Scott Robertson’s Barbarians on June 20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. This clash, marking the commencement of their 2026 season, promises not just a game but a showdown worth circling on the calendar.
The Boks are set to test their mettle against a Barbarians team loaded with talents under the stewardship of the former All Blacks coach, Scott Robertson, in what is anticipated to be a thrilling curtain-raiser for the YesPlay Cup. The day will also feature an appetizer match between an SA A team and Zimbabwe, who have recently clinched their spot in the 2027 World Cup.
"The Barbarians are coming to South Africa with an experienced and esteemed coaching team, and we know they will provide us with a proper test,"
Erasmus commented, expressing both excitement and anticipation about the upcoming fixtures. He further highlighted his eagerness to see the broader squad perform, especially in the match featuring the SA A team against the formidable Sables from Zimbabwe.
Erasmus couldn't hide his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, especially given the historical backing of Gqeberha’s crowds. The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has been a fortress for the Springboks, showcasing a near-immaculate record with the Boks never having tasted defeat there, securing eight wins and one draw from their outings.
"I can’t wait for the season to start and what better place than Gqeberha, where we’ve always enjoyed enormous support,"
said Erasmus. He reminisced about last year's packed venue where a crowd of 44,282 witnessed the Boks trample Italy 45-0, and he is hopeful for another massive turnout against the Barbarians.
Post the Baa-Baas game, the Springboks calendar is chock-full with high-profile matches including a new Nations Championship featuring England, Scotland, and Wales, and culminating in a trio of tests against the All Blacks in what is dubbed Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, before a final showdown in the USA.
John Spencer, president of Barbarian FC, also expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration for the upcoming game, praising partner YesPlay for sharing the club’s values and ethos, and being featured prominently on their jerseys in this high-profile match.
As the Boks gear up for a season packed with thrilling rugby, all eyes will be on how they kick off their campaign at the beloved Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this June.
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With just 60 days on the countdown clock, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is bracing his squad for a rigorous challenge against Scott Robertson’s Barbarians on June 20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. This clash, marking the commencement of their 2026 season, promises not just a game but a showdown worth circling on the calendar.
The Boks are set to test their mettle against a Barbarians team loaded with talents under the stewardship of the former All Blacks coach, Scott Robertson, in what is anticipated to be a thrilling curtain-raiser for the YesPlay Cup. The day will also feature an appetizer match between an SA A team and Zimbabwe, who have recently clinched their spot in the 2027 World Cup.
"The Barbarians are coming to South Africa with an experienced and esteemed coaching team, and we know they will provide us with a proper test,"
Erasmus commented, expressing both excitement and anticipation about the upcoming fixtures. He further highlighted his eagerness to see the broader squad perform, especially in the match featuring the SA A team against the formidable Sables from Zimbabwe.
Erasmus couldn't hide his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, especially given the historical backing of Gqeberha’s crowds. The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has been a fortress for the Springboks, showcasing a near-immaculate record with the Boks never having tasted defeat there, securing eight wins and one draw from their outings.
"I can’t wait for the season to start and what better place than Gqeberha, where we’ve always enjoyed enormous support,"
said Erasmus. He reminisced about last year's packed venue where a crowd of 44,282 witnessed the Boks trample Italy 45-0, and he is hopeful for another massive turnout against the Barbarians.
Post the Baa-Baas game, the Springboks calendar is chock-full with high-profile matches including a new Nations Championship featuring England, Scotland, and Wales, and culminating in a trio of tests against the All Blacks in what is dubbed Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, before a final showdown in the USA.
John Spencer, president of Barbarian FC, also expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration for the upcoming game, praising partner YesPlay for sharing the club’s values and ethos, and being featured prominently on their jerseys in this high-profile match.
As the Boks gear up for a season packed with thrilling rugby, all eyes will be on how they kick off their campaign at the beloved Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this June.