In an exciting development for global rugby fans, Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is now set to feature a double-header, with the Black Ferns and Springbok Women joining the tour ahead of the third Test in Johannesburg.
Alongside the traditional four-Test series the premier women’s teams of each nation will now showcase their own rivalry. This additional marquee match ensures more fans worldwide will have the opportunity to experience this monumental showdown between nations.
The Black Ferns and Springbok Women teams will play their double-header Test ahead of the All Blacks v Springboks on 5 September at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg. The Black Ferns and Springbok Women have only met twice before - at the Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2010 and 2025.
“This double-header adds extra weight to what is already shaping up to be one of the most significant tours in modern rugby,” said New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson. “It gives fans, players and the broader rugby community an opportunity to witness the depth, history, and intensity of rivalry between four of our national teams.
“We want Rugby's Greatest Rivalry to showcase everything that is great about traditional rugby tours, while being like no other, and part of that means offering more for fans to see and engage with. This additional Test is another way for us to bring this to life, and we know fans will be excited the same way we are.”
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer welcomed the additional fixture as a confirmation of the growing stature of the Springbok Women, both domestically and internationally.
“We have seen our traditional teams, the Springboks, Junior Springboks and Blitzboks, all win titles in 2025 and it was equally inspiring to see our investment in our women’s game starting to bear fruit,” said Oberholzer.
“Our Springbok Women made history in England with a best-ever World Cup performance and for the first time broke into the top ten on the world rankings. For them to be playing the Black Ferns in South Africa for the first time, as a double-header before the Boks take on the All Blacks, is fantastic. I want to thank all involved who helped get this match over the line.”
Interest in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry since its announcement in October has been immense, with fans in over 100 countries registering to learn more.
Tickets for the tour will go on general sale early next year. Supporters are encouraged to sign up at the official tour website to receive priority access to pre-sales. Travel packages are on sale here.
