The excitement is palpable as the All Blacks prepare to play against the Springboks in Baltimore in 2026. Lancaster expressed his enthusiasm for yet another opportunity to showcase rugby in the U.S., highlighting that this marks the fourth time the All Blacks have visited the country in just five years, with Baltimore being a fresh venue for this iconic face-off.
M&T Bank Stadium will be the stage for this highly anticipated match, making it the first rugby test hosted in the city. Baltimore was one of many cities that expressed interest in hosting matches for the upcoming 2031 World Cup, and the return of rugby to the U.S. reinforces the growing popularity of the sport.
Sashi Brown, president of the Ravens, emphasized the significance of the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry, describing it as one of the most legendary matchups in rugby. He expressed pride in welcoming these two storied teams to Baltimore, attributing the opportunity to a strong partnership with the state and ongoing stadium improvements that have transformed M&T Bank Stadium into a world-class venue.
The tour will be particularly special for the All Blacks, marking their first international tour in 30 years. Dubbed “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry,” it will consist of four tests against the Springboks and matches against the nation’s top franchise teams from the United Rugby Championship. The All Blacks are set to face the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls before their initial showdown with the Springboks, which will culminate in three additional clashes in South Africa.
Additionally, the tour will feature a women’s double-header with the Black Ferns matching up against the Springboks women in Johannesburg, demonstrating a commitment to promoting rugby at all levels.
Looking ahead, South Africa is slated to visit New Zealand for the next tour in 2030, further solidifying the robust relationship between these two rugby powerhouses.
The confirmed fixtures for the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour are as follows:
– August 7: vs. Stormers, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
– August 11: vs. Sharks, Kings Park, Durban
– August 15: vs. Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
– August 22: vs. South Africa, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
– August 25: vs. Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
– August 29: vs. South Africa, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
– September 5: vs. South Africa, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
– September 12: vs. South Africa, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
As the anticipation builds for this historic matchup, fans can look forward to a vibrant display of rugby and sportsmanship in Baltimore, a city ready to embrace the excitement of international rugby.