South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, will face off against New Zealand’s All Blacks in a highly anticipated test match in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 12, 2026. This historic matchup will mark the first time that these two premier rugby union teams, currently the highest-ranked in the world, will compete in the United States.
The event will take place at M&T Bank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, and is part of a broader effort to expand rugby’s presence in the U.S. The match serves as the culmination of the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series, which is held every four years, with three prior tests scheduled to occur in South Africa before concluding in Baltimore. The series has seen growing interest, as Baltimore is one of 27 cities vying to host matches in the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
In recent years, New Zealand has made several trips to the U.S., playing key matches against teams like Ireland and Fiji, as well as the United States itself, aiming to enhance its profile in a rapidly developing market. South Africa’s participation is seen as a vital opportunity to expose more fans to the sport, especially as they have only competed in the U.S. twice since 2001.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, emphasized the importance of reaching new audiences, stating that the chance to play against their long-time rivals in Baltimore was a significant factor in determining the match’s location. Steve Lancaster, the interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the match’s potential to engage with U.S. fans and promote rugby ahead of the upcoming World Cups in 2031 and 2033.
The excitement surrounding this clash in Baltimore underscores a promising growth trajectory for rugby in the United States, paving the way for increased visibility and engagement with a new generation of fans eager to embrace this dynamic sport.