South Africa has a deep passion for rugby union, which is considered the national sport alongside cricket. Rugby has a long and storied history in the country, with the national team, the Springboks, winning the Rugby World Cup three times (1995, 2007, 2019). The sport enjoys widespread popularity, with millions of fans attending matches and supporting their favorite teams and players.
South Africa is home to numerous world-class rugby stadiums that host professional and club games throughout the year. Some of the most notable venues include:
Professional Rugby Stadiums
- Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Pretoria) – Capacity: 51,762
- Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg) – Capacity: 62,567[3][5]
- Kings Park Stadium (Durban) – Capacity: 54,000[1]
- Newlands Stadium (Cape Town) – Capacity: 51,900[1]
- Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein) – Capacity: 48,000[1]
- Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Port Elizabeth) – Capacity: 46,000[1]
- Cape Town Stadium (Cape Town) – Capacity: 55,000[1]
These stadiums host matches for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, which features teams from South Africa, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. They also serve as home grounds for various provincial and Super Rugby teams, such as the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers.
Club Rugby Stadiums
- Olën Park (Potchefstroom)
- Boland Stadium (Wellington) – Capacity: 11,000[1]
- Outeniqua Park (George)
- Profert Olën Stadium (Potchefstroom)
- Wolfson Stadium (Port Elizabeth)[1]
These stadiums are used for club rugby competitions, such as the Currie Cup and various regional tournaments. They provide a platform for up-and-coming players to showcase their talent and contribute to the depth of South African rugby.
The passion for rugby in South Africa is evident in the large crowds that attend matches, the media coverage devoted to the sport, and the pride and loyalty of fans towards their teams and the Springboks. Rugby has played a significant role in uniting the nation and fostering a sense of national identity, as exemplified by the 1995 Rugby World Cup victory, which was a pivotal moment in the country’s history[5].
Here is a list of upcoming rugby fixtures to be played in South Africa in 2024 and 2025:
2024
July
- 06 July: Springboks vs Ireland – Loftus Versveld, Pretoria5
- 13 July: Springboks vs Ireland – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban5
- 20 July: Springboks vs Portugal – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein5
August
- 10 August: Australia vs Springboks – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane12
- 17 August: Australia vs Springboks – Optus Stadium, Perth12
- 31 August: Springboks vs New Zealand – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg125