Springboks fixtures 2026: November tour dates and kick-off times

The remaining Springboks fixtures 2026 fans are searching for are four Tests in November: Italy on 7 November, France on 13 November, Ireland on 21 November and a Nations Championship finals match in London over the weekend of 27–29 November. All three pool matches are away from home, and the tour decides where the Springboks finish in the brand-new Nations Championship.

When do the Springboks play in November 2026?

Here are the dates, venues and kick-off times in South African time, as published on 29 October 2026. Kick-off times can change, so check SA Rugby’s official channels on match week.

The France Test is on a Friday night, so plan for a late kick-off after 10pm.

What is the Nations Championship?

The Nations Championship is a new competition run jointly by SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby. It is played every two years and brings together 12 teams. From the south: South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and invited sides Japan and Fiji. From the north: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Matches are played in the July and November international windows, with six pool rounds in total. The Springboks played their July home rounds against England, Scotland and Wales. The competition ends with a Finals Weekend of double-headers over three days at Twickenham. There will be no Nations Championship in 2027, which is a Rugby World Cup year.

Who is in the Springbok squad for the November tour?

Coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-man squad of 20 forwards and 17 backs, with Siya Kolisi as captain. Six players are uncapped:

• Backs: Luan Giliomee (full-back), Sebastian de Klerk (wing), Markus Muller (centre) and Yaqeen Ahmed (fly-half)
• Forwards: Riley Norton (lock) and Emmanuel Tshituka (loose forward)

“They thoroughly deserve their call-ups,” Erasmus said, adding that “building squad depth has always been one of our key pillars as a team.”

Which Springboks are injured?

Four experienced players have been ruled out of the whole four-match tour: wing Cheslin Kolbe, fly-half Handre Pollard, lock Eben Etzebeth and utility back Andre Esterhuizen. Losing Pollard and Etzebeth in particular removes a lot of Test experience, which explains why Erasmus has turned to new faces.

What does the Italy Test mean for the Boks?

Turin is the first step of a tough run: Italy, then France in Paris six days later, then Ireland in Dublin. Results in these three Tests feed into the Nations Championship standings and decide who South Africa meets on Finals Weekend. With several stars out, the Italy match is also the best chance for some of the uncapped players to get game time before the bigger tests against France and Ireland.

The match-day 23 for Italy is usually named during the week of the Test. We will update this page with the team and results as the tour goes on.

When is the next Springbok home Test?

No home Tests are left in 2026. In 2027 the Springboks play a full Rugby Championship before the Rugby World Cup. In 2028 the Nations Championship fixtures are reversed, with France, Ireland and Italy visiting South Africa.

Planning a braai for the Turin Test? It falls in the same week as election day. See whether 4 November is a public holiday and check the latest petrol price for November 2026 before you travel.