The Springboks are gearing up for their first match of the 2025 season as world champions, taking on the Barbarians this Saturday, 28 June, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Kickoff is scheduled for 17:10.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus will reveal the opening squad on Tuesday at noon during a press conference in Cape Town. Fans can expect a strong lineup featuring stars like Jesse Kriel, Siya Kolisi, and Cheslin Kolbe. There may also be chances for fresh faces such as Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Vincent Tshituka to shine in a formidable forward pack that could include Jean-Luc du Preez.
Following the Barbarians match, the Springboks will focus on the July Incoming Series with back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 and 12 July, and then Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July.
The team will then defend their Rugby Championship title and round off the year with a traditional end-of-year tour, featuring high-profile Tests against France and Ireland.
Springboks 2025 Test Fixtures (All times SA):
- 28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town – 17:10
- 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 17:10
- 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha – 17:10
- 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit – 17:10
- 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:10
- 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town – 17:10
- 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland – 09:05
- 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington – 09:05
- 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban – 17:10
- 4 October: vs Argentina, London – 15:00
- 8 November: vs France, Paris – TBD
- 15 November: vs Italy, Turin – TBD
- 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin – 19:40
- 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff – 17:10
Note: SA Rugby is aiming to add a test match, likely against Japan.
Full squad highlights for 2025:
- Forwards: Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka, Jean Kleyn, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Jasper Wiese, and others.
- Backs: Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, and more.
The Springboks are ready to defend their crown and thrill fans throughout this action-packed year.
