Is the USA Ready for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry?

The Springboks will return to the USA for only the third time this millennium when the 2026 edition of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry – the touring series between the Boks and the All Blacks held every four years – concludes with the historic fourth and final Test in Baltimore, Maryland.

Rugby’s most iconic international rivalry is going to the United States for the first time, with the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens welcoming the two teams on Saturday 12 September 2026.

The Test at the M&T Bank Stadium concludes the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, which includes games between New Zealand and South Africa’s four franchise teams, and three Tests between the Springboks and the All Blacks on South African soil. Fans will also get to witness a double header in Johannesburg between the Black Ferns and Springbok Women before the tour heads to the US.

Both the Springboks and the All Blacks have a history of playing matches on US soil. New Zealand have played numerous games in Chicago in recent years taking on Ireland and USA, as well as in San Diego (v Fiji) and Washington DC (v USA). South Africa faced the USA in Houston in 2001 and visited Washington DC in 2018 to face Wales.

The announcement reflects the collective ambition of SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to grow the game in the United States. As the region builds toward hosting Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s), World Rugby and member unions are partnering to strategically position premium international rugby in key US markets.

Bringing two of the sport’s most storied teams to Baltimore, a Rugby World Cup 2031 applicant city, highlights this collaborative approach to developing new audiences, accelerating fan engagement and inspiring the next generation of rugby supporters.

“Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby and the opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“With fans getting the opportunity to see the Boks in action against the All Blacks in three home Tests, the chance to share the excitement in the US is an exciting one, compounded by the fact that both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup will be heading to the US in a few years’ time.

“While the All Blacks have played in the USA often in the past, the Boks have only played there twice this millennium, and we’re very excited to take them to Baltimore and engage with a developing rugby ecosystem.”

Interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster said: “Having the opportunity to once again play in the US, less than a year after our last game, is exciting for the All Blacks and for New Zealand Rugby. The US is an important market for us and for rugby more broadly, as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031. This will mark the fourth time the team has played in the US in five years, so it’s great to be in another new city to show sports fans the spectacle and excitement of rugby.

“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry aims to be unlike any other, and playing in a city with the potential to form a part of the 2031 Rugby World Cup just adds another layer to this tour. We look forward to welcoming fans of the All Blacks and the haka in Baltimore in September.”

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin added: “Partnering with unions to bring world class content to key US cities is at the heart of the sport’s strategy to grow the market on the road to hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the US in 2031 and 33.

“There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand v South Africa, and to be able to showcase the best of our sport in Baltimore, one of 27 super engaged cities and regions in the Rugby World Cup hosting process, is an exciting prospect, inspiring more sports fans in the US to fall in love with rugby.”

The 71,000 capacity M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, has established itself as one of the premier sporting venues in North America. This will provide a dramatic backdrop for one of international sport’s most intense rivalries. The event is expected to attract fans from across the US and overseas, delivering a significant boost to the local economy and reinforcing Baltimore’s credentials as a global sports destination.

“The All Blacks–Springboks rivalry is one of the most iconic matchups in international rugby, and we’re thrilled to host these legendary teams at M&T Bank Stadium,” said Ravens president Sashi Brown.

“Our incredible partnership with the State of Maryland, including its support for our ongoing stadium renovations, has helped position M&T Bank Stadium as a world-class venue. As one of a handful of premier global sporting events, this rugby match underscores our shared commitment to bringing world-class experiences to Baltimore.”

Fans can register for pre-sale access to all matches via www.greatest-rivalry.com. Pre-sale tickets for every fixture, including the fourth Test, will be available from Thursday 29 January, with general sale opening Monday 2 February.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures 2026:

• Friday 7 August: DHL Stormers v All Blacks, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
• Tuesday 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v All Blacks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
• Saturday 15 August: Vodacom Bulls v All Blacks, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
• Saturday 22 August: Springboks v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first Test)
• Tuesday 25 August: Lions v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
• Saturday 29 August: Springboks v All Blacks, DHL Stadium, Cape Town (second Test)
• Saturday 5 September: Springbok Women v Black Ferns, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
• Saturday 5 September: Springboks v All Blacks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (third Test)
• Saturday 12 September: Springboks v All Blacks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA (fourth Test)