In a landmark move for international rugby, the sport's most storied rivalry is set to cross the Atlantic. The Springboks of South Africa and New Zealand's All Blacks will clash in a Test match at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States, in September 2026.
A Strategic Push into the American Market
This fixture forms a pivotal part of the "Greatest Rivalry" series, a concept akin to the British and Irish Lions tours, designed to showcase elite rugby in key global markets. The decision to host a match in Baltimore is a deliberate strategy by World Rugby to build momentum and fan engagement in the United States, which is poised to host the men's Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the women's tournament in 2033.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby's chief executive officer, emphasised the significance of this move. "Partnering with unions to bring world-class content to key U.S. cities is at the heart of the sport's strategy to grow the market on the road to hosting the Rugby World Cups," he stated. "There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand versus South Africa. Showcasing this in Baltimore, one of the super-engaged cities in our hosting process, is an exciting prospect to inspire more American sports fans."
Historic Series and Expanded Reach
The Baltimore match will be the fourth and final Test in the 2026 series between these titans of the sport. The first three matches will be played on traditional home soil, shared between Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa. The choice to stage the decisive game in the United States underscores a commitment to expanding rugby's global footprint.
Rian Oberholzer, chief executive of SA Rugby, highlighted the strategic importance for South African rugby. "Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective. The opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in selecting the location for this fourth Test," he explained.
Echoing this sentiment, Steve Lancaster, interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby, noted the All Blacks' growing connection with the American market. "Having the opportunity to play in the US again, less than a year after our last game, is exciting. The US is an important market for us and for rugby broadly as we look ahead to 2031."
A Double-Header Spectacle in Maryland
Adding to the historic nature of the event, the fixture will be a double-header. The women's national teams of South Africa and New Zealand will also compete at the 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. This dual presentation aims to offer a comprehensive showcase of international rugby's highest level to a new audience.
This Baltimore Test represents more than just a single game; it is a calculated step in rugby's long-term plan to cement its status as a major global sport, leveraging its most iconic rivalry to captivate fans in one of the world's largest sports markets.
