If you’re a South African rugby fan, chances are Ellis Park holds a special place in your heart. Well, it’s about to cement that legacy even further.
This August, Ellis Park will officially surpass the legendary Newlands Stadium as the venue that’s hosted the most Springbok Test matches in history.
On Saturday, 16 August, when the Springboks take on Australia in the first of their two Rugby Championship clashes, Ellis Park will mark its 55th Springbok Test match—overtaking Newlands, which closed its doors to Test rugby back in 2018.
A Changing of the Guard Between Historic Venues
For years, Newlands and Ellis Park were neck-and-neck, both tied at 54 Test matches each.
But with Newlands now retired from international action, Ellis Park has taken the lead.
The last time Newlands saw Springbok action was on 23 June 2018, when the Boks fell to England 25-10 in front of nearly 34,000 fans.
Ellis Park’s most recent Test was far more triumphant—it hosted the Boks’ thrilling 31-27 win over the All Blacks on 31 August 2024.
That match tied it with Newlands, and now it’s about to go one step further.
Loftus and Twickenham Also Feature in Springbok Venue Stats
While Ellis Park and Newlands lead the charge on home soil, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria isn’t far behind, having hosted 42 Springbok Tests.
But interestingly, the stadium that’s welcomed the Springboks the most times outside of South Africa is Twickenham in London, with a whopping 29 Tests played there.
That makes for a pretty good rugby quiz question: “Which foreign stadium has hosted the Springboks the most?” Now you know.
Ellis Park’s Long and Proud Springbok History
Ellis Park’s relationship with the Springboks goes all the way back to 1928, when the Boks narrowly lost 6-7 to New Zealand.
Since then, the stadium has hosted unforgettable clashes against the likes of Australia, France, England, Wales, Argentina, and of course, the All Blacks.
From tight wins to heartbreaking losses, Ellis Park has seen it all—World Cups, Rugby Championships, and everything in between.
It’s the kind of place that gives you goosebumps before kickoff.
What to Expect in the 2025 Rugby Championship
If you’re already hyped about the upcoming season, here’s a quick snapshot of the Springboks’ 2025 Rugby Championship fixtures:
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16 August – South Africa vs Australia at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
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23 August – South Africa vs Australia at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
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6 September – New Zealand vs South Africa at Eden Park, Auckland
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13 September – New Zealand vs South Africa at Sky Stadium, Wellington
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27 September – South Africa vs Argentina at Kings Park, Durban
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4 October – Argentina vs South Africa at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
That’s six high-intensity matches, including two at home and one very special showdown at Twickenham to close things off.
Time to Share Your Favourite Stadium
Now that Ellis Park is taking the crown as the most used Springbok venue, we’re curious—which stadium do YOU think offers the best rugby-watching experience in South Africa? Is it the altitude and atmosphere of Ellis Park, the legacy of Loftus, or the coastal breeze of Cape Town Stadium?