Springboks make rugby history as they prepare to host the Barbarians for the first time ever at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium this June

South African rugby fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat this winter as the Springboks prepare to kick off their 2025 season in dramatic style—right at home.

For the first time ever, the world-famous Barbarians will take the field on South African soil, and it’s all happening at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 28 June.

This historic clash between two of rugby’s most iconic teams promises to be more than just a game—it’s a celebration of global rugby right in the heart of the Mother City.

Tickets on Sale Soon—Here’s What You Need to Know

Fans eager to witness the spectacle live can grab their tickets starting Tuesday, 6 May at 09:00.

Prices begin at R250, and sales will be handled exclusively through Ticketmaster.

With the hype building and excitement spreading, tickets are expected to move fast.

Bringing the Barbarians to SA: A Long-Awaited Milestone

This ground-breaking match is being made possible by Pitch International, a London-based sports marketing agency.

While Barbarians fixtures are typically staged abroad—most often in London—this time, Pitch and SA Rugby joined forces to bring the action home.

The match serves as a key warm-up for the Boks ahead of their upcoming Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria, scheduled for a week later.

Who Are the Barbarians and Who’s Coaching Them?

The Barbarians, affectionately known as the BaaBaas, are a team of elite international players drawn from competitions like the United Rugby Championship, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and the Japanese League.

Their Cape Town squad will be coached by none other than Robbie Deans, the experienced Kiwi coach who’s led the Crusaders, the Wallabies, and held various All Blacks roles over his decades-long career.

Deans will be supported by a global mix of coaching talent, including Patrice Collazo (France’s Racing 92), Atsushi Kanazawa (Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights), and former All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock.

A Rivalry Renewed: The History Between Boks and BaaBaas

The upcoming encounter will mark the ninth time these two teams have squared off.

The last match ended in a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in 2016.

Overall, the Barbarians lead the head-to-head with four wins to the Springboks’ three, along with one draw.

The Boks last claimed victory in this friendly but fiercely competitive fixture back in 2000 in Cardiff, with a final score of 41-31.

Rassie Erasmus Ready to Ignite the 2025 Season

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is pumped for the season opener and sees the Barbarians clash as the ideal way to switch his squad into full game mode.

“This is going to be a proper international experience for the players,” Erasmus said.

“You can’t replicate the pressure, atmosphere, and intensity of a real match with training alone.

Facing the BaaBaas will get our guys battle-ready.”

He added that their unpredictable style, thanks to a mix of international talent, makes them a tough team to analyse—which is exactly the kind of challenge the Boks need before diving into the high-stakes July Test series.

Deans Promises a Spectacle for the Fans

Robbie Deans echoed the excitement, calling it “iconic” for two global rugby giants to meet in South Africa.

“The Boks have grown immensely since our last draw at Wembley.

This time we’ll be on their home turf, and we’re preparing to give fans a show worthy of the occasion,” he said.

“We’re aiming to bring together a squad that can truly rise to the challenge.”

Looking Beyond: A Busy Season for the Springboks

Following the Barbarians match, the Boks will take on Italy twice (5 and 12 July) and Georgia (19 July) as part of their Incoming Series. But that’s just the beginning.

The Rugby Championship follows in August and September, with back-to-back clashes against Australia, then two big games in New Zealand against the All Blacks.

Later, they’ll meet Argentina both in Durban and in London, before heading off on their traditional end-of-year tour.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Rugby Moments Begins in Cape Town

With fresh energy, a packed calendar, and the world’s rugby spotlight on South Africa, the Springboks are gearing up for a landmark season.

Hosting the Barbarians in Cape Town not only breaks tradition—it sets the tone for a bold, global approach to South African rugby.

So if you’re a rugby fan, this is your chance to witness history in the making.